Exit Rows
 

What should the rules be for getting Exit row seats? As an AA Plat/Lifetime, I almost always can book exit rows. Lately, I've seen a lot of "seat jumping" even before the plane has left the gate. The Flt Attendants sometime control this and sometimes just look the other way. Seat jumping can be very distruptive since jumpers usually have carry on luggage futher back in the plane and now go throught all sorts of maneuvers to get their luggage before the plane is docked. Any thoughts?

It's going to depend by airline, but in general, if there is no extra charge to book an exit row, I don't think most FA's will care.

If exit rows are treated as premium seating and they charge for them, they usually don't let people hop into them. Not sure if American charges extra or not for non elites to sit there, if they don't, that could be why they don't care.

15+ years old, not traveling with child or with in-cabin pet, physically able to operate the door, willing and able to understand and follow crew member instructions.

Typically, the exit row briefing comes before the plane leaves the gate, so if there are going to be seat jumpers, the sooner the better. If they switch late, then the FA's have to repeat the briefing.

If their luggage is behind them, that's their own problem to deal with...

+1 swag...

The topic arises often on the UA board since exit row is the last row of E+ on some of the narrowbody types.

If I'm sitting in the A or F seat on a 3x3, I don't care if one person occupies C or D.

Typically seat jumpers will be removed if sitting in a seat that has been assigned..

I think its up to the FAs to police this.. if you have a concern, let the FA know.. but really beyond that, they are in charge of the cabin..