I just got fitted with the dreaded Frankenboot due to a torn tendon in my foot.

It has a metal plate on the bottom and metal guides up the sides to the knee.

I'll be able to take it off and have it xrayed while going through security but I'm booked in an exit row aisle seat from SFO - IAD. Are the FAs likely to ask me to move to (hopefully) an aisle seat somewhere else in E+?

Likely not, but are you truly able to assist in an emergency? If not, move to another E+ row.

Actually, I saw a FA require a fella with a similar foot boot move to another row. This was about two years ago but I would venture to guess nothing has changed.

I guess it depends on what constitutes assisting.... I can walk OK albeit slower, - I'd probably be more of a danger clogging up the aisle further up the plane. My upper body strength isn't affected so opening the door wouldn't be a problem.

Admittedly, the outward appearance looks bad but looks aren't everything...

Better to assign yourself another E+ seat than be removed from the exit row and end up stuck in a middle seat or E-

I have seen folks on crutches and in a boot moved from a exit row. But I suspect it will depend on FAs.

Might be better to be pro-active unless you have an aisle exit row seat -- then swapping should be easy if needed.

I am going to move this to Travel Safety/Security to get a wider response.

iluv2fly
Moderator, UA

I doubt if they'll let you sit in an exit row. The Frankenboot (and the reason for wearing it) would indicate to the GAs and the FAs that you don't have full strength and mobility in that leg. The FAs have very specific guidelines to follow about passengers in exit rows.

I've been in various forms of casts and boots for the past 14 months - I would recommend against sitting in exit row - you aren't fully capable and the FAs will likely move you. It's a PITA, though! You have my empathy.

I've had a Frankenboot (great verbiage!) three times now, flown twice with it, and so I look at it this way: Do I *want* responsibility for assisting other passengers in the event of an evac? (Answer to self: No! and hell No!)

From the perspective of the likelihood of involuntary re-seating, it's more important to take care of yourself and Frankenboot first. Call the airline and explain the situation -- get it in the PRN, if you can -- so you have the best possible chance for a fortuitous outcome, e.g. a bulkhead and/or aisle in E+ -- or an op-up to C or F.

I just flew AS F a few weeks ago with said monster appendage and am sad to report that that wasn't even an altogether comfortable experience (thanks, seatmate ). Imagine, as MileageAddict suggests, that you involuntarily end up in a middle (anywhere) or in E-: You may not even be able to fly if you can't get your foot tucked in. Give it some thought. @:-)

Here's the good news! You are not required to remove your little friend at the c/p. It is a medically necessary assistive device and you can go straight to secondary sans backtalk. You'll be given a brief body wanding and swab of your boot and street shoe (can stay on as well, which you "need" for stability purposes). You'll remained seated for the swabbing and they'll bring your personal belongings to you. In a sense, it's almost better than an elite-line experience.

Sorry to hear about your tendon. I ripped my clean from the calf ~9 years ago. It hurt like a muthah!

There's much more responsability beyond opening the exit when you sit in an exit row. Some planes require very little strength to open as the door is hinged at the top and has an assist mechanism. Depending on which seat in the exit row you are in, it also includes attaching saftey lines to the wing. Assisting people to the exit as well as assisting them off of a slide and away from the plane.

IF you call customer service and explain your situation
I'm sure that they will move you to an aisle seat if you asked politely.

I've even seen them "bump" someone (medallion) who had confirmed aisle
seating first-up in FIRST CLASS cabin for someone (non-medallion)
with same awkward boot situation who was originally assigned a
Window seat in the middle of FC cabin...

Thanks for all the useful feedback.

I already tried to change to another aisle seat in E+ but both E+ and E are full (there may be a seat or 2 in F and C). I'm travelling on an S fare so the chances of an upgrade are slim....!

I'll call CS and explain the situation - I think its better to do that than risk losing the aisle seat altogether

I'm not familiar with UA's policy, but I know that DL blocks the bulkhead until the day of departure on most aircraft for people with disabilities or medical problems. Your foot problem should qualify you for a bulkhead seat.

Well unfortunately, that's not what I got. On the outbound flt to IAD, I not only lost the aisle seat but E+ - I'm now in a window sit near the back of the plane in what the CSR said was a designated disabled seat ( or rather a seat for the disabled - I hope the seat itself isn't disabled or even going to be an even longer flight...). Website shows the flight to be full ( except for my now available exit row seat).

Better luck on the return to SFO in the same exit row but have the middle aisle seat instead. Fingers firmly crossed that I can change the outbound seat assignment at the Gate