Airline Seating Guide: Exit Row Seats

Beyond the typical seats that you will find on most airlines, there are always a few special seats that are a little bit different than the standard seat. These seats are not a secret, you just have to know what to ask for to get them.

Exit Row Seats are situated in a section of the aircraft that has a door or emergency exit hatch adjacent to the row of seats.

The Pros of exit row seats are:

• Extra leg-room. Since the seat is situated at an emergency exit point, there is usually quite a bit more space between your seat and the next row in front. This is to allow ease of passage to the exit door.
• Sometimes less seats in the row. Some exit rows have extra space where a seat would typically be placed to create extra space for the opening of the doorway.
• No babies. There are some restrictions for passengers who sit in the exit row. All passengers in the exit row must be able to meet a certain set of requirements, and be able to assist the crew in an emergency situation. Small children, passengers with pets, and passengers with physical disabilities are restricted from sitting in the exit row.
• Front Row Seat. Some exit row seats, but not all, are situated right at the entrance/exit point for boarding. If you are right in the front then it's real easy to board and deplane quickly. Ask the gate agent if you are seated near the boarding door.

The Cons of exit row seats are:

• Some seats do not recline. This will depend on the aircraft type and airline. You can ask the gate agent if your exit row seat reclines.
• Possible Extra Charge. Some airlines will charge extra for the exit row seats since they are coveted by many passengers for the extra leg room.
• If your exit row seat is at the front of a section then you will have no under seat storage space and will have to place your items in the overhead bin.
• No liquor service on some airlines. If you want to get a beer or cocktail on your flight, check with the airline to see if they offer alcohol service to exit row passengers. I encountered this issue on AirAsia on a recent flight to Bali.

I am a big fan of the exit row seats on airplanes when I fly. There is usually a lot of leg room to stretch out. Remember, not all passengers meet the requirements to sit in exit row seats, you will be asked a series of questions before being assigned a seat in the exit row.

Remember, you will rarely get what you want if you don't ask for what you're looking for. It never hurts to make your case for a seat change at the gate before you board. The worst thing that can happen is the agent says "no." You'd be surprised at what the agent can do for you in some situations!

What's your favorite seat when you fly? Leave your comments in the replies!