I wondered what he was going to do in the event of an emergency evacuation situation.
I've been in the same situation and asked the same question; I decided I would go over the seat back. I always check out who is sitting in the emergency exit rows as I board and always plan other routes. On topic: I'm in the States and am amazed by the level of youth obesity; I would like to see an evacuation test with a real sample of persons, especially the ones who grab overhead luggage .......