Exit Row Window ...
#1
Original Poster

Join Date: May 2003
Location: Asia based now
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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.
Is this normal, can I complain for the ice-cold conditions around my seating area ?
Is this normal, can I complain for the ice-cold conditions around my seating area ?
#2
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Join Date: Jun 2002
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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 would guess that it's just a problem with the insulation in the door.
#3




Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Seattle, WA
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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
#4
Join Date: Oct 2003
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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.
#5
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Chicago
Programs: UA 1K, AA Gold
Posts: 3,640
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.
#6
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Denver, CO USA
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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!!
On the plus side though, on a 757, I would take the exit row aisle seats over the shoe-horn first class any day!!
Last edited by UScolorado1k; Jan 27, 2005 at 7:57 am
#7
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 422
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.
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.
#8
Moderator: Midwest, Las Vegas & Dining Buzz



Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Posts: 18,093
Originally Posted by drtravix
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.
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.
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist


Join Date: Aug 2001
Posts: 10,631
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.
So, if you were that uncomfortable, a new seat assignment request was entirely possible.
#10
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Akita, Japan
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Originally Posted by das
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.
#11


Join Date: Nov 2004
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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.
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.
#12
Original Poster

Join Date: May 2003
Location: Asia based now
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Originally Posted by izzik
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.
So, if you were that uncomfortable, a new seat assignment request was entirely possible.
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.
#13
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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? 

Originally Posted by MilesAndMore
... chances are, if I were honest and explained why I wanted out of that seat, nobody would have taken it either.
#14
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Originally Posted by MilesAndMore
if I were honest and explained why I wanted out of that seat, nobody would have taken it either.
#15
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Originally Posted by izzik
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? 

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.

