row 1 and emergency exit
 

For some time, seats 1A-!C had no bulkhead ahead of them, and all three seats were designated as unfit for passengers unable or unwilling to operate emergency exits. Across the aisle, only seat !D (directly on the aisle) was covered by the exemption.

Now that most (if not all) of the A320 fleet has been fitted with a bulkhead in front of seats 1A-1C it seems the restrictions on those unable/unwilling to operate emergency exits should mirror those seats 1D-!F across the aisle - so that 1A and 1B should be free from restrictions.

However on seat selection maps 1A, !B, 1C and 1D all show restrictions - only !E and 1F are fully open.

While the A319 fleet remains unchanged, with 1A-1C not blocked by a bulkhead, I guess it makes sense to cater for possible equipment switches between fleets, andmaintain the restriction on the seat maps.

Currently with my arm in a sling, I'm wondering if I'll be booted out of my long-held 1A seat on a flight operated by an A320. I'm sure a call centre response would be negative, though cabin crew might exercise a more pragmatic regime.

if you keep your head down (don't draw attention / ask questions) - I'd say you have a 75% chance of not being moved !

a few years ago I saw Easyjet cabin crew asking a passenger in the emergency row to put on their shoes for landing ... but the passenger got stroppy ... and the cabin crew just gave up !!

ymmv

Exactly this.

I think only the couple of ex Viva A320’s are minus the forward bulkhead division forward of 1ABC, the majority of the A320’s therefore would have seating restrictions on 1AB lifted.

Forward rows on the A321 - no 1DEF
 

OK - a sort of corollary question....

easyJet has a cabin configuration without a row 1 for DEF: I think it's an A321.

2DEF has a bulkhead in front, probably allowing more catering equipment in the galley. This row is sold as "upfront" rather than as the more expensive "extra legroom" that applies to 1ABC. Question is if 2DEF enjoys the same (very limited) extra legroom as 1ABC in this odd configuration.

I recognise this is a sightly geeky, specialist subject !

I'm a big fan of 2D-F on the A321. Flying as a couple we usually pay for 2E as a "comfort seat" (bar!). Never measured but certain the 2D-F legroom is better than 1A-C or 1D-F legroom in Club Europe on a BA Euroflyer 320!

We rarely pay for BA Club Europe these days as find front row on EZY (with middle seat blocked) a far better experience. Overhead lockers for front row on EZY also strictly reserved for front row passengers (and very well policed by crew!).