Age of exit row passengers - the higher end of the spectrum

[TomVexille]

A window of an exit row is 22 to 25 kgs, and that weight, I have tried to lift where I do some work, and man/woman, 22 kgs to 25 kgs is very heavy.
Lucky there was no emergency, other wise those 2 will be deep poo.
But I guess they paid their $$$ and that made the airline happy, so they were given the exit row seats.
More so, could they have swam? Imagine flying over the pond to NZ and something happened!!!

You make a good point about weight. I know plenty of people that wouldn't be able to lift 20-25kg

 

[MEL_Traveller]

You make a good point about weight. I know plenty of people that wouldn't be able to lift 20-25kg

Given this was posted in the QF forum... and could be in relation to a QF flight... aren't the only aircraft with hatch exits now the 738s, which have the hinged upward (and outward) type only? Looking at a video of their operation it looks like there's no heavy lifting involved?

 

[BAM1748]

Given this was posted in the QF forum... and could be in relation to a QF flight... aren't the only aircraft with hatch exits now the 738s, which have the hinged upward (and outward) type only? Looking at a video of their operation it looks like there's no heavy lifting involved?

717s have the pull in the throw out doors.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

717s have the pull in the throw out doors.

forgot about those!

 

[Flying mermaid]

I am 63 and not particularly strong, but have no trouble carrying my 20kg+ suitcase up and down stairs at undergrounds overseas, so I don't think weight is that much of an issue. We have stopped choosing exit rows over the last couple of years, not because we think we are too infirm, but feel our thinking and reactions might be slowing down a bit, so better to leave it for younger people. Also it is annoying to have to put your hand luggage up - same reason we no longer select bulkheads.

 

[burmans]

I agree that plenty of people in their 60s can handle 20+ kilos fine but plenty can't too. While in theory I'm of the belief that every situation should be judged on its merits, there are always plenty who would want to argue the point. While "principles" based regulation is great in theory it is harder to implement!

 

[timster]

The business equation for Qantas:
1. One in a million chance of an emergency, during which exit row pax might be called upon.
2. 100% chance that money for exit row seats can be gouged from anyone with a pulse.

 

[burmans]

The business equation for Qantas:
1. One in a million chance of an emergency, during which exit row pax might be called upon.
2. 100% chance that money for exit row seats can be gouged from anyone with a pulse.

Of course, when that accident inevitable happens though, let's hope they are held to account.

 

[mannej]

Of course, when that accident inevitable happens though, let's hope they are held to account.

Correct me if I am wrong, but QF do not charge for exit seats on aircraft that have unmanned over wing exits (I.e 737 aircraft). In theory, all other aircraft that they do charge the seat fee for will have a FA at the exit should anything happen.

 

[tgh]

In reality , the young buck who can press 150kg , might be a bubbling wreck at the prospect of facing his maker.
I'm past the christian life threshold , can easily lift 40 kg or more if it amuses me , and in the unfortunate event that I have to fly cattle,will cheerfully pay or negotiate for an exit row….

 

[burmans]

In reality , the young buck who can press 150kg , might be a bubbling wreck at the prospect of facing his maker.
I'm past the christian life threshold , can easily lift 40 kg or more if it amuses me , and in the unfortunate event that I have to fly cattle,will cheerfully pay or negotiate for an exit row….

Yeah this is all very well, but unless the have a physical test on the plane hardly relevant. You can either go the way of actually validating each passenger for their ability to sit there (which is practically difficult if not impossible) or you set some parameters. On a practicality basis the latter appeals.

The fact that there are exceptions to the rule does not negate the fact that in many cases "older" people don't have the same strength and/or mobility of the young (and I say this as one who also regards myself as being in that minority who do). When it comes to safety though I'd rather the airline errs on the side of caution which they already do for the young.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

When it comes to safety though I'd rather the airline errs on the side of caution which they already do for the young.

I guess that depends on why there is a lower age limit? I thought it was because the 'young' may not have fully developed reasoning to react in an emergency.

 

[drron]

I guess that depends on why there is a lower age limit? I thought it was because the 'young' may not have fully developed reasoning to react in an emergency.

Though there are a few older people who have forgotten how to react in an emergency.
But reactions slow which is why I have decided not to occupy an exit row if offered.

 

[burmans]

I guess that depends on why there is a lower age limit? I thought it was because the 'young' may not have fully developed reasoning to react in an emergency.

I'm not privy to why the airlines have this rule but I would guess it's a combination or both mental and physical ability, both of which might apply to "older" passengers. But no doubt there are mature younger people too, both in terms of mental and physical capability.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Though there are a few older people who have forgotten how to react in an emergency.
But reactions slow which is why I have decided not to occupy an exit row if offered.

It's not the slowness of the reaction I'm necessarily concerned about... it's perhaps something like the potential instruction to 'not open the exit unless instructed by crew'.

In the event of an accident where the pilots/cabin crew may be injured and unable to issue a command to evacuate... what happens? 14 year might sit there refusing to open the door. I'd hope an adult, with some sort of practical 'life experience' would be able to employ some reasoning to work out what to do?

Conversely, can a 14 year old adequately assess danger, and take command of an emergency situation where it might be too dangerous to open an exit even if an instruction is given?

On a side note... the jetstar exit seating requirement states passengers must only be capable of lifting and throwing a 15kg exit door: http://www.jetstar.com/au/en/what-we-offer/in-flight/seating

 

[JohnK]

I remember over 20 years ago on an OA flight ATH-SYD I could not get exit row window at check-in and got the window in the row behind.

Once everyone boarded they asked for volunteers to swap seats to exit row. My eyes lit up. I grabbed the chance. There was an elderly man seated in the exit row and had use of a cane so couldn't assist in emergency.

As it turned out I flew SYD-ATH return and in an exit row window both flights.

 

[jb747]

On a recent flight on Rex, I was very pleased to see a young hostie turf a bloke from one of the exit seats, because he just was not interested in listening to her instructions. Watching a middle aged bloke put in his place by a slight twentyish girl was quite a sight.

The whole exit row thing is a lot more about attitude than anything else. Some hung ho passenger who helps by opening a door onto a fire is likely consigning a lot of people to a sticky end. Same goes for opening a door below the waterline after a ditching. Looking around the passengers when I pax, it is quite horrifying to see just how many take no notice at all of the various briefings. They will be the ones who then complain that their oxygen mask was cough**d. I don't care how often you fly...the newspaper is not that important.

The doors that have to be thrown out are heavy, but more than that they are at an odd angle/position that makes it harder. There is a technique that we use...but we also get to practice with the real thing. One very real risk with these doors is that if they are brought inboard, and then the trample starts, that whoever ends up with the door on their lap will be trapped.

 

[tgh]

Passes my mind that a win win deal would be for regular flyers who might choose an exit row, to attend a free evening briefing by the airline, and subsequently receive preferential access……
A 15kg door in an "kind" environment is not much to manage , however in a less than ideal situation of wind and or water, it might be quite a challenge for even the most able.

 

[jb747]

Passes my mind that a win win deal would be for regular flyers who might choose an exit row, to attend a free evening briefing by the airline, and subsequently receive preferential access……

Would I be unkind to suggest that they are the very people who don't listen, because they fly regularly. Perhaps we could reserve them for members of the military. Strong, able to both obey instructions, but also to act independently when needed.

Or perhaps I'm just stirring the pot.

 

[whatmeworry]

On my last flight with VA I was seating next to the Emergency aisle window seat. All 3 pax on the other side were at least in their mid 70's.

Needless to say, if they plane did go down, I would have been yelling "Come with me, if you want to live!".