Qantas Exit Row Conditions

[nate89]

Hi all,

I am doing a trip that starts with SYD-LAX and was thinking about paying the $180 for exit row seats (Y seats don't go great with my back).

I was reading through the terms and conditions and noticed this one:
"Qantas has the sole discretion, at check-in or boarding, to determine whether a passenger meets the requirements to sit in an exit row seat. If the passenger does not meet the requirements, they will be assigned a regular seat and the amount paid or the points redeemed is non-refundable."

I understand the bit where QF staff can say you do not meet the requirements (not fit enough, etc.), but to then take the cash and/or points seems a bit stingy IMO. Is it just me?

I imagine if I had checked in at the counter (which you have to in exit seats AFAIK), been OK'ed and then told at boarding I am not fit and won't be getting my money back I would be particularly peeved.

Speaking of which the point redemption rate to me seems incredibly low; 22,500 points or pay $180. I'd be surprised if anyone takes that rate!

 

[Mattg]

Hi all,

I am doing a trip that starts with SYD-LAX and was thinking about paying the $180 for exit row seats (Y seats don't go great with my back).

I was reading through the terms and conditions and noticed this one:
"Qantas has the sole discretion, at check-in or boarding, to determine whether a passenger meets the requirements to sit in an exit row seat. If the passenger does not meet the requirements, they will be assigned a regular seat and the amount paid or the points redeemed is non-refundable."

I understand the bit where QF staff can say you do not meet the requirements (not fit enough, etc.), but to then take the cash and/or points seems a bit stingy IMO. Is it just me?

I imagine if I had checked in at the counter (which you have to in exit seats AFAIK), been OK'ed and then told at boarding I am not fit and won't be getting my money back I would be particularly peeved.

Speaking of which the point redemption rate to me seems incredibly low; 22,500 points or pay $180. I'd be surprised if anyone takes that rate!

Yes, perhaps it is a little bit harsh if they move you but I can understand why they may need to move some passengers. I guess the idea is that you need to be aware of the requirements if you want to purchase an exit row.

As long as you speak English, are at least 15 and are reasonably able to help out in an emergency, they won't move you (the only person I have ever seen moved was a Chinese man who couldn't speak any English).

 

[ashleyn]

Yes, perhaps it is a little bit harsh if they move you but I can understand why they may need to move some passengers. I guess the idea is that you need to be aware of the requirements if you want to purchase an exit row.

As long as you speak English, are at least 15 and are reasonably able to help out in an emergency, they won't move you (the only person I have ever seen moved was a Chinese man who couldn't speak any English).

Make sure you pay attention to the special briefing, nod in the appropriate places then agree to help out and you'll have no problems.

 

[under the radar]

Hi all,

I am doing a trip that starts with SYD-LAX and was thinking about paying the $180 for exit row seats (Y seats don't go great with my back).

I was reading through the terms and conditions and noticed this one:
"Qantas has the sole discretion, at check-in or boarding, to determine whether a passenger meets the requirements to sit in an exit row seat. If the passenger does not meet the requirements, they will be assigned a regular seat and the amount paid or the points redeemed is non-refundable."

I understand the bit where QF staff can say you do not meet the requirements (not fit enough, etc.), but to then take the cash and/or points seems a bit stingy IMO. Is it just me?

I imagine if I had checked in at the counter (which you have to in exit seats AFAIK), been OK'ed and then told at boarding I am not fit and won't be getting my money back I would be particularly peeved.

Speaking of which the point redemption rate to me seems incredibly low; 22,500 points or pay $180. I'd be surprised if anyone takes that rate!

i'd say unless you have 'hidden' or 'forgot to mention' an aspect of yourself OR checkin staff have 'overlooked' something (in regards to exit row requirements), then it's HIGHLY UNLIKELY cabin crew will move you to non exit row seating ...AND ALSO IF the cabin crew do move you, IT WOULD ONLY be a TEMPORARY seat SWAP with another passenger that 'satisfies exit row requirements' DURING THE CRITICAL PHASES OF FLIGHT..i.e. TAKE OFF AND LANDING PHASES..inflight you are able to occupy exit row seats... (although its a pain in the butt for cabin crew to do this during the busy boarding process..it can be done ONLY IF there's a willing passenger to do the temporary swap.. (speaking from experience here)

 

[reductionist]

I vaguely remember reading something on here about a passenger being moved from an exit row for operational reasons and being able to get a refund.

This is of course a little different to being moved for simply not meeting the requirements. I think this is the least likely of the two scenarios however.

I have been able to get a refund when I have called QF a couple of days in advance of my flight to say that I no longer met the exit row requirements. I rolled my ankle and had a decent limp. I was still able to get around quite OK but I was obviously not in top shape. I did NOT want to be the guy holding people up if we had to get out of the aircraft in a hurry. Safety first!

 

[under the radar]

I vaguely remember reading something on here about a passenger being moved from an exit row for operational reasons and being able to get a refund.

This is of course a little different to being moved for simply not meeting the requirements. I think this is the least likely of the two scenarios however.

I have been able to get a refund when I have called QF a couple of days in advance of my flight to say that I no longer met the exit row requirements. I rolled my ankle and had a decent limp. I was still able to get around quite OK but I was obviously not in top shape. I did NOT want to be the guy holding people up if we had to get out of the aircraft in a hurry. Safety first!

I COMMEND YOU FOR TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR UNFORTUNATE 'PREDICAMENT' being PROACTIVE EARLY, eliminates the need for being REACTIVE LATER!!

 

[yohy?!]

I COMMEND YOU FOR TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR UNFORTUNATE 'PREDICAMENT' being PROACTIVE EARLY, eliminates the need for being REACTIVE LATER!!

no need to SHOUT...i'm not deaf you know

 

[nate89]

I vaguely remember reading something on here about a passenger being moved from an exit row for operational reasons and being able to get a refund.

This is of course a little different to being moved for simply not meeting the requirements. I think this is the least likely of the two scenarios however.

I have been able to get a refund when I have called QF a couple of days in advance of my flight to say that I no longer met the exit row requirements. I rolled my ankle and had a decent limp. I was still able to get around quite OK but I was obviously not in top shape. I did NOT want to be the guy holding people up if we had to get out of the aircraft in a hurry. Safety first!

The condition right after the one I quoted refers to if your situation changes so that you are no longer able to satisfy the requirements. It says that in this case you may be eligible for a refund.

As I said - I completely understand why the clause is there, but to stipulate that no refunds will be given at all was a bit harsh to me. Having said that they are T&C's and they aren't designed to be 'nice'.

I am surprised that the english-speaking part is not made more obvious though. They say the pax must be able to 'understand and carry out instructions' and 'acknowledge the exit row briefing given by the cabin crew once onboard'.

 

[under the radar]

no need to SHOUT...i'm not deaf you know

i forgot about this 'internet etiquette' thingy ...i just wanted the whole world to know you've restored my faith in human nature!!

 

[under the radar]

I am surprised that the english-speaking part is not made more obvious though. They say the pax must be able to 'understand and carry out instructions' and 'acknowledge the exit row briefing given by the cabin crew once onboard'.[/QUOTE]

i spose it is obvious to english-speaking pax ...and if it isnt..then.. "you are the weakest link...goodbye"

 

[nate89]

I am surprised that the english-speaking part is not made more obvious though. They say the pax must be able to 'understand and carry out instructions' and 'acknowledge the exit row briefing given by the cabin crew once onboard'.

i spose it is obvious to english-speaking pax ...and if it isnt..then.. "you are the weakest link...goodbye" [/QUOTE]
It is sort of a catch 22 I guess. Qantas want english speakers in those seats. If they state this it has essentially no effect because non-english speakers can't read it anyway.

However it does make it evident for travel agents, secretaries, etc. to then pass on the message.

Anyway, it really does not affect me and probably doesn't affect others so I will stop rambling

 

[A330]

I find it odd that the "Exit Row briefing" is not always done. Domestic is very strict in doing the briefing and getting acknowledgement from pax in exit rows. On a BKK-SYD flight i was in the A330 exit row and the FA made no mention of the briefing, nor was there a card on the seat - maybe because the FA sits next to the door?.

Slightly OT, but is the briefing a QF thing or an Australian thing? Flying BA/AB/AZ in Europe, the FA's didn't even approach the exit row pax (of which I was one).

 

[mannej]

I find it odd that the "Exit Row briefing" is not always done. Domestic is very strict in doing the briefing and getting acknowledgement from pax in exit rows. On a BKK-SYD flight i was in the A330 exit row and the FA made no mention of the briefing, nor was there a card on the seat - maybe because the FA sits next to the door?.

Slightly OT, but is the briefing a QF thing or an Australian thing? Flying BA/AB/AZ in Europe, the FA's didn't even approach the exit row pax (of which I was one).

It depends on the configuration o the exits. Those that the FA's sit next to, you won't get the briefs, but the 737's and 767-338's you will have a brief as the pax will be the first one getting to the exit.

 

[nate89]

I find it odd that the "Exit Row briefing" is not always done. Domestic is very strict in doing the briefing and getting acknowledgement from pax in exit rows. On a BKK-SYD flight i was in the A330 exit row and the FA made no mention of the briefing, nor was there a card on the seat - maybe because the FA sits next to the door?.

Slightly OT, but is the briefing a QF thing or an Australian thing? Flying BA/AB/AZ in Europe, the FA's didn't even approach the exit row pax (of which I was one).

It might be on airlines to and from Australia. My memory is a bit vague, but I think I recall Thai Airways giving my mother a briefing (and kicking me out of the exit row - I was 15) on the way to Sydney from BKK.

I wouldn't quote myself on it, but I will be interested if others have had it.

 

[under the radar]

It depends on the configuration o the exits. Those that the FA's sit next to, you won't get the briefs, but the 737's and 767-338's you will have a brief as the pax will be the first one getting to the exit.

+1 ...this is correct

 

[kelvedon]

Since one of the exit row seating conditions is the (ability) "to assist in an emergency" do the cabin crew monitor the alcohol intake of these passengers more strictly than others?

 

[ashleyn]

Since one of the exit row seating conditions is the (ability) "to assist in an emergency" do the cabin crew monitor the alcohol intake of these passengers more strictly than others?

Not in my experience.

 

[drsmithy]

I understand the bit where QF staff can say you do not meet the requirements (not fit enough, etc.), but to then take the cash and/or points seems a bit stingy IMO. Is it just me?

Stingy is a rather polite way to describe it !

Whilst it's not likely, if I ever got turned away from an exit seat after paying for it and didn't get a refund, I'd be complaining to the ACCC pretty quick smart. Not delivering a service that's been paid for is tantamount to theft.

 

[Mattg]

I find it odd that the "Exit Row briefing" is not always done. Domestic is very strict in doing the briefing and getting acknowledgement from pax in exit rows. On a BKK-SYD flight i was in the A330 exit row and the FA made no mention of the briefing, nor was there a card on the seat - maybe because the FA sits next to the door?.

Slightly OT, but is the briefing a QF thing or an Australian thing? Flying BA/AB/AZ in Europe, the FA's didn't even approach the exit row pax (of which I was one).

It must be an Australian thing. I was once on a domestic flight in Vietnam where I was the only person in the exit row (in Australia there's a minimum number, I think it's 2), the cabin crew never once briefed or even spoke to me, and they didn't even remove the pins in the doors with the big red things marked "Remove before flight" attached.

 

[Kangol]

Not delivering a service that's been paid for is tantamount to theft.

Tell that to the QP members that got denied BA lounge access