747 PE Bubble Exit Row Seats

Hi

Does anyone know how VS allocate the exit row seats in PE for those sitting in the bubble (I think the seats are 75AC/HK)?

Are there rules regarding being fit/able to operate the emergency exit doors? I believe the exits are only used for an emergency land exit, and not in case of landing on water.

The reason I ask is that in the last 3 of my 4 flights in the bubble, the seats have been occupied by elderly passengers. One couple were in their 70s, and one of the passengers had recently had a hip replacement.

Hi Andy

I have requested and received these seats on several occasions. It appears they are only allocated at the airport, unlike prepurchased exit row seats downstairs, which I have had allocated at OLCI 24 hrs before.

I have not been asked to confirm I am OK to operate the door in the event of an emergency, whereas I have been asked downstairs, but that may just be variation in crew diligence.

As for the land vs water emergency, I vaguely recall hearing something like that, but nevertheless you would have to be fit enough to open the door in either case and I'm not aware that they have any technology that can tell what emergency they might be having 10 hours in advance!

[buns]

Whilst the seats remain PE, you can expect the small number of check in desks to continue to manage the situation. Mrs Buns and I have been fortunate to be moved when we have asked at Check In (but that is usuall around 4 hours pre-flight :w )

No harm in asking, provided you are early

buns

They do seem to have some requirements for those Exit rows still, but normally just for take-off and landing. I was on a flight last year, at the front, and a lady got moved up to sit next to me suring take-off and landing as she had a neck brace on and wouldnt have been able to operate the door.
She sat next to me during take-off and landing, and was allowed to sit in the exit row during flight.

Thanks guys.

Interesting to know. I don't think I've ever been able to choose those exit seats at OLCI, even prior to the 747 refurbs and automatic allocation of seats at OLCI.

I wonder how they allocate them if PE is full?

Must remember to ask in advance at the check-in desk next time. Next PE flight is in Nov so am guessing the refurbs will still be ongoing by then and OLCI will remain as present.

Random question here but what sort of screens do they have for people sat in emergency exit rows especially in PE?

Does one come out of the armrest or drop down or is it still in the back of the seat in front?

What about the very front row on planes as well?