Emergency Exit row seats

[Ann-Marie Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Ann-Marie]

So, what is the trick to getting one of these seats? I while ago I was told to ask at the counter when getting boarding passes. Everytime I try that, I am told I have to try at the counter at the gate. They are only assigned by the agent at the gate. I have been first in line several times, and am always told that there are none available. That they are all gone. So, what's the scoop?

[mshatty Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close mshatty]

Ann Marie,

Why is it you want these seats? My view is if the doors go off while the plane is flying and the cabinet decompresses, the people sitting in the seats by the exit also go out the door!

[bigfrank Administrator Find all posts View Profile Close bigfrank]

I used to always be able to get them but do not look for them any more as I find the seats to be narrower because the handles are different. I always was assigned at the ticket area where I give my luggage. I first ask for first class and after there done laughing they will try to do what they can for you.

[katiemack Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close katiemack]

It depends on the airline, the crowd, the "regulars" and the on-line policy. Some airlines are now experimenting with charging for the exits, I have heard. Many regular business flyers are known by an agent, and the agent "prefers" to give that guy the seat. Since there is some extra leg room, I think some agents will say "no" to petite folks, knowing that some tall guy is going to beg for the seat. We have gotten the seat by request both ways....at the check in, and at the gate...it is hard to tell what the policy is, as it often is the same airline that will do this. What we have found is that smiling and showing concern for the check-in agent usually helps...also being very early at check-in.

[Lanalee Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Lanalee]

I always ask at the counter and, if they are available, one will be assigned to me. I've never been told to go to the counter at the gate. Maybe it just depends on the airlines.

Other than checking in early, I don't know any other trick. I think they go quickly. My husband is a VIP Gold member at Alaska Airlines, and they allow him to reserve an exit seat online when the reservation is made. I always thought it was "day of flight" only. That might explain why there are none available.

[mikey0531 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close mikey0531]

I used to work for an airline and many times those seats were reserved in advance for VIPs -- in other words, friends of staff members etc.

Debi

[vinolover Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close vinolover]

I was able to get exit row seats on a flight we took last week on American by checking the website the day we traveled. I usually use their on-line check in system. They have an option to select seats on your reservations page.

I figured out that by waiting until the day of travel I could find better seats than what I had originally selected when I purchased the tickets. AA allows on-line check in up to 24 hours in advance but doesn't release these seats until the actual date of travel.

Last week I pulled up my reservation about five hours before our flight and was surprised to see almost all the exit row seats available. I was even able to get the entire 3-seat row for the two of us by selecting the aisle and window seats.

The seats are a bit narrow with immovable arm rests (the tray tables are inside the arm rests) but that isn't a problem for us. My 6'2" DH really appreciated not having his knees smashed like he usually does in a regular coach seat.

[Ann-Marie Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Ann-Marie]

After reading all the posts, I'm not sure which is better? No leg room with good hip room, or good leg room with squished hips!

[camachinist Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close camachinist]

Depends on the a/c. Not all exit row seats are created equal. Some don't have immovable armrests with the tray table inside either...

Easiest way to book exit seating is to be an elite with an airline which provides this feature to their elites. With UA as a 1P (premiere executive), I can book economy plus and/or exit rows online when I ticket. I can also bring a non-elite pax into E+, though technically not into the exit row. What I usually do is put my wife on the aisle behind me when I book an exit row seat and then stick her in the middle one if the block holds (elites get middle seats blocked for them by the reservation system). Either that or I'll trade the middle for her aisle seat (most folks don't like middles)

A good source of seat information:

http://www.seatexpert.com/

http://www.seatguru.com/?

Enjoy!

Pat

[GrayFal Silver Contributor and supermoderator Find all posts View Profile Close GrayFal]

My husband is a Lifetime Gold on AA - so we are able to book the exit row seats when we book our tickets....

[camachinist Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close camachinist]

My husband is a Lifetime Gold on AA - so we are able to book the exit row seats when we book our tickets....

This is an important distinction with American Airlines, as Million Miler status (which conveys lifetime Gold) can be achieved through non-flying as well as flying activities. Comparitively, on UA, one must achieve this status by flying actual miles, only on UA metal. Big difference...

Also, it appears an AA elite can bring a non- gold status (I'm assuming here) companion into the exit row at booking, which technically is disallowed on UA. If so, that's an advantage as well. Good to know.

Pat