Exit Row Seats

[scaredy_cat]

How does one actually book an exit row seat? I've noticed on expedia and similar where it lets you choose your seat, the exit rows are not available. Now I know they can't all be booked a year in advance (I put in random dates) so how do you actually get one? My boyfriend is 6'4" and had a wee bit of trouble with the legroom, so I would like to get an exit row for us next time we fly (weeeeeeee I said next time, hehe). Any idea how its done?

[noflyingfan]

I'm not sure exactly, but I think you have to do it at the airport. People who sit in the exit row must be able bodied and of an appropriate age so that they can ably help others in the event of an emergency, so the airline people want to see you to make sure you are those things.

[Passenger Mark]

Certain seats, and a certain number of seats are held for the gate to assign on the day of the flight.

These seats are not available for general reservations. You can not reserve through a CSA on the phone, or on line.

The exit row seat is one of these seats. Bulk-head seats are also not available until the day of the flight.

The reason why is because they want some of these seats for any special need passengers, and in the case of the exit row, they want to ensure that the person is able to carry out the responsibility's that go with sitting there.

When you get to the airport, arrive extra early and let the gate agents know that for your BF's comfort, you would like an exit row seat.

[WillFlyToDisney]

Exit rows are reserved for the elite members. When I book a flight on Delta or one of the Skyteam partners I can reserve an exit row seat when I book my flight. IF there are any exit row seats leftover after the elites choose their seats then those seats are made available a few hours before the flight and you can request one when you check in.

I would NOT recommend a bulkhead seat for someone tall unless they sit in the aisle seat. I have a form of DVT and can not sit in the bulkhead because I cant stretch my legs out. I am better off in a standard coach seat where I can at least stretch my legs out under the seat in front of me. Once the plane is airborne I pull my carry-on bag out from under my seat and put it behind my legs so I have that whole area under the seat in front of me to stretch out.

Northwest does have a few exit row seats reserved for elites and others that are available for a higher fare.

Kelley

[scaredy_cat]

Thank you for the answers. I'll never be "Elite" lol, so I guess we'll just have to try it at the airport and hope they have some open!

[EyesSkyward]

I found, back when I flew on airlines other than Southwest a lot more than I do now, that you can just request to get your seat moved to an exit row when you check in.

Sometimes you get it, sometimes you don't. The earlier the better.

And I've never been an elite anything. (An elitist, yes. Elite, no. :tongue:)

- Jeff

[LeslieDEN]

Like Northwest, United has started charging for its exit row seats. Once I overheard a woman at the gate asking to be moved to the exit row, and the agent told her there would be a fee -- around $30, I think?

[scaredy_cat]

Well, I think $30 for an exit row with extra legroom would be worth it. Better than $1000 more for a higher class to get the space! I appreciate all your answers and will definitly give it a try next time I fly and let you know if it works.