Exit row policy change - now allows children 12+

[HighFlyer]

Haven't seen it mentioned on here yet but there is a lively thread running on FT at the moment that is discussing the new change from BA that has reduced the minimum age for the exit row from 16 to 12.

See http://www.britishairways.com/travel/mmbseatingpolicy/public/en_gb for confirmation:

(Children under 12 years cannot sit in exit row seats.)

I have to say I am in the camp that thinks this isnt a good idea. I wonder if VS will change their policy?

I also don't think that it is a good idea. The whole point of having people in the exit row is to help in an emergency and for that, you should have an adult who is capable of fully understanding and carrying out instructions.

[Darren Wheeler]

Doesn't sound like a good idea to me either.

The CAA are somewhat vague on the subject by using the word "should not". Children and infants are specifically listed.

http://www.caa.co.uk/default.aspx?catid ... ageid=9855

No doubt the argument BA will use is that for the purposes of airline travel 12 is classed as an adult.

I've thought about this and on reflection it is difficult to know how a 12 year old would react in an emergency so why take the risk?

I also don't think that it is a good idea. The whole point of having people in the exit row is to help in an emergency and for that, you should have an adult who is capable of fully understanding and carrying out instructions.

The 12-16 year old won't be sat on their own, usually next to a parent/guardian so need to be mindful of creating an image of a group of children ushering people off a plane.

But does make you wonder: an adult pax sat in these rows (who's been drinking) freaks out in emergency situation, or a very switched on 14 yr old..

I would of thought on a row of 3- at least 1 could be a 12-16yr old. (i.e. allowing a family to sit there..

[mitchja]

I also don't think this is a good idea either.

More importantly, when are they going to let passengers' pets sit in in exit row seats...?

[HighFlyer]

The 12-16 year old won't be sat on their own, usually next to a parent/guardian so need to be mindful of creating an image of a group of children ushering people off a plane.

But does make you wonder: an adult pax sat in these rows (who's been drinking) freaks out in emergency situation, or a very switched on 14 yr old..

Personally, I'd go for the adult that has had a few drinks over a minor - in a heartbeat.

Sitting in that row can bring responsibility in an emergency situation. Does a 13 year old with limited life experience know when to make the call to open the door if the cabin crew are incapacitated? Many youngsters are very bright and switched on but we are talking serious situations here for people who may not have experienced any real trauma before. But then I think that exit rows should not be about extra legroom or a revenue generator for the airline.

One of the crew on the FT thread raised a very valid point that the person next to the door is supposed to open the exit, dispose of the door and exit the aircraft first to assist with evacuation. Honestly, in an emergency situation, I would a) worry about a minors ability to cope with that scenario and b) worry that a parent sat in seat A with a child in seat B or C would not be willing to evacuate without their children ahead of them.

IMO, a minor should also never be entrusted with the exit row in addition to an adult. Those in the exit row should be fully capable of independantly carrying out those actions.

Those in the exit row should be fully capable of independantly carrying out those actions.

I think that you've hit the nail squarely on the head, Sarah.

Mike

Those in the exit row should be fully capable of independantly carrying out those actions.

I think that you've hit the nail squarely on the head, Sarah.

Mike

My dad and adult sister were on a flight where there was an argument about this, At check-in a a man and his 16 yr old must have said yes they were capable etc but once on the plane the 16 yr old changed his mind when he realised what was actally required. His dad said something like (probably wanting to keep his extra leg room) 'if anything happens I'll help him with the door'.

The CC simply said 'but what if you are knocked out sir. who's going to help him then?'.

Much muttering and swearing ensured as they moved.

Yes there are very few incidents where pax need to open the doors etc but if it ever happens on a flight I am on I want to be sure that whoever is sat there is capable of doing the job required.

[Bazz]

The 12-16 year old won't be sat on their own, usually next to a parent/guardian... ...I would of thought on a row of 3- at least 1 could be a 12-16yr old. (i.e. allowing a family to sit there..

The CAA actually state that children should not be in the seats even when they are with a parent or guardian:-

"Children (whether accompanied or not) and infants."