Person with cane sitting in exit row
Feb 26, 2026 | 10:29 pm
#16
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Washington, D.C.
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Not having been present, I don’t have an opinion on the situation described by the OP, but it’s worth noting that the text of the applicable federal regulation is extremely detailed in terms of what kind of mobility is legally required to be seated in an exit row (see excerpt below). At the same time, the airline (and in practice its individual employees) have virtually complete discretion to determine whether a particular passenger meets the ceiteria)
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—
(1) The person lacks sufficient mobility, strength, or dexterity in both arms and hands, and both legs:
(i) To reach upward, sideways, and downward to the location of emergency exit and exit-slide operating mechanisms;
(ii) To grasp and push, pull, turn, or otherwise manipulate those mechanisms;
(iii) To push, shove, pull, or otherwise open emergency exits;
(iv) To lift out, hold, deposit on nearby seats, or maneuver over the seatbacks to the next row objects the size and weight of over-wing window exit doors;
(v) To remove obstructions similar in size and weight to over-wing exit doors;
(vi) To reach the emergency exit expeditiously;
(vii) To maintain balance while removing obstructions;
(viii) To exit expeditiously;
(ix) To stabilize an escape slide after deployment; or
(x) To assist others in getting off an escape slide;
(1) The person lacks sufficient mobility, strength, or dexterity in both arms and hands, and both legs:
(i) To reach upward, sideways, and downward to the location of emergency exit and exit-slide operating mechanisms;
(ii) To grasp and push, pull, turn, or otherwise manipulate those mechanisms;
(iii) To push, shove, pull, or otherwise open emergency exits;
(iv) To lift out, hold, deposit on nearby seats, or maneuver over the seatbacks to the next row objects the size and weight of over-wing window exit doors;
(v) To remove obstructions similar in size and weight to over-wing exit doors;
(vi) To reach the emergency exit expeditiously;
(vii) To maintain balance while removing obstructions;
(viii) To exit expeditiously;
(ix) To stabilize an escape slide after deployment; or
(x) To assist others in getting off an escape slide;
Mar 1, 2026 | 11:06 am
#18
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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.
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.
And a passenger of size can quickly pass through exit, or are you suggesting they should not use overwing exits in case of an emergency?
Mar 1, 2026 | 11:15 am
#19
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It would be even harder on the a320 overwing as that requires someone to maneuver the door after removal prior to exiting.
Mar 1, 2026 | 12:43 pm
#20
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Join Date: May 1998
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The type III overwing exit is 20 inches wide. So yes, with a seat belt extender need, the likelihood of being able to quickly open and exit is greatly reduced.
It would be even harder on the a320 overwing as that requires someone to maneuver the door after removal prior to exiting.
It would be even harder on the a320 overwing as that requires someone to maneuver the door after removal prior to exiting.
That 30lb door is going to be an issue for anyone if they never had to hoist it, regardless of whether they use an extender or not.
Mar 1, 2026 | 1:18 pm
#21
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Federal Way, WA
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As someone who walks with a cane, I can partly answer the mobility part of the question. I use it because I have a drop foot, meaning a lack of control in my ankle. This doesn't affect me in the slightest on a level surface, and I would be perfectly capable of helping people out of the aircraft. My problem would be getting away once it was my turn on the ground; I'd be likely to fall flat on my face before five steps if we weren't on actual pavement (as I proved in a non-emergency once in a dirt-and-grass parking lot).
As far as the cane being an impediment goes, mine would be in the overhead bin so no problem for others (except the yahoos who insist on taking their bags with them).
As far as the cane being an impediment goes, mine would be in the overhead bin so no problem for others (except the yahoos who insist on taking their bags with them).
Mar 1, 2026 | 5:40 pm
#22
Join Date: Dec 2011
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As someone who walks with a cane, I can partly answer the mobility part of the question. I use it because I have a drop foot, meaning a lack of control in my ankle. This doesn't affect me in the slightest on a level surface, and I would be perfectly capable of helping people out of the aircraft. My problem would be getting away once it was my turn on the ground; I'd be likely to fall flat on my face before five steps if we weren't on actual pavement (as I proved in a non-emergency once in a dirt-and-grass parking lot).
As far as the cane being an impediment goes, mine would be in the overhead bin so no problem for others (except the yahoos who insist on taking their bags with them).
As far as the cane being an impediment goes, mine would be in the overhead bin so no problem for others (except the yahoos who insist on taking their bags with them).
Mar 2, 2026 | 8:10 am
#23
Join Date: Jan 2024
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