Check in times to get Exit seats

[IAN5150]

Constructive Eastender

 

[daywalker]

I just had a thought, the last time I got exit row seats with virgin, there was nowhere for the control panel on the entertainment to go. This is therefore actually placed on the inside of the side arm of your seat & depending on how 'large' you are, it will dig into you. I am not tubby but it was a little uncomfortable. If it is a different plane it may now be OK. When I went we had a tatty old thing!

 

[KiwiSue]

Just to clarify things a bit. I fly long haul to New Zealand once a year with kids (now 7 and 18months)

Exit seats, by airline regulations, must be given to someone who is adult and physically 'able'. They are not expected to open doors or perform any duties in event of an emergency. They are simply expected to follow instructions. However as they are, obviously, in the exit row, they need to be able to move fast and respond quickly in case of emergency. I have actually been moved from an exit when I sat down with my child who was 4 at the time. Lots of apologies made, but a mistake had been made when I was allocated seats. A child is simply not permitted in an exit row, and the airline staff are allowed to move anyone from an exit row if they consider that they may cause an obstruction in an emergency.

Bulkhead seats are those facing a wall, as opposed to facing another row of seats. They are where the cots are fitted so obviously they are given to those with babies first. It is not true that they have more leg room. In some instances, yes they do, but as you cannot stretch your legs under the seat in front, they actually have less leg room in many cases. However they are ideal for kids as kids can stand up and move around (as they do!) without disturbing the person in the seat in front. Anyone who has enduring a flight with an active child in the seat behind them will understand what I mean. For the comfort of other passengers it is therefore preferably that kids are seated in bulkhead seats. Bulkhead seats can be booked in advance, or requested at checkin, but you will be moved if someone requires the use of the cot.

I hope this clarifies the issue. Please note that most of us realise that travelling with young children is not ideal. However in many cases it is simply unavoidable.

 

[mickg7dyd]

Hi,
We don't have any children (too selfish..us that is not children)and whilst I have no particular problem flying with them (I often see far worse behaviour from "adults")I am surprised that no airline as ever implemented an adults only section and a families section in an aircraft similar to how DCL do on their ships.Just a thought.

Mick.



PS How do Premium economy seats compare with standard economy EXIT seats,anybody tried both?

 

[daywalker]

Mick,

I have done exit rows & Premium Economy (exit row once too!)
The Prem. Ec is still far superior to an economy exit row IMHO, you get a more comfy, wider seat with a bigger recline. You also get better service as the cabin crew obviously have less people to look after
I have recently flown sunshine 1st (club class) with European Aviation (Through Travel City) and that is by far the best option only £199 return to upgrade, an absolute bargain.

 

[WDWfan uk]

Yes Sue is correct - the statement in the Virgin brochure regarding these seats says the following: ***Bulkhead seats are reserved for Virgins requiring a Sky Cot for infants under 12 months *** Seats in EXIT rows can only be allocated at check-in and then only to passengers over the age of 16 who are 100% physically fit.

 

[cheryl.UK]

we checked in behaind our friends last time we flew to Orlando (2 adults + 3 kids all over 10) we checked in early and they asked for 2 exit seats + the 3 behaind. They were told they couldn't have these seats due to the probability of them waiting to help their children off the plane instead of getting off quickly.

We checked in behind them, (2 adults no kids) and were given them!

On the return journey, we were the first at the downtown disney check in (RIP) but were told that we couldn't have th exit seats as they were gone??? We asked how and were told they were pre booked??? Beats me. Don't ask me how?