V-Flyer

Hi there! I will be travelling on VS073 June 14th. We're currently seated in 29 HJK. Our Son is Autistic, and whilst he enjoys the flight once seated, he finds embark/disembarking quite intimidating. I mentioned this to VA's assistance, and the very nice lady said that she would put a recommendation for us to be seated in Row 25 HJK, which i understand are are the Exit row seats assigned at check-in. Does anyone have any experience in travelling in these seats? Thanks in advance.

You will not be seated in the exit row if any of your party requires special assistance.

Our Son doesn't require any assistance per se. I speculatively rang special assistance to ask if there was any way of asking if we could board 1st, as our Son doesn't understand the concept of waiting in line, and hence gets quite distressed. That isn't what concerns me. What concerns me is that everyone stairs at you, as if to be saying "Jeez, control your child", and i hate it. It's a similar story in the Disney Parks, although they are very accommodating, so it's much less of a concern. However, there are certain situations that are unavoidable, such as boarding aircraft. Disembarking is fine, as DS is happy to sit in his seat until the last second, so it's not a problem.

As i say, i only asked the Lady at VA about allowing us to board early, and she said that she'd request seats in row 25 for us. If it's a problem, we'll stick with row 29, it's only a few rows back anyway.

I don't mean to come across as bitter, because i assure you, i'm not- too mindful of everyone's opinions and misconceptions- yes, i admit i am, but unfortunately, that's born out of years of people's ignorance of ASD's, and constantly having to explain to people that our DS is low-functioning autistic, and not a naughty child beyond the control of his inattentive, undisciplined parents. Once he's in his seat, he's absolutely fine- a model traveler.

I think what Tinkerbelle was mentioning is that to be seated in an emergency exit row the passengers in your party must be able to follow all crew member directions and assist in an emergency situation.

Perhaps you could mention the issue with waiting in lines to the crew at the gate and see if they would let you board last? So as to minimize any time queuing in the jetway?

Becca1007, thanks for the clarification. I'll call special assistance again, as it may be that i've misunderstood where abouts on the Plane they were referring to. Thanks all.

Yes, I've been a complete numpty and mistaken the exit row seats with the Bulkhead seats in row 38. I should have phoned VA 1st instead of being lazy! Oh well, live and learn. Thanks for your help.

At least you managed to get it sorted.

Hope you have a great flight.

Thanks Neil! Yes, i've decided to stick with the same seats as i reserved last August when the Miles+money seats were released. Row 29HJK isn't that bad on reflection. Moreover, i'd rather be nearer to the exit, so we can be nearer the front of the line at immigration. We will ask at Departure Gate if we can board 1st or last, whichever is best on the day. VA Crew were great last year, and i'm sure this year will be no different.