northwest air exit row seats

[wld]

A year or so ago a person checking me in at the airport said that you could book your exit row seat on the computer. I tried when I booked my flight on the internet but could not pick exit row. Can you pick them when you check in from home on the internet? Or is it still first come first serve at the gate?
Thanks

 

[safetymom]

Most exit row setting is reserved for preferred level frequent flyers. They may release some when the online check in starts. If you aren't preferred I would show up at the ticket counter or gate early.

 

[Brian Noble]

From the web site:

Exit row seat
(Available to customers with WorldPerks Elite or partner
Elite status, business fare purchase.)

 

[DebbieB]

I've flown NW 3 times recently and they are reserved for elite. They also allow exit row passengers to board with first class. They also reserve coach seats in front for elite.

 

[Brian Noble]

One tip: if you use on-line check in as close to 24 hours in advance as possible, you'll have a pretty good chance of snagging them. They are usually open then, in part because the "obvious" way of selecting seats doesn't allow you to select them---even if you are an elite flyer---and elite flyers that do snag them have a decent chance of being upgraded, opening the seat.

 

[golfgal]

When we flew Northwest in January, I was able to book exit row seats for DH and I when I printed our boarding passes. We are Worldperks members but not Elite Members. The other people in our group, some of which fly enough to qualify for the highest level perk program they offer, couldn't print boarding passes at all, so, who knows?

 

[scoutsmom99]

I was able to snag an exit row seat checking in about 22 hours in advance online from NWA in January. I also asked at the gate once and was able to get one.

 

[CleveRocks]

Maybe I was told a rumor rather than truth, but I have been told numerous times that exit row seats aren't typically assigned in advance because the gate crew needs to "check you out" to make sure you are physically (and mentally) able to follow directions and actually operate the emergency exit door should the need arise. So for example, they couldn't assign that seat to someone who uses a wheelchair because that person, in most cases, might not have the needed leverage to STAND and open the door, and also might have trouble moving out of the way for others to pass. Also, for example, they wouldn't assign the seat to someone who has use of only one arm, again because that person would necessarily be able to operate the emergency exit door. This isn't discrimination, it's basic safety.

-- Eric

 

[Brian Noble]

That may have been true once upon a time, but I've been grabbing exit row seats on NWA well in advace for at least a year now. After you select them, you are taken to a page that lists the requirements, and have to state whether or not you meet them.

 

[Poohs Pal]

Now I know this has been awhile ago but in 1999 DD and Dneice were given exit row seat along with an older women(these seats were just assigned to them site un seen). They were able to board with elite travelers(they were pretty smug I might add). This was first time flying northwest for both of them. During flight instruction they were told what they would be required to do in case of an emergency (open exit door and assit passengers off plane before they help themselves). FA asked if this would be a problem for them and of course they said they were fine with this. DMOM and myself wanted to raise our hand and say ARE YOU NUTS the first thing the door opens these girls are out of here Anyway not sure how they assign these seats now, just wanted to add my experience. Susan