Can I book an exit row if I'm traveling with a baby or small child?

No. Federal regulations prohibit anyone traveling with a child under 2 from sitting in exit rows, and most airlines extend this to children under 12. You will be moved if you attempt to sit there.

Will I really have to help in an emergency?

Statistically, almost never — but legally, yes. In an actual emergency evacuation, you may need to lift the door (40-60 pounds), place it aside, and help direct passengers. Flight attendants assess the exit, but you're the backup. If you're not comfortable with this, don't sit there.

Do exit row seats recline?

Depends on the row. First exit row often does not recline. Second exit row in a double exit row configuration usually reclines normally. Bulkhead exit rows never recline. Check your specific seat on SeatGuru before paying for it.

Can I store my personal item under the seat in front of me?

Not during takeoff and landing. Exit row regulations require the floor in front of you to be clear. You can use under-seat storage once the seatbelt sign is off, but everything must go overhead for taxi, takeoff, and landing. Plan accordingly.

What happens if I don't meet the requirements but already paid for the seat?

The airline will move you and usually refund the seat fee, but you'll get whatever seat is available — often a middle seat in the back. If you have any doubt about meeting requirements, don't book the exit row.

Exit Row Seats — When to Grab Them and When to Skip

Exit row seats offer more legroom but come with responsibilities and restrictions. You must be physically able to assist in an emergency, meet airline age and language requirements, and accept that these seats often lack under-seat storage and have immovable armrests. Book them if you value legroom and meet the requirements — skip them if you want to sleep undisturbed or travel with small children.

Check If You Qualify. Airlines legally require exit row passengers to be at least 15 years old (sometimes 18), speak the language of crew instructions, have full mobility, and be willing and able to operate the exit door (which can weigh 40-60 pounds). You cannot sit here if you're traveling with children under 2, have mobility limitations, or require a seatbelt extension.
Know the Exit Row Trade-offs. Extra legroom is real — usually 3-7 inches more than standard economy. But exit rows often have immovable armrests (tray tables fold out from them), no under-seat storage during takeoff and landing, seats that don't recline or recline less, and can be colder due to proximity to the fuselage. You may also be seated near lavatories or galleys.
Understand the Cost Structure. Legacy carriers typically charge $40-$100 per flight segment for exit row seat selection. Budget airlines may charge $20-$60. Some airlines give exit rows free to elite status members or during check-in if seats remain. Decide if the legroom premium is worth it for your flight length — a 90-minute flight may not justify $60.
Pick Your Exit Row Strategically. First exit row behind the wing often has no recline because of the row behind. Second exit row typically reclines normally. Bulkhead exit rows have maximum legroom but no under-seat storage at all. Check SeatGuru or ExpertFlyer before selecting — not all exit rows are equal.
Book Early or Wait Until Check-in. Exit rows are first to go during advance seat selection. Book when you purchase your ticket if you want guaranteed access. Alternative strategy: wait until 24-hour online check-in when airlines release remaining exit rows, sometimes free. Gate agents occasionally reassign exit rows for operational reasons — be prepared to move if asked.
Confirm Requirements at the Gate. Flight attendants will verbally confirm you're willing and able to assist in an emergency. Just say yes if you meet the requirements. They may ask you to move if they have any concerns. This is not negotiable — it's a safety regulation.

Can I book an exit row if I'm traveling with a baby or small child?: No. Federal regulations prohibit anyone traveling with a child under 2 from sitting in exit rows, and most airlines extend this to children under 12. You will be moved if you attempt to sit there.
Will I really have to help in an emergency?: Statistically, almost never — but legally, yes. In an actual emergency evacuation, you may need to lift the door (40-60 pounds), place it aside, and help direct passengers. Flight attendants assess the exit, but you're the backup. If you're not comfortable with this, don't sit there.
Do exit row seats recline?: Depends on the row. First exit row often does not recline. Second exit row in a double exit row configuration usually reclines normally. Bulkhead exit rows never recline. Check your specific seat on SeatGuru before paying for it.
Can I store my personal item under the seat in front of me?: Not during takeoff and landing. Exit row regulations require the floor in front of you to be clear. You can use under-seat storage once the seatbelt sign is off, but everything must go overhead for taxi, takeoff, and landing. Plan accordingly.
What happens if I don't meet the requirements but already paid for the seat?: The airline will move you and usually refund the seat fee, but you'll get whatever seat is available — often a middle seat in the back. If you have any doubt about meeting requirements, don't book the exit row.