Flying in exit row while PG?

bentpinkies

Is this allowed?  I just realized that I will be flying at the end of August when I'll be almost 7 months pregnant.  I have an exit row seat booked and called Delta to make sure it's ok.  The representative said she couldn't find anything in the rules prohibiting it, but I wonder if it's an FAA regulation?  I'd like to avoid getting on the plane, having the airline see me, and them making me move.  If I can't sit there, I'd rather pick another seat now and be done with it.  Any of you have experience with this?

turkishdelight

I think if you are visibly pregnant they are definitely going to question whether or not you can lift the 40 lbs door, move it to the side and help people get to safety.  I would pick another seat now.

HerHighness

I know that if you are seated in an exit row you have to be willing to assist other passengers when exiting the plane. I wouldnt sit there

Jenn.J.

I'd pick another seat now.

maschmidt16

I would change the seat. You would not be able to assist other passengers in an emergency.

Too bad, though, the extra leg room would be nice.

farrellashleigh

I'd advise against it, if there were a situation that you would actually need to help open the door and assist people out you wouldn't be in a condition to do so. I come from a family of commercial pilots and flight attendants and this is a HUGE pet peeve to them, people who aren't capable of doing what is literally required if you're seated there just in case. It's a major safety risk. You'll see older people, young 12 year olds and such and it is a BAD idea.

So that being said, I'd just let the ticket agent know when you check in so that they can reseat you if you happen to get a seat in an exit row.

alicia11780

I agree with previous posters.  I wouldn't want to be worrying about the door, let alone other passengers, while I was 7 months pregnant.

I would opt to change seats, whether now or later.

epphd

I can't imagine it would be OK - I was on a flight recently and they reseated a guy on crutches who was in the exit row.  He booked the row deliberately to have extra space, which I symapthize with, but since you are required to be able to assist in an emergency, he had to move.  I would guess pregnancy would fall into the same category as disability, in this case.  

epphd

Sort of off topic, but if the airlines really want people to sit there and take seriously the job of assisting in an emergency, they shouldn't charge extra for the seat because of the extra leg room.  It confuses the whole "point" of the emergency row.  Moreover, in theory the people sitting in that row are providing a service, and should not have to pay to do so.

bentpinkies

That helps.  Thanks.  I'll change my seat online ASAP.

leahraewku

I flew South West a few weeks ago and they have an open seating policy.  I tried to sit in an exit row because I wanted more room and they made me move, despite the fact that I used to work as a flight attendant and would be better equipped than most people to get the door open and get people out!

daisybaby09

According to the FAA you have to be willing and ABLE to perform the duties. ?As the pp said the door is heavy which would probably make you unable. ?For your safety and others I would recommend switching. ?The person on the phone is only saying that it is not written anywhere. ?It would be discremination to say no pregnant people in the exit row. ?

Think of it this way if the Flight Attendant questions your ability in front of a plane full of people would you say yes you are able? ?If not get a new seat while there are still good options. ?Are there any front rows left. ?The bulk head usually has more room anyway. ?Good luck.?

maschmidt16

epphd:

Sort of off topic, but if the airlines really want people to sit there and take seriously the job of assisting in an emergency, they shouldn't charge extra for the seat because of the extra leg room.  It confuses the whole "point" of the emergency row.  Moreover, in theory the people sitting in that row are providing a service, and should not have to pay to do so.

Wow, I didn't realize airlines have actually started charging extra for emergency row seats. I agree, those seats shouldn't cost extra. I am really discouraged by the way airlines nickel and dime you these days.

daisybaby09

Not all airlines are doing this. ?I agree that why I love Southwest they do not charge extra for anything!!

Genevieved

When you check in I would tell them how you feel because I'm sure they will move you when you get on the plane.  Maybe they will be able to change your seat at check in

bentpinkies

I just changed it online so that I don't have to worry about it. Thanks!

tak2002

maschmidt16:

epphd:

Sort of off topic, but if the airlines really want people to sit there and take seriously the job of assisting in an emergency, they shouldn't charge extra for the seat because of the extra leg room.  It confuses the whole "point" of the emergency row.  Moreover, in theory the people sitting in that row are providing a service, and should not have to pay to do so.

Wow, I didn't realize airlines have actually started charging extra for emergency row seats. I agree, those seats shouldn't cost extra. I am really discouraged by the way airlines nickel and dime you these days.

 

I recently flew Continental and sat in an exit row. (I wasn't showing yet) I was not charged extra...I haven't heard that before.

epphd

Huh, maybe it's just United (or was it American?)  I was appalled when I checked in recently (pre-pg) and asked whether any exit row seats were available.  Yep, I was told - for an additional $50.

Nice.

sestock17

I know Frontier airlines will not let a pregnant woman sit in the exit row.  I would switch seats now before they make you switch on the flight.  You might get stuck in a middle seat that doesn't recline (eek). 

flbeachcouple

As a flight attendant (for Delta) I would question your ability. If you felt like you were able I would let you sit there. This is not to say some will not. I have let plenty of PG women sit there.

The flight crew has the final say.

octwed07

See if you can get a seat in the first row of coach, more leg room there.  Otherwise, like everyone else said, not advisable to sit in the exit row.   Or see how much it would cost to upgrade.

stephanielynn33

epphd:

Sort of off topic, but if the airlines really want people to sit there and take seriously the job of assisting in an emergency, they shouldn't charge extra for the seat because of the extra leg room.  It confuses the whole "point" of the emergency row.  Moreover, in theory the people sitting in that row are providing a service, and should not have to pay to do so.

 

What lines charge extra? My boyfriend is 6'7 and we ALWAYS get exit row w/o an extra charge. But I agree with you, it's silly if they charge for that. It makes it seem like a luxury.