Thanks for all the comments. I don't NEED the cane; I use it to reduce the ankle pain ONLY upon prolonged standing (like waiting to board :p ). BTW, I do push-ups, sit-ups, and some weigh training twice a week. I can still (at 70 years old) bench press 150 pounds repeatedly and I do overhead lifts up to 125 pounds with repetitions, so the door would be no problem. But, yes, I get the all the points made: no more exit rows for me. But, I guess getting old beats the other alternative ;) .

Yep, research shows that people that have more birthdays live longer! ;)

If I am behind him, I am not waiting for him to grab a cane. He would be pushed aside while the hatch is opened and once opened he would be ejected through it.

Perhaps physically capable but that's not everything, and airline staff should not be asked to decide on anything else.


There are still airlines out there that offer first come first served for exit rows.

If the other factors are take direction, move quickly, lift 45 lbs, and know what to do, I still say that they can do it as well or better than many of the adults that sit in those rows. If you are talking about having the mental capcity not to panic, I still say the same things. There aren't any qualifications to judge whether someone will panic or not.



which ones, I myself would like to know (talking U.S. Domestic)

Southwest

There is a better chance that an adult will be more mentally capable than a kid of dealing appropriately with an emergency situation. Even if your kids could outperform some adults, the FAs are in no position to make that call.


This thread is not solely about US Domestic airlines. Emirates is one international airline I use that has a first come first served approach to exit row seats.

I'd love to see some more selection of people capable of acting rationally in an emergency! Maybe they give a 'free pass' to all those that are in / have been in the emergency services (firefighters, police, etc.) or military, provided they are still physically able (maybe not the 90 year old veteran in a wheelchair, in other words). For the rest of the populations, how about a course you can attend at your local airport to prove you have what it takes (run through drills, etc.) so whilst it can't guarantee you won't panic in an emergency, at least you would be far better prepared to act?

Reminds me of this previous thread:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trave...-exit-row.html

This is a wonderful idea. Show your ID, and you are placed there. However, your family is not....

Emma: Once again, you logical sense come through.

I agree with this same system where you go for a test at airport and re-tested every so many years to earn a "license to sit in exit row".

Until then the FA has right of final decision and I would agree that denial due to having mobility assist device is a safe decision.