Exit Row Seats
Exit Row Seats
Read our guide for those ready to book their seats on a plane and finding out more on an exit row seats. This guide is complete with FAQ’s, tips to prepare before a flight and prevent problems when flying on your next trip.
What are Exit Row Seats?
An exit row seat is a row of seats on an aircraft that is next to emergency exit doors (which is placed usually over the wings).
Information on Exit Row Seats
How can get an exit row seat? What are my requirements as a passenger? What are the airline restrictions? What are the benefits? Are all questions that are answered about exit row seats.
Requesting an exit row seat
Many airlines charge fees for choosing exit row seats. For example with Delta, you will need to purchase a 'Delta Comfort+' or 'Preferred Seating' fare in order to reserve an exit row seat. With JetBlue, you can book an 'Even More Space' seat in the exit row for an extra fee, which is added onto the price of any ticket. You can contact the airline or us at Alternative Airlines in regards to this.
Passenger Requirements
Most people when they book their flight they immediately check to see if exit seats are free as it's well known that exit row seats are the best airplane seats.
If you do decide to select an exit row seat you must be able and willing to help the flight attendants during an evacuation of the aircraft, civil aviation boards and national governments set specific requirements for passengers seated in an exit row. These requirements may vary by country and airline, frequently exit row passengers must:
- Be of a certain minimum age, from the age of 12 (occasionally 15 years olf)
- Not be travelling with anyone requiring special assistance in an emergency, for instance, an infant or individual with a disability, or an animal.
- Be physically or mentally strong to quickly reaching and operating the emergency exit.
- Be able to speak the national language of the airline's home country, for example, English on British Airways or French on Air France.
- Not use a seatbelt extension.
- Be able to lift 27 kg.
Exit Row Seats
FAQs
Do exit row seats have more legroom?
Yes, exit row seats offer a much-needed relief with a large amount of generous legroom, especially on long-haul aircraft. This seat offers comfort however has added responsibilities in an event. Just so you know on larger narrow-body and wide-body aircraft, your seat may not recline, especially if there is a second exit row behind yours.
Do exit row seats have windows?
This would ultimately depend on the airline you're flying with and it would better to contact the airline or us at Alternative Airlines in regards to this before reserving your seat. For example, on British Airways 747 the windows in the exit rows are in front of the seat which means you have either to lean forward or to turn around if you want to see what's happening outside. Whereas, some aircraft exit rows don't have any windows.
Do exit row seats have tray tables?
Exit Row seats usually have less width and this is to allow room for the tray table that must be stowed in the armrest instead of behind the seat in front.
Do exit row seats have entertainment?
This would obviously depend on the airline you're flying with. However, there are exit row seats that have in-flight entertainment and folds out when required.