greggarious

So it's my understanding Southwest gives you a number for boarding order and you can grab whatever seat you like. Does that include exit row seats or other "premium" stuff?

harold

Yep. There are no premium seats on Southwest that require extra fees.

sdsearch

Yes, if not already taken.

And be aware that a flight attendant standing in an exit row does mean the exit row is reserved, they just stand there because there more room for them to stand there (and they want to be mid-cabin). But if you want a seat in the row they're standing in, it's no problem.

birdiedouble

Ssssshhhh. That's how I frequently get an exit row, even with a B boarding number.

N830MH

Can I sit in the exit row? Am I allowed it?

birdiedouble

Keep moving. There's nothing to look at here.

smmrfld

Unfortunately not, Scotty. Profound hearing impairment would be considered a valid reason for preventing you from sitting in the exit row.

Eemraldskies

As an FYI, the FA's stand at/near the exit rows to size up the passengers choosing those seats. Because of the responsibility of sitting in there, an FA has to confirm that they meet the criteria. (Outlined in the Safety Information Card).

You are correct - if you want the seat they are standing in - just ask.

N830MH

Whatever! I can sit there. I can see and I listen to my FA.

Okay. Fine. I can sit there. I don't need pre-board.

ursine1

Many of Southwest's specific exit row requirements would seem to exclude those with profound hearing loss.


Emergency Exit Seating Requirements

rsteinmetz70112

Yes emergency instructions may be given over the PA where a person must be able to hear oral instructions. I think this is partly why the FAs require everyone seated in the exit row to give an oral answer to the questions that ask about being able and willing to help.

smmrfld

...and ostensibly to see if they understand instructions given in English.

InkUnderNails

I, too, have profound hearing loos requiring hearing aids. I often would remove them in the airport because of noise. In the few times I sat in the exit row before flying as COS, I would get the questions. As I am quite proficient reading lips if I know the context, I aced these tests. (Yeah, I know, danger to the other passengers, one of the reasons I stopped.)

I do remember seeing the FA asking someone in the row about the ability to do what is required and seeing that the person could not answer, they moved them. There was a brief shouting match as the boarding was nearly complete and there was nothing left except middles. The family that had held the seat joined in saying that the person could understand perfectly well while the person stood there with an unknowing look. The FA was quite firm and won the battle.

In-flight entertainment - WN style.

rsteinmetz70112

I would think hearing aids that allow for adequate hearing would be OK. I also know sometimes hearing aids don't really work all that well with a lot of background noise.

NextTrip

I once sat in the row behind an exit row and saw the following:

Elderly woman on the aisle of exit row when asked if she could perform the duties in case of emergency stated she had severe arthritis in her hands and wasn't sure she could open the door.

The FA said she had to move to a non-exit row.

Pax asked if the FA could "forget" about her saying she had problems with her hands.

FA said he heard her state it and could not "forget about it" and once again asked her to move to a non-exit row.

Pax said she wanted the extra legroom.

FA said she had to move.

Lather, rinse, repeat.

She ultimately moved.

Gotta love the onboard entertainment.