Yes I know I'm in a bloody exit row!

[jdlover23]

Ever since the change has come in that allows early selection of exit rows on domestic flights, I have certainly taken advantage of this privilege. However I am seriously getting frustrated with being reminded/warned repeatedly I'm in an exit row before I get on the plane.

Firstly, I can't online check in, that's fine, happy to have boarding pass issued in J lounge, "are you aware you are in the exit row?" ah yeah, I picked that seat specifically.

At the gate "are you aware you are in the exit row?" yep!

Showing the boarding pass as I step on the plane "are you aware you are in the exit row?"

Once seated "have you read the instructions? Are you happy to sit in the exit row?"

Now I understand the importance of complying with flight regulations and having able bodied ppl in the exit rows. But surely on my profile once I've sat in one of these seats it can mark going forward that I can preselect an exit row, and once noted that I can still online check in and avoid some of the hullabaloo!

I'm a 6ft fit 32 yo male, so have no issues being in exit row. Having said all that, on my recent flight Mel-cns I was in 13a and sitting next to a couple of old ducks, who were lovely, but had no idea they were in the exit row before they sat down and would have been useless in an emergency...

 

[Austman]

Firstly, I can't online check in, that's fine, happy to have boarding pass issued in J lounge, "are you aware you are in the exit row?" ah yeah, I picked that seat specifically.

I've noticed the past few times I get the 'can't print boarding pass' message. Then I try online check in a second time and - bingo - boarding passes! Not sure if you'd still be beeped at the gate with them as I've always had my BPs reprinted in the lounge (and got the questions).

 

[oz_mark]

I'm a 6ft fit 32 yo male, so have no issues being in exit row. Having said all that, on my recent flight Mel-cns I was in 13a and sitting next to a couple of old ducks, who were lovely, but had no idea they were in the exit row before they sat down and would have been useless in an emergency...

I undertsant your point, but you could still break a leg/arm etc which would make you ineligible.

As for your seat companions - they probably shouldn't have been there!

 

[jdlover23]

I undertsant your point, but you could still break a leg/arm etc which would make you ineligible.

Fair call but I think it could easily show if you selected the seat over it being auto-allocated

 

[anat0l]

Unfortunately, there are plenty of WPs (perhaps, "accidental" ones, if you know what I mean) who still need to be reminded at times that they are in an exit row and, most importantly, may need to be called upon for assistance in an emergency.

More generally, all these procedures are intended to remind you that there is more to sitting in an emergency exit row than just having more leg room. It's also a bit of cover-my-**** procedures from the airline, i.e. if they didn't ask, you could be understood as not being made aware of your sitting in an exit row, and thus since you were not informed, the airline failed in their duty to make you aware of possible responsibilities. Saying that you are a Platinum, you actively selected the seat and you've flown in many such seats in your lifetime, is not useful to the airline in an investigation.

You're probably just as annoyed by this just as much as hearing the 737 safety demonstration over and over (and let's not bring JT into this - that is not the argument). Do you tune out from the safety demo? Or do you think, "The next time I hear that stupid 737 safety video I'm going to poke someone in the eye"? What about at international check-in where the staff ask you whether you're carrying liquids, aerosols or gels greater than 100mL in your carry-on? Or whether you're carrying any dangerous goods? You're probably thinking, "I'm a Platinum and I've flown internationally before - what kind of idiot do you take me for?"

Be annoyed if you will, but if you're insisting that these kinds of reminders should not apply to you, well I'll be the first to disagree. I'll happily go through your "torment" and sit in the exit row instead as a result.

I'd be more annoyed about the old people in the exit row! Not to say that old people are incapable of sitting in the exit row and participating in the necessary procedures should it come to it, but I guess we have our reservations (just as we have our reservations about young people driving!)

 

[samh004]

Surprisingly, since the changes came in, I've sat in row 4 (hi JohnK ) more often than in an exit row. But the first couple times I had that issue and wasn't amused, despite understanding the safety concerns and rules and regulations.

 

[markis10]

The increased awareness messages are part of the changes brought in by the change from 36 to 50 pax per cabin crew member laws that came into being on July 1 and also the legal requirement for both check in and cabin crew to brief/vet customers who are seated in a Type III exit row.

 

[jdlover23]

Unfortunately, there are plenty of WPs (perhaps, "accidental" ones, if you know what I mean) who still need to be reminded at times that they are in an exit row and, most importantly, may need to be called upon for assistance in an emergency.

More generally, all these procedures are intended to remind you that there is more to sitting in an emergency exit row than just having more leg room. It's also a bit of cover-my-**** procedures from the airline, i.e. if they didn't ask, you could be understood as not being made aware of your sitting in an exit row, and thus since you were not informed, the airline failed in their duty to make you aware of possible responsibilities. Saying that you are a Platinum, you actively selected the seat and you've flown in many such seats in your lifetime, is not useful to the airline in an investigation.

You're probably just as annoyed by this just as much as hearing the 737 safety demonstration over and over (and let's not bring JT into this - that is not the argument). Do you tune out from the safety demo? Or do you think, "The next time I hear that stupid 737 safety video I'm going to poke someone in the eye"? What about at international check-in where the staff ask you whether you're carrying liquids, aerosols or gels greater than 100mL in your carry-on? Or whether you're carrying any dangerous goods? You're probably thinking, "I'm a Platinum and I've flown internationally before - what kind of idiot do you take me for?"

Be annoyed if you will, but if you're insisting that these kinds of reminders should not apply to you, well I'll be the first to disagree. I'll happily go through your "torment" and sit in the exit row instead as a result.

I'd be more annoyed about the old people in the exit row! Not to say that old people are incapable of sitting in the exit row and participating in the necessary procedures should it come to it, but I guess we have our reservations (just as we have our reservations about young people driving!)

I hear you but on every flight the FA makes it clear and explains that you are in an exit row and explains your responsibility and if you aren't willing to assist they will move you - that should be legally compliant enough

i think the tone of my post has been missed, (jovial) i cant see any policies changing, but being able to at least check in online or at a self service kiosk for one of these seats, could easily be implemented especially with all the other checks that are already occurring.

btw i do watch the safety video every time as i'm superstitious, and thank my lucky stars that JT isnt my pilot that day (plus i dont want to look like a cough thats too cool or is such a FF that they know all the info, because it will be one of these clowns that wont know how to do up their safety vest when we plow into the ocean...)

 

[serfty]

Having been an exit row aficionado for over a decade I simply believe it's part of the price one needs to pay for the room.

Knowing it's their job/role/task to so inform you I take it on the chin. Just sit back, pay attention, smile and say "yes (I am capable) thank-you" when complete.

It's really little different from the pre flight safety briefing.

 

[medhead]

SG can also routinely pre-select exit rows on 737s, so I'm not sure being WP is particularly important. I'd like to think they Chaco for safety things first, like exit row before they look at status.

 

[QF029]

Having been an exit row aficionado for over a decade I simply believe it's part of the price one needs to pay for the room.

Knowing it's their job/role/task to so inform you I take it on the chin. Just sit back, pay attention, smile and say "yes (I am capable) thank-you" when complete.

It's really little different from the pre flight safety briefing.

Or leave the exit rows to us!

 

[Oneworldplus2]

...on my recent flight Mel-cns I was in 13a and sitting next to a couple of old ducks, who were lovely, but had no idea they were in the exit row before they sat down and would have been useless in an emergency...

Happened to me on a JQ PER-SYD trip, about a year ago. 2 old ducks who struggled carrying their own bags down the aisle, let alone the emergency door :shock: Safety at JQ? I was thinking, bugger this, if something happens l'm going over the top of 'em! LOL

 

[jdlover23]

SG can also routinely pre-select exit rows on 737s, so I'm not sure being WP is particularly important. I'd like to think they Chaco for safety things first, like exit row before they look at status.

I haven't mentioned status, or my status for that matter anywhere in my post, (the fact i can select these seats more readily is inconsequential to my original issue of not being able to get a boarding pass without human interaction, if I was the one who selected the exit row over being auto allocated the seat) totally agree safety should be the only differentiator in the end

 

[Lucky_man]

My concern for the people in these seats is not they state they start the flight in but the state that they finish the flight in. I think exit row passengers should not be served alcohol.

 

[mannej]

Flying back from DPS on Garuda, I had noticed that the three gents in the exit row did not feel comfortable (they seemed to have had a few), so they got up and moved.
They were never replaced in that row, and it did not seem to be much of an issue.

With the exits like that, I always thought they had to be manned?

 

[pauly7]

Flying back from DPS on Garuda, I had noticed that the three gents in the exit row did not feel comfortable (they seemed to have had a few), so they got up and moved.
They were never replaced in that row, and it did not seem to be much of an issue.

With the exits like that, I always thought they had to be manned?

I'm suprised Garuda even have exit rows

 

[TonyHancock]

Knowing it's their job/role/task to so inform you I take it on the chin. Just sit back, pay attention, smile and say "yes (I am capable) thank-you" when complete.

That's the way I see it too.

I think exit row passengers should not be served alcohol.

:shock:.......:shock:.....eeek, ye gods!

 

[StevePER]

Virgin always ask if you're "willing and able to help in the unlikely event of an emergency". Well nearly always. Very rarely they forget on check-in and I tell them. Sometimes it's abbreviated - "are you willing and able?" or my favourite "are you willing and able to help in the unlikely event?".

 

[ReLoad]

"Yes, thats right, I am perfectly capable of operating my seatbelt"

I too am using the exit row seat assignment a heck of a lot, and I must say being constantly reminded doesn't bother me one little bit.

Of all the things to complain about with QF, being over reminded about a safety feature is not on my gripe list.

 

[stredinnick]

Appreciate the 'jovial' tone of your email, however I've sat in many exit rows and I listen attentively and carefully to the spiel every time. I regard it as both showing respect to the in-flight crew and of course care and concern for my fellow passengers, in that I might assist them if need be. To anyone who doesn't want to listen, no matter how many times, I wholeheartedly recommend you do not sit in an exit and let those of us who are experts in the procedure take safety seriously.