How do I get a seat on the "exit row" ?
Anyone have suggestions for pre-reserving a seat on the exit row of the airlines. You always see those rows of seats unavailable when choosing where to sit online.
Ask for it. Some airlines will only assign it if you are standing in front of the counter and tell them you want it.
You must also be able to open the door, assist other passengers, not have physical limitations, etc. but that will be explained to you once you're on the aircraft.
Sometimes you have to pay more to be able to reserve that seat for yourself. Right when you get to the gate let them know you would like an exit row if possible. They will probably take your name down or hold on to your boarding pass if it's possible.
Some airlines charge extra for exit row seats. On American it's $24 on shorter (under 3 hour) domestic flights. Might be more for longer flights and/or overseas.
If you are going to fly Southwest, then you had better be flying Business Select or paying for Early Bird check in or you will never get the exit row seats.
is getting the exit row seat really a big deal? I've never paid any mind to it. If it's about "safety", sadly to say the rear of the plane is the safest place to be in a crash..
Passengers near the tail of a plane are about 40 percent more likely to survive a crash than those in the first few rows up front.
@devexityspace: The only reason it is a big deal for me is that I am very tall. I don't actually need the row so much as I need the aisle seat. I always request that. It is getting so that it is difficult to choose as well. I make all of my reservations online, and choose my seat at that time from the available showing. If there is not an aisle seat, I won't go on that particular flight.
Use to be a business traveler.
The exit rows are usually saved for crew that is flying to a location. Doesn't mean they always take them though, I've seen some fly up front in coach too.
Status is the de facto in getting the best seat, so if you don't fly often you can always buy status if you think you'd use it often enough in a year.
Finally, ask. I've got so many upgrades simply by asking at the ticket counter or at the gate. Just be extremely polite and nice to the attendant, I've had my best luck at the gate. The worst they can say is no.
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