Federal regulations require passengers in the exit row to meet all the following criteria:
- Passenger must understand oral instructions and printed evacuation instructions in English and be able to communicate directions to others;
- Must have sufficient strength, mobility, and dexterity, in both arms, both hands, and both legs, to reach the exit 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 balance, to reach and use the exit quickly, and to stabilize an escape slide and help others using the slide;
- Must be 15 years or older;
- Be willing and able to perform these functions without assistance.
In addition, all passengers seated in the exit row:
- Cannot require a seat belt extension;
- Cannot have a condition or responsibility, such as caring for small children or animals, that might prevent them from performing the applicable functions;
- Must have the capacity to perform the applicable functions without the assistance of an adult companion, parent, or other relative;
- Must not need visual aids beyond eyeglasses and/or contact lenses to perform applicable functions;
- 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;
- Cannot use a Portable Oxygen Concentrator (POC);
- Must not be traveling with a pet or a service animal.
Inability to meet the exit row criteria will result in removal from the exit row.
