Free seating and exit rows.
 

On a recent flight as we all stood to disembark I was surprised to see that the two elderly ladies across the aisle, also in one of the over wing exit rows, both had walking sticks in hand.

Although obvioulsy no problem was caused on this flight I could not help thinking that this was less than ideal.

I can only guess that with our delayed departure and consequent even greater rush amongst us pax to get on that this had been missed. Perhaps it had been spotted and the crew were satisfied that my fellow passengers were fit and able although I am sure they were seated after me and I can't recall seeing a hold up or discussion in the aisle as they sat down.

Before anyone asks I did not mention it to the crew, it was after the fact and to be honest I did not want to act the self appointed safety inspector - to save you the profile check i'm just a passenger.

However it set me wondering whether generally there is there a case for formally allocating exit row seats even on Low Cost Carriers - if for no other reason than that it might prevent delays as people are reseated when any issues are spotted. Nothing fancy, first XX passengers who fit the criteria get offered an exit seat and a preboard card or something - another incentive to check in early?

Every time I have flown Lo-Co with free seating then there is a cabin crew member hovering over those aisles and re-directing the less able PAX to a more suitable row.

Was there someone around on your flight doing the same ??

Yes. In fact I asked the crew member if i could sit in the exit row as she was standing there.

I quite like the way I get to chose who sits in the exit rows, because i dont trust the check in guys as far as i could throw them!! Most (not all) seem to forget the 5kg limit, one item per pax, or the fact that its an airline not a removal service. So when it comes to allocating a seat to an ABP i like to reserve the right to choose them myself. If your strong, willing and not burying your head in your broadsheet during the demo im happy for you to sit there, and you'll be pleased to know i do regularly move people from those seats kicking and screaming whilst holding their walking sticks!!! To further it usually the Senior on the way down doing the head count also checks who's sitting there.

EB :8