I understood several major carriers used to have a policy of allocating all seats next to exits to young, fit, single, males if possible on every flight.
The reason given was that in the event of an evac, they tend to put themselves first, and will get out at any cost.
Older people, those with dependants, or females it was thought may either not have the physical strength to force open a perhaps slightly bent door, or would more likely try and put the rest of their party/family first, hence cause a blockage.
This policy was discontinued after the PC lobby found out.
In these more enlightened (?) times, I know this is a controversial issue, and know my wife is more than capable of moving imoveable objects! But as a general flight safety policy, at NO COST, could it be reinstated? I firmly believe 99% of pax would never notice how the seats were being allocated on check in.
PC 1 : Flight Safety 0
