Exit seats

Charging for the exit row may seem like a good idea but it causes nothing but trouble for the flight attendants. Yes, it's extra leg room. Yes, it makes people more comfortable. But there are rules involved in being seated in the exit row. First of all, you have to speak and understand English. Secondly, you can't sit there if you are traveling with an animal or children. Lastly, you can't sit in those seats if you need a seatbelt extension.

So, not only do we have to take the time to secure the cabin, make sure everything is turned off, check all the seatbelts and iPhones we also have to screen the people sitting in the exit row. Try telling the family who doesn't speak any English they can't sit in the exit row. Try being politically correct while telling someone if they can't buckle their seatbelt they have to move. These are people who paid extra for those seats. They aren't exactly happy to just get up and move.

Not to mention having to police the seats during boarding. I've gotten yelled at for asking people for their seat assignments. I've been told that since they are tall they deserve the extra legroom. I've watched people try to sneak into the seats when the other flight attendant wasn't looking. But I think my all time favorite just occurred the other day...

Passenger: I want to sit in the exit row.
Me: I'm sorry sir, those seats require an upgrade and that has to be processed at the gate.
Pax: I asked for two seats together, why didn't they offer me those seats?
Me: The jetbridge has been pulled and we are ready  to go, those seats cost extra as well.
Pax: So, if I pay to sit there, will you pay me if I have to open the exit?
Me: No.

Needless to say he went back to his original assigned seat and proceeded to pout for the rest of the flight.