Exit Row: Willing and able. How do I know?
Jan 25, 2013 | 9:31 am
#17
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1. The chance of you needing to do it is minimal.
2. Adrenaline will kick in, so you'll find a way to do it so long as you are fully able-bodied.
Neil
Jan 25, 2013 | 9:46 am
#18
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Indeed. I'm a very frequent occupant of the MD80 exit row. And I'm pretty sure I could open it if needed. But there's a difference between lifting a 50 pound sack of flour, versus lifting a 50 pound door with the two handles, twisting it sideways, and either laying it across the seats (AA) or tossing it out the hatch (other airlines).
I'd love it if there were someplace in the terminal where I could practice it once or twice.
I'd love it if there were someplace in the terminal where I could practice it once or twice.
Jan 25, 2013 | 10:53 am
#19
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I suspect most just simply say "Yes" if they are able-bodied adults who think they can lift 50lbs (if they even process that much.) More likely most parties say "Yes" so they can stay in the exit row.
However, if in your mind you have the slightest shred of doubt, you should say "no."
I don't want someone who is paralyzed by fear and indecision in the face of an emergency blocking the window exit. Just as I don't like sitting in the window seats - I don't really want to wait for two people to make up their minds to evacuate.
People respond/react differently to such situations. If you're not someone whose knee-jerk reaction is to spring into action, please do not sit by the window exit.
However, if in your mind you have the slightest shred of doubt, you should say "no."
I don't want someone who is paralyzed by fear and indecision in the face of an emergency blocking the window exit. Just as I don't like sitting in the window seats - I don't really want to wait for two people to make up their minds to evacuate.
People respond/react differently to such situations. If you're not someone whose knee-jerk reaction is to spring into action, please do not sit by the window exit.
Jan 25, 2013 | 11:01 am
#20
Join Date: Sep 2011
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The folks in the exit rows on the US Airways plane Captain Sullenberger landed in the Hudson had probably never opened an exit before, either. If the qualification were truly having performed the task before, most flights would have to leave with the exit row empty.
It seems to me that the OP overanalyzed the question. People like that get middle seats
It seems to me that the OP overanalyzed the question. People like that get middle seats
Jan 25, 2013 | 11:10 am
#21
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There are several criteria, and those are expressed by each airline in their policy. American Airlines says:
Qualifications
Customers must be advised that government regulations prohibit seating passengers in designated exit seat, on any commercial flight, when they answer NO to the following question. "The government requires any passengers seated in the exit seat be 15 years of age or older, be willing to assist in an evacuation and have no physical impairments that would prohibit your assistance. Airport personnel will make the final determination. Do you meet this criteria?"(sic)
Detailed Description
When a detailed itemized description is warranted: The answer to number one must be "YES" and the answer to two through eight must be "NO" or they cannot have an exit seat.
"Since your seat assignment involves an exit seat, I must advise you that the government now requires passengers who are seated in those seats, must verbally agree to comply with specific criteria. (Review questions.)Customer Meets Exit Seat Criteria
Only when the passenger has agreed to comply with all items an emergency exit seat may be assigned, using the normal specific pre-reserved seat request entry and then document the PNR that the passenger is qualified. PNR Documentation: PASSENGER QUALIFIED FOR EXIT SEAT.
Customers must be advised that government regulations prohibit seating passengers in designated exit seat, on any commercial flight, when they answer NO to the following question. "The government requires any passengers seated in the exit seat be 15 years of age or older, be willing to assist in an evacuation and have no physical impairments that would prohibit your assistance. Airport personnel will make the final determination. Do you meet this criteria?"(sic)
Detailed Description
When a detailed itemized description is warranted: The answer to number one must be "YES" and the answer to two through eight must be "NO" or they cannot have an exit seat.
"Since your seat assignment involves an exit seat, I must advise you that the government now requires passengers who are seated in those seats, must verbally agree to comply with specific criteria. (Review questions.)
- Would you be able to comply or would you prefer another seat provided at check-in time at the airport?"
- Are you willing to assist on an evacuation?
- Are you under 15 years of age?
- Are you an adult traveling with a child under 15 years of age or another passenger who requires your care? NOTE: The passenger will not qualify, if these passenger types are seated anywhere on the aircraft.
- Do you lack mobility, strength and dexterity in both arms, both hands and/or both legs to: quickly reach the exit, remove any obstructions, manipulate the exit door and slide mechanisms or lift out a window exit door, exit the aircraft, or assist others in exiting?
- Do you lack visual capacity or require corrective aids beyond eyeglasses/contact lenses?
- Do you require assistance beyond a hearing aid to hear and understand verbal instructions?
- Are you limited in your ability to read and understand printed/graphic instructions related to exist, an aircraft evacuation or the ability to understand crew members commands?
- Do you have a condition that might prevent you or injure you while performing evacuation functions?
Only when the passenger has agreed to comply with all items an emergency exit seat may be assigned, using the normal specific pre-reserved seat request entry and then document the PNR that the passenger is qualified. PNR Documentation: PASSENGER QUALIFIED FOR EXIT SEAT.
Hi,
Was in the exit row, and to the "willing and able" question responded that yes, I am willing but cannot be 100% positive that able since never tried. Was booted from the exit window to the E+ middle seat.
How anyone can be sure that he/she is able to assist unless they've done it. Am I missing something?
And my apologies if this post is not in the right forum.
Was in the exit row, and to the "willing and able" question responded that yes, I am willing but cannot be 100% positive that able since never tried. Was booted from the exit window to the E+ middle seat.
How anyone can be sure that he/she is able to assist unless they've done it. Am I missing something?
And my apologies if this post is not in the right forum.
Jan 25, 2013 | 12:15 pm
#22
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Actually, i would have thought that the "willing" question would have been the, um, question. That is, you may think you are willing now, but would you freeze up or freak out and no longer be willing to assist in the event of an emergency?
In any case, you could phrase your response as, "I believe I am." It is an affirmative response, but leaves the OP just enough uncertainty as to account for the possibility that he would not willing and/or able should the time come.
As my SAT tutor (my big sis) once told me, don't overthink it.
In any case, you could phrase your response as, "I believe I am." It is an affirmative response, but leaves the OP just enough uncertainty as to account for the possibility that he would not willing and/or able should the time come.
As my SAT tutor (my big sis) once told me, don't overthink it.
Jan 25, 2013 | 6:02 pm
#23
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 721
How can AA think setting it down inside the plane is a good idea? I don't care how small it might be, that's where the people are and as each second passes more and more people are coming toward it.
Chuck the door outside, folks! We won't be needing it later anyway. Thank you.
Jan 25, 2013 | 11:39 pm
#24
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Jan 26, 2013 | 12:14 am
#25
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Yeah, I remember that guy. He was the one who knew a guy who had actually been killed in a car accident because he was wearing a seat belt.
Jan 26, 2013 | 3:43 am
#26
Join Date: Mar 2009
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Wait, what???
How can AA think setting it down inside the plane is a good idea? I don't care how small it might be, that's where the people are and as each second passes more and more people are coming toward it.
Chuck the door outside, folks! We won't be needing it later anyway. Thank you.
How can AA think setting it down inside the plane is a good idea? I don't care how small it might be, that's where the people are and as each second passes more and more people are coming toward it.
Chuck the door outside, folks! We won't be needing it later anyway. Thank you.
I'd look at each aircraft you fly to see if you see a trend. My guess is most heavies have you bring the door in.
Jan 26, 2013 | 6:05 am
#27
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http://www.qantas.com.au/travel/airl...eats/global/en
the only weight requirement i have found is:be able to reach, open, lift and throw out an exit door in an emergency that weighs up to 27kg (60lbs);
i have been to a few FT gatherings. the majority of the people at these events could not lift 60 lbs off the floor even if my life depended upon it.
Jan 26, 2013 | 6:50 am
#28
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On the newer 737s you don't even have to lift anything; just pop the handle and get out of the way as the windows swings out on its own. For the door exits it is important to let go as the slide inflates and pulls the door away from you, lest you get yanked out of the plane before the slide finishes inflating.
BTW, thanks to the DL DO RWT day, I do actually know that I can open the door of any DL aircraft because I have done it.
Last edited by MSPeconomist; Jan 26, 2013 at 6:56 am
Jan 26, 2013 | 3:16 pm
#29
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: STL
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Out of curiosity, is the person in the exit row expected to be the last passenger off the plane in event of an emergency? I know if it were me, I'd open the door and be halfway down the slide before anyone could even get up to get to the exit.
Jan 26, 2013 | 3:37 pm
#30
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lowes went from 50 to 40 to 35 lb bags of sunflower seed because the customers had difficulty with the 50 lb bags and stopped buying them. i think the 35's sell for the same price the 50's did a couple years ago.
i am quite convinced that any FT' er can, with a combination of ego and adrenaline can get a 50 lb dead weight over their head.
i am quite convinced that any FT' er can, with a combination of ego and adrenaline can get a 50 lb dead weight over their head.