Federal regulations require passengers in the exit row to meet all the following criteria:
- Must have sufficient strength, mobility, and dexterity, in both arms, both hands, and both legs, to reach the exit and slide mechanism, grasp, pull, push, turn, shove and manipulate door mechanisms and open the emergency exit;
- Must be able to lift, hold, and move objects the size and weight of an exit door (30-60 lbs.);
- Must be able to remove obstructions similar in size and weight to exit doors, while maintaining your balance and reaching the exit quickly and stabilizing an escape slide, and helping others;
- Must be 15 years or older;
- Must be able to understand, speak, and read instructions in English and adequately communicate information to other passengers;
- Be willing and able to perform these functions without assistance.
In addition, all passengers seated in the exit row:
- Cannot be traveling with a passenger needing your help or a child under 15 years of age or a passenger needing your help (seated anywhere on this flight) unless a second parent or guardian is seated with that passenger;
- Must not need visual aids beyond eyeglasses/contact lenses to see;
- Must not require assistance beyond a hearing aid to hear and understand verbal instructions;
- Must not have a condition that could prevent you from helping, or injure you while helping in an evacuation;
- Must not have a non-discernible condition that might prevent this passenger from performing these functions;
- Cannot use an assistive device (e.g. wheelchair, cane, crutches, cast, brace, Medical Portable Electronic Devices (MPED), etc.);
- Cannot require a seat belt extension;
- Not be using a Portable Oxygen Concentrator (POC), Medical Portable Electronic Devices (MPED), traveling with a pet in cabin, or service animal.
- May use prosthetic(s) provided the passenger is able to perform the duties associated with the exit row seat.
Inability to meet the exit row criteria will result in removal from the exit row.
