Extra space seats

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Discussion

Pilchard

Original Poster:

56 posts

141 months

Wednesday 17th May 2023
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Mrs P and I flew to Greece on Saturday and had booked extra space seats as she suffers with claustrophobia. Unfortunately she broke her ankle a few months back and as soon as the cabin crew saw that she had a crutch with her they informed her that she couldn't sit in the extra space seats as everyone seated in them had to be mobile to help evacuate the plane in the event of an emergency. Fair enough (although 2 other people sat in these seats must have been in their 80s!) and they moved her to an extra legroom seat. We have just been advised that our return flight next week won't have extra legroom seats just extra space which means the likelihood is that she will be asked to move to a regular seat which is concerning her. Part of me wonders whether she should just ditch her crutch but will the fact that she has assistance onto the plane alert the crew that she isn't as mobile as she could be and, crutch or not, they will stop her sitting in the extra space seats.

r159

2,319 posts

80 months

Wednesday 17th May 2023
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Many years ago myself and some friends were flying to Canada (in the days of first come first served for extra leg room) we got there very early to guarantee first dibs. All was going great until one of of the group said he was glad he got the seat as he had a bad back….


ecsrobin

17,744 posts

171 months

Wednesday 17th May 2023
quotequote all
Flew BA last month long haul and easyJet this week and both were pretty hot on checking if we were suitable to be sat there, and ensuring there was nothing on the floors around the seats or coats on laps so if she’s getting assistance on the plane then I suspect they’d pick up on it instantly.

All I’d say is don’t let it ruin your holiday there’s always the potential for the aircraft to be swapped.

The Leaper

5,119 posts

212 months

Wednesday 17th May 2023
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Pilchard said:
Mrs P and I flew to Greece on Saturday and had booked extra space seats as she suffers with claustrophobia. Unfortunately she broke her ankle a few months back and as soon as the cabin crew saw that she had a crutch with her they informed her that she couldn't sit in the extra space seats as everyone seated in them had to be mobile to help evacuate the plane in the event of an emergency. Fair enough (although 2 other people sat in these seats must have been in their 80s!) and they moved her to an extra legroom seat. We have just been advised that our return flight next week won't have extra legroom seats just extra space which means the likelihood is that she will be asked to move to a regular seat which is concerning her. Part of me wonders whether she should just ditch her crutch but will the fact that she has assistance onto the plane alert the crew that she isn't as mobile as she could be and, crutch or not, they will stop her sitting in the extra space seats.
In my experience airlines are hot on ensuring mobility of passengers in extra space/emergency exit seats. For instance, I made enquiries last year and got chapter and verse from Easy Jet. When you consider things, it all makes sense.

By the way, Pilchard, I'd rather have an over 80s in these seats than a pissed up passenger. And I'm 80.

R.

GT03ROB

13,536 posts

227 months

Thursday 18th May 2023
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If she has a broken ankle I would assume it would be clear that it is strapped & broken. No crew that notice will allow her in an exit row.

Jos Notstoppen

497 posts

147 months

Thursday 18th May 2023
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I am ex cabin crew.

Crew will not accept a broken ankle in an emergency exit row seat.

If is is an over-wing seat you had booked then all the seats around that area are classed as emergency exit seats.

Do you know the aircraft type and airline ?

Pilchard

Original Poster:

56 posts

141 months

Thursday 18th May 2023
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She broke her ankle in December so it's not in a cast or anything. So it's only the fact that she uses a crutch as an indication something isn't right. And to be honest she doesn't use the crutch at all at home.

I think the plane is an Airbus A320. I say think as we flew out with Tui but have been told that we aren't flying back with them. We are in seats 12c and 12d.


Jos Notstoppen

497 posts

147 months

Thursday 18th May 2023
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Row 12 will be overwing exits. C and D either side of the aisle

Having a crutch will mean being re-seated.

If there is no cast or crutch you maybe OK, hard to say without seeing.


GT03ROB

13,536 posts

227 months

Friday 19th May 2023
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Would her lack of mobility impact her ability to open one of the overwing exists & get out pronto? If she needs assistance to board the plane & a crutch this would suggest yes.

I think you would then know what you "should" do albeit there is next to zero chance of that eventuality.

Pilchard

Original Poster:

56 posts

141 months

Friday 19th May 2023
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Don't get me wrong I fully understand and support the rules in place regarding people sitting in these seats. But I would be a bit disappointed if they just looked at whether a person needing assistance meant that they wouldn't be able to help with the opening of the emergency exits. But someone who needs a crutch is a different matter

ecsrobin

17,744 posts

171 months

Friday 19th May 2023
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Pilchard said:
Don't get me wrong I fully understand and support the rules in place regarding people sitting in these seats. But I would be a bit disappointed if they just looked at whether a person needing assistance meant that they wouldn't be able to help with the opening of the emergency exits. But someone who needs a crutch is a different matter
So imagine the plane does crash. You’ve all been thrown about a bit and the 2 passengers nearest the door are unconscious. Can your wife get up unassisted and open that door in a timely manner before the plane explodes and finishes everyone off?