Exit Row Window ...
 

Took UA 852 , SFO-EWR . was in 15F, the window seat in the exit row. It was so cold, I was wearing my jacket throughout. It was cold even then. I realized a little while later that there was ice forming around the door inside the flight. :mad:
Is this normal, can I complain for the ice-cold conditions around my seating area ?

People sometimes complain about this, saying that the outside air is leaking in. This is a bit off-topic, but how does the air leak in when the cabin is at a higher pressure than the outside? Kind of the same way that air doesn't leak into a balloon.

I would guess that it's just a problem with the insulation in the door.

I've had that happen in 16F, too. During the landing process, I had a constant stream of water dripping on me from the window--ice melting as we descended. It was actually quite irritating. Just make sure you board early and grab a blanket or two if you sit there :)

I have had exit row window seats before and my feet are always freezing. Seatguru does carry some warnings about this. You might be better off with an extra blanket on the floor up against the door.

The cold air is worth it for the leg space. I love exit windows - you get the best of both worlds - a window to lean on and look out of, great leg space, and the ability to get up without disturbing your neighbor. Advance booking of exit rows ranks as one of the most useful elite benefits.

I agree, I was recently stuck in 16F on a DEN-DCA flight and even though I had my Smart Wool socks on, my feet froze!

On the plus side though, on a 757, I would take the exit row aisle seats over the shoe-horn first class any day!! :)

As for the 'how does the air leak in if the cabin is at a higher pressure' question...

I suspect the outside air really doesn't leak into the cabin - the insulation and seals on the door are just not so great, which allows the extremely cold temperatures outside to cool the metal exterior door, which then cools the interior metal (as the insulation is faulty) which then cools the inside air immediately near the door.

The hip bone's connected to the thigh bone, the thigh bone's connected to the knee bone...

The exit row seating is one of those places where you aren't required to sit.. even on a full flight, you can ask to be seated elsewhere and they'll find a willing volunteer to trade seats (not usually a problem, given the increased legroom).

So, if you were that uncomfortable, a new seat assignment request was entirely possible.

Ditto. And I generally find exit-row windows colder on just about all aircraft. However, I've never seen ice on the door -- then again, I never really looked. I always make sure I have an extra sweater handy in case I end up in an exit seat.

After trying the the exit row a couple times, I stay away from it now.

The window seats are cold, and there is a VERY high likelyhood of the middle seat being occupied. I would rather be a couple rows forward with the middle seat open. On one flight I was in 15F and we rolled away from the gate with middle open, but a burely guy from E- was relocated by the FA to 15E. I was not thrilled (FA made the move, c'est la vie) but the lady in 15D was REALLY pissed off.

I also noticed the seats 14 & 15 recline different amounts. The aisle reclines the most, less in the middle and the least at the window. 15C and 15D would be the best if you really really wanted the extra leg room.

Thanks for this. I did not think of this.
I have never asked to be re-seated and chances are, if I were honest and explained why I wanted out of that seat, nobody would have taken it either. Unfortunately it was a full flight so finding another aisle or window was out.

Well, that's where discretion is key.. you can always claim reseating rights based on unwillingness (or inability) to participate in exit row procedures.. so why go into details? :D

There is no need to explain anything to get moved out of an exit row. In fact, I'm pretty sure they're not even allowed to ask due to privacy concerns.

It's too late to do that once you're in flight and you realize it's cold.

I'm tall but I do not like exit row windows for just this reason. It's too cold, and the door often restricts your horizontal space such as the armrest. One time I made the mistake of accepting an exit row window right behind the full-size exit door of a 777. I had no view and no legroom as the slide pack was right in front of me -- absolute worst seat in the house. Thank goodness there was a regular window to which I could move.