Person with cane sitting in exit row
 

I was seated in 24F on an A321 when I noticed that the passenger in 24D, a man who appeared to be in his mid-40s, was using a cane. A flight attendant asked whether the cane was for mobility, and he confirmed that he needed it to get around. I assumed that would prompt a no-questions-asked seat change to accommodate him, but since the flight was full, the flight attendant declined to move him. Should I have said something? How could someone assist in an emergency if they needed a cane to get around?

Hmm ... this is tricky, but on USA airlines I've seen FAs fail to enforce the proper exit rule protocols. Saw a guy ask for and be granted a seat belt extender in an exit row a few months back. Not supposed to happen either, but the FA didn't blink.

But you are missing the most important part: did they offer you a limited time 80k credit card, good for 2 round trips anywhere in the world first class?

PrIMaRiLy tHeRe fOr yOUr sAFeTy

A seatbelt extender will not disqualify a person from sitting in the exit row. And if a pax claims they have sufficient mobility to help in an emergency, we have to take their word for it. We are not to determine the extent of their mobility/dexterity.

AA policy states (emphasis mine)

Mobility, strength, or dexterity in both arms and hands and both legs is not sufficient to assist others reach the emergency exit quickly, operate the exit, and quickly pass through the exit. Source

If someone needs a seatbelt extender, they can most certainly not meet the above bolded criteria on a 737/a320 series overwing exit. CFR § 121.585 is arguably more blunt about required dexterity.

Safety is either important or it isn't. AA has moved people for far less. The lip service by AA and the frontline employees to justify slacking is tiresome.

Just going by what my manual states, to each his own!

I wish such devoted adherence to the manual would apply to the rest of the job for AA.

It's only when it is convenient and less work do policies get enforced.

What started this thread was a cane in the exit row. Clearly it wasn't a policy following decision.

No doubt the person sitting with cane was Able bodied

But you are allowed (required?) to determine if someone should be served another alcoholic drink or had enough?

Would you be allowed to question the mobility/dexterity of someone with a missing limb?

If a person with a missing limb says they are willing and able, then yes, I will believe them, Can you imagine what would happen if I moved somebody who is fully functional with a prosthetic? If a person is intoxicated, I will remove them from the plane, not just the exit row. If a linebacker requires an extender, I will not remove them, as long as they agree that they are willing and able! My job is not to test their dexterity, but to use common sense, which is not always evident in these threads!

I was picturing

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...a8174e501.jpeg

(without the weapon)

You won’t just take their word for it that they can handle another drink? (this isn’t about exit row; just a different case where FAs do apply their own judgement)

Many other airlines prohibit the use of seat belt extenders in Exit row. At least one documents that the reason is to prevent entanglement of evacuating passengers.

We are in the AA forum, I cannot speak to other airlines

My wife often uses a hiking pole. She can easily operate the door and evacuate the aircraft. Ask her to walk from one end of LHR T5 to the other without her stick and her hip will ache. A stick and the exit row are not necessarily incompatible.

Wouldn’t the cane or pole be a tripping hazard during an evacuation?