Exit seating

This regulation establishes requirements for seating passengers in exit rows on commercial airline flights. Airlines must evaluate whether passengers are suitable to sit in exit seats—defined as seats with direct access to exits and seats in rows leading to exits.

Airlines cannot seat someone in an exit row if that person likely cannot perform emergency functions such as operating exit doors, lifting heavy exit components, assisting others, or following crew instructions. Specific restrictions include passengers under 15, those lacking sufficient mobility/strength/dexterity, those who cannot see or hear adequately (beyond glasses or hearing aids), those caring for small children, and those who might be harmed by performing these duties.

Airlines must provide information cards at exit seats explaining the required functions and asking passengers to identify themselves for reseating if they don't meet the criteria or don't wish to perform these duties. Passengers must comply with crew instructions regarding exit seating restrictions.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*