KathyWdrf

Not to defend dumb and/or made-up rules, but one thing occurs to me: Some people might have heavy objects in the pockets of their otherwise "lightweight" jackets. In such a case, stowing the jacket could be a reasonable safety measure. Or would you rather the FA ask every jacket-holder, "Do you have any heavy or dangerous objects in the pockets of that jacket?" before then requesting that they stow it properly.

Pure speculation on my part, of course. Not trying to start any urban legends.

seamores

I'm not really sure why the FA told you to remove the jacket from your lap. However, in her defense... It is an FAR that all exit rows must be clear of ANYTHING. Perhaps in their training, they are told not to allow items on the lap. I remember being told not to allow purses on the lap.

On another note, it's not just the exit row. ALL passengers are not supposed to have items on their lap during taxi/takeoff/landing. All items must be stowed so that they will not slide in any direction. If an aborted takeoff would occur, these items would indeed go flying. Some FA's are more lenient. I personally think to myself, "Would this put the safety of others in danger?", when I walk through the cabin.

The exit rows are always going to be a concern for FA's because you want to make sure that egress is possible at all times. Perhaps, this is why the FA the OP was talking about insisted he place his jacket in the overhead.

robb

FAs don't actually have any leeway here for interpretation as much as we'd like for them to. A carry-on item is a carry-on item and can't be in your lap. While most FAs probably would have said nothing, it's technically a violation and they aren't free to make exceptions.

Your subject line makes it sound like you couldn't WEAR a jacket in the exit row, which I cannot imagine. You just can't hold carry-on items in your lap in the exit row is all that happened here.

Asuka

Do what the FA Ask's, if you get away with it, good, if you are asked, follow their requests, do so.

Shez, we need a thread about a jacket not being stowed on Flyertalk?

Some FA's ask I store my 12" laptop in the bin, I do so, most of the time they don't, if asked I do so.

LAX

That's a good one! I wonder if the FA ever requested one for him/her.

LAX

12172003

My laptop bag usually goes under the seat in front of me during t/o and landing. During cruise, I'll put it under my legs so I can stretch out. The FA told me items aren't allowed in the emergency exit row. I replied that I'll put it away before the approach. She said the row has to be clear at all times. I shook my head as I imagined passengers jumping out of the emergency exit at 36,000 feet.

GlobeCycle

Yes, we do. If you haven't noticed yet, FT is about discussing and analyzing everything travel related down to the 100th degree, and we enjoy it!

exerda

I have had this happen on US before with jackets, pillows (even when the pillow is in use between you and the seatback), etc. Not on UA, fortunately, though the UX FAs do seem to be on the whole more anal about anything having to do with exit rows than UA mainline.

formeraa

As a defense to the FA's, the FAA can hold them PERSONALLY liable (for fines) if safety rules are not followed.

Jet Set

The window shade down is a UAX requirement and it's every window, not only the exit window.

Liz

I was on Air New Zealand in the front row of Biz (whatever they call it) and I had to have all my shades open. Annoying, but that's their rule. Express carriers have their individual Op Specs, and we have ours. I just do what is asked.

CommittedLurker

Same thing on SQ. In fact, SQ even asks that all pax keep their shoes on during takeoff and landing.

jzoz01

by that logic I suppose you wouldn't be allowed to use the tray table at all during flight either

HDflyer

You have got to be kidding!?!?

Were you also sitting in the exit row? Did you say anything to this passenger? I think I would have had a few choice words for him. This is a safety issue...not just another "nuisance" rule. Was he in a window seat?

I am certain I would NOT want someone that required a wheelchair responsible for my safety if there were an emergency.

YIKES!

exerda

I can think of reasons why someone might want (probably not need) a wheelchair but would still be completely physically able to meet the exit row requirements, etc., which wouldn't be so frightful. (I once, for example, had tweaked one of my hamstrings during a trip and had considered perhaps requesting a wheelchair for the long trek from gate 88-ish to gate 77-ish at LAX--I didn't and toughed it out--but would have had no problems at all doing everything required for the exit row tasks.)

Note, though, that I suspect that would be the exception...