Emergency exit row seating

FAA required emergency exit row qualifications

When you are seated in an exit row, you may be called upon to open the exit and assist fellow passengers in exiting the aircraft if a crew member is unavailable to do so.

Because of this, and for the benefit of all passengers, Federal Law requires that passengers seated in the exit row MUST:

• Have sufficient mobility, strength, or dexterity in both arms and hands, and both legs to:
  • reach upward, sideways, and downward to the location of emergency exit and exit slide operating mechanisms;
  • grasp and push, pull, turn, or otherwise manipulate those mechanisms;
  • push, shove, pull, turn, or otherwise open emergency exits;
  • lift out, hold, and deposit out the window, objects the size and weight of window exit doors;
  • Remove obstructions similar in size and weight to exit doors;
  • Reach the emergency exit expeditiously;
  • Maintain balance while removing obstructions:
  • Exit expeditiously;
  • Stabilize the escape slide after deployment.
  • Assist others in getting off the escape slide.
• Be able to locate emergency exit, recognize opening mechanism, and operate exit in an emergency.
• Be at least 15 years old and be able to perform these functions without assistance.
• Have ability to read and understand instructions which are provided in printed or graphic form and be able to understand oral crew commands in the English language
• Have sufficient visual capacity to perform these functions without assistance or visual aids beyond contact lenses or eyeglasses
• Have sufficient aural capacity to hear and understand crewmember instructions without assistance beyond a hearing aid
• Have ability to adequately impart information orally to other customers
• Not have a responsibility, such as a child under 15 years old, unless a second parent or guardian is seated elsewhere with child
• Not have a non-discernible condition that might prevent person from performing these functions
• Be willing and able to perform these functions without assistance
• Not have a condition that might cause a person to suffer bodily harm while performing these functions
• Not be using an assistive device (e.g. wheelchair, cane, crutches, MPEDs, cast, brace, etc.)
• Not traveling with a pet in cabin or service animal