Why would someone NOT want exit row?
 

Husband & I will be traveling with two other couples on a domestic jaunt coming up [on AA 737-800 aircraft] . He & I have status, the other two couples are not devoted to any particular airline nor are they very frequent travelers. At time of booking, I grabbed the only two exit row seats for us, friends took seats elsewhere (separate PNR's). I'd set up a alert on EF to let me know if any other exit row seats opened up so I could move the friends to exit row. Got an alert, called AA and the nice CSR moved both couples to exit row seats with us. I checked everyone in. Now I find out that one of the other couples prefers not to be seated in an exit row. I can't imagine why... ideas?

With the exit row seating comes a responsibility in the event of an emergency. Perhaps they'd rather not have that pressure on them.

Crushing responsibility?
Gets cold easily?

Is used to MD80s and hates waiting for 81 people to get off ahead of them? On a 737 its only 52...

Hi Sequin,

I once asked a FA if anyone ever refuses the exit row when they learn of the 'responsibilities' associated, and she said 'all the time'! I was surprised, as my question was more or less tongue in cheek.

The article below makes nice light of this, with the last line pretty much summing up my own views on the matter ;-)

http://www.theonion.com/articles/are...bilities,1523/

some exit row seats do not recline
some exit row seat are narrower due to tray table being in the arm rest
exit row window can be colder
exit row window is smaller if someone like to look out the window
exit row window may not have an arm rest
responsibility

The only time I willingly take an exit row: row 9 on the 757, but even then I don't like them. I don't like having to stow all my things, they can get very cold, it can take a long time to deplane, etc....

I know a number of people who would rather not sit in exit row as they don't want to deal with responsibilities associated - some people aren't very good at dealing with high pressure situations.

Also, if you are below a certain height/size, not having an exit row seat isn't a big deal.

Lastly, on a personal note - depending on the length of a flight I would rather sit in the front of the economy section rather than move back for an exit row seat (and I am tallish - 6ft)

If you read the article in the above link it is apparent that the person featured is at the very least autistic, if not suffering from other forms of mental illness. When the flight attendants realized that, they should have removed him from that seat.

As all airlines have exit rows we will send this to the TravelBuzz forum for input by everyone who participates on FlyerTalk. Thanks for starting the topic sequin.

~magic111 -- Moderator AAdvantage forum

A lot of people don't like the hassle of keeping their stuff in the bins above and would rather have their purse/backpack easily accessible. I'm generally this way for very short flights.

OP here. Thanks for the responses. All valid points.... although some do not apply in this instance. This is not bulkhead, so items can be stowed under seat in front of you. I made sure we're all in seats that recline. Our "dislike exit row" friends are both hot natured, so the cold wouldn't be a problem.

But, it could be that "dislike exit row" friends have had a bad experience with the exit row in the past (non-reclining seat, etc.) and it has clouded their judgment. :)

I guess part of the reason I asked the question was for validation.... I went to the trouble to get exit row seats for everyone and thought I was doing them a favor. Kind of hurt my feelings when I was brusquely told that they don't want exit row seats. But, I share the blame because I should have asked before proceeding. Live & learn.

P.S. CALimey, I loved the Onion article.

It is the onion.

Have you ever read The Onion before?

Ah... satire, folks. Not true. Made up to make you laugh. Moving on.

If one is not an Elite, and one wants to board early ahead of all others, one would not want exit row seating, if one is planning on using the old early boarding for those needing extra time or assistance trick. Savvy?