<<there is no FAA rule that requires the FA to stand in the exit row - or you would see it on every airline.>>

Actually, if you fly Hawaiian or Aloha interisland flight, which also have unassigned seating, you would find the flight attendants standing in or at the exit row during boarding.

FAR 121.585

"(b) No certificate holder may seat a person in a seat affected by this section if the certificate holder determines that it is likely that the person would be unable to perform one or more of the applicable functions listed in paragraph (d) of this section because -- "

(O) "Certificate holders shall assign seats prior to boarding consistent with the criteria listed in paragraph (b) and the functions listed in paragraph (d) of this section, to the maximum extent feasible."

Again, since seat assignments are not done prior to boarding the briefing and selection must be completed ASAP following the selection of a seat by a passenger. In any case, the FAA approves all the rules implemented by a carrier and then has the legal responsibility to enforce them as though they were an FAR...so if WN says the FA must stand in the exit row (which they do) then it carries as much weight as an FAR...(at least in the eyes of an FAA Cabin Safety Inspector)

[This message has been edited by JohnnyJet (edited 10-10-2003).]

[This message has been edited by JohnnyJet (edited 10-10-2003).]