Limits on Sitting in Exit Row
#16
Original Poster
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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 ). 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 .
#17
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Seattle
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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 ). 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 .
#18
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so let's play 'worst case scenario...'. Plane crash-lands and is on fire or is sinking in the Hudson. Everyone is in shock and panic trying to evacuate the plane, but the 50+ people behind you need to sit and wait patiently while you get out your cane to assist with balance as you attempt to remove the exit hatch ?
Your condition is exactly why there are physical standards for exit row eligibility.
Sounds like you don't meet those standards.
Your condition is exactly why there are physical standards for exit row eligibility.
Sounds like you don't meet those standards.
#19
Join Date: Jan 2010
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There are still airlines out there that offer first come first served for exit rows.
#20
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which ones, I myself would like to know (talking U.S. Domestic)
#21
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#22
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 9,278
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.
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.
#23
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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?
#24
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#25
Join Date: Jan 2013
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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).
Last edited by 747FC; Dec 5, 2014 at 5:25 pm
#26
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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?
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.