Comments on: Wow! Qantas charges another $125 for exit-row seat

By: The man who notices things

The man who notices things — Thu, 28 May 2009 14:25:30 +0000

maybe I can get them to credit me $100 if they assign me a middle seat on a 747 from LAX-SYD? I’ll just tell them that its in my contract of carriage which they accepted by selling me a ticket . . .

By: dave

dave — Thu, 28 May 2009 12:30:18 +0000

Virgin america charges more< called main cabin select, however, free unlimited alcoholic beverages and snacks , sandwiches are free. you have to mention that in your article…

By: Frank

Frank — Thu, 28 May 2009 12:06:45 +0000

On May 27th, 2009 at 11:22 am John M said I have frequently ended up in exit row seats and the only people who deserve to sit there are those that meet the guidelines required to sit there.
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Airlines require a verbal response from passengers in those seats, to operate the exit and meet the selection criteria.
My comments regarding the exit row are under the assumption, that everyone already meets those requirements.

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On May 27th, 2009 at 12:23 pm Skip said Lives can depend on who is seated in that exit row. I’d hate to think that someone who was too weak to operate the door still got to sit in the exit row because of their FF status.
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Who says someone wont “freeze” in a situation like an emergency evacuation?
I’ve seen overweight nurses in the hospital, but they’re very mobile and react quickly in an emergency. Is someone who is old, weak? Are there women who are stronger then men?
What the problem is, Skip, is that passengers view those seats as COMFORT, NOT SAFETY. And, I explain that everytime someone in my view, doesnt meet the requirements there.

By: Jim P.

Jim P. — Wed, 27 May 2009 19:00:25 +0000

Going to be interesting watching them try and reseat a person who is clearly unable to work the emergency door but who *has* paid a hefty premium to sit there.

Since airlines hate like hell to refund any money paid and since the person paying made a contractual deal with the airline for the seat, the fireworks should be amusing.

Best solution I can see, one that benefits everyone: Require anyone who wants to sit in an emergency seat to be certified to work the door, slide etc. Make a short course (four hours? Whatever it takes to really learn that stuff) available to the general public for a reasonable fee who then get certified.

Then you *know* folks sitting in those rows can handle the door./window/what have you.

By: Robert

Robert — Wed, 27 May 2009 17:46:52 +0000

Exit row seats are there as emergency exits. That is why they are on every aircraft – not to generate extra revenue. People who sit there must be able bodied and must be vetted by the flight crew before the aircraft takes off. They are not there as a premium benefit. Charging extra for that seat assignment is bad business. What happens if I purchase one because I want the extra room because I have a bad back, then there is an emergency and I can’t open the exit because of my back? Selling exit row seats is possible asking for trouble, especially in the event of an emergency.

I think the FAA should prohibit this practice in the interest of safety..

By: Skip

Skip — Wed, 27 May 2009 17:23:45 +0000

Lives can depend on who is seated in that exit row. I’d hate to think that someone who was too weak to operate the door still got to sit in the exit row because of their FF status.

By: John M

John M — Wed, 27 May 2009 16:22:06 +0000

I have frequently ended up in exit row seats and the only people who deserve to sit there are those that meet the guidelines required to sit there. I’ve seen people who clearly were unable and/or unwilling to follow the directions of the flight crew and who in the event of an emergency wouldn’t be able to assist in getting the other passengers off the plane.

If Qantas wants to charge extra for those seats, let them. The market will decide if that is a good deal or will people pay a little more and sit in Premium Economy?

By: Frank

Frank — Wed, 27 May 2009 14:53:47 +0000

United Airlines and JetBlue charge for seating with extra legroom, although United does not pre-sell exit rows, holding them instead for their most elite frequent fliers.
More than likely, cash-strapped major American carriers are monitoring the move…
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I stand by the emergency exit row while passengers board. It’s interesting to hear the comments as they pass my row. The person with the broken leg “thinks” they deserve to sit there. The person who’s over 6-4 “thinks” they deserve to sit there. The Elite Flier “thinks” they deserve to sit there. The Elderly couple “thinks” they deserve to sit there. And yes, I’ve had a blind passenger “think” they should be able to sit there. And, the passenger with the pet “thinks” they deserve it as well.
In reality, I’m torn between the tall passenger and the Elite. It’s hard to see someone in the row who’s 5 feet tall, while you watch someone 6′5 squeeze into a center seat mid cabin. But, that 5 feet tall Elite may have spent thousands for status.
You pay for better seats at concerts, sports events, the opera, etc. I see nothing wrong with charging extra for exit row seats. It’s a source of Revenue and it’s much needed.