Air couple in air rage

[dennisb66]

A couple who paid extra for emergency exit seats on a Thomson flight were told at check in that they were too OLD to sit there,they were 77and 79 years of age.Reason given that they would not be able to open the emergency doors. I reckon that most of the passengers couldn't open the doors before being shown how.

[boxtops]

That's not good - I know some very fit and able people in their 70s, who probably wouldn't have to faff about disconnecting IPods and MP3s in order to have to get out of their seats in the hurry!

[askyourgran]

There is always some jobsworth trying to make themselves look good. If the couple have paid extra for those seats no-one should say anything they weren't asked their age when they took their money. I hope they kick up a stink.

[boxtops]

I know we have been asked when in those seats to be on door duty, and to move if we couldn't - but nobody has ever said no. If they don't want the elderly and others to sit in those seats they should make it very clear - both on line and in person - before you buy.

[B00]

sorry don't agree with the jobsworth comment above ^

If they can't be seated on them seats because of regulations, then they can'tsit there- simple as!
The person or people to blame are the folk who sold them their tickets in the first place, not the airline or the poor abused check in staff- who are, at the end of the day just doing their job.

If all this couple have got to whinge about in life is the fact they've been deprived of a few inches of legroom then they should consider themselves bloody fortunate!

[B00]

Here's the news story by the way...

http://www.mirror.co....rage-115875-22175315/

"hurt angry and humiliated"...oh purleeeze, get a grip!

[sara3]

I was in the emergency exit row and there was a mega huge man next to me. he was politely asked to move for take off and landing. they couldn't get his belt done up, even with an extension belt!

[Sqad]

If I had booked a flight, paid extra for extra leg room, then refused my seats at check -in I would be BLOODY annoyed and would demand to see the senior supervisor.

[Prudie]

To be fair if you select those seats online with Flybe a warning does come up about being fit and able, not really to open the doors but to help other passengers out if needs be. My OH and i have also often been asked to sit there when flying regularly on a small airline from Bournemeouth. I have always been dreading the day they think I'm past it but am fully aware that this a requirement of those who sit by the emergency exits. I thought it was common knowledge.

[Prudie]

Hi Sqad I'm referring to Palmair to Mahon!

[Sqad]

Prudie....unfit, unable are not synonymous with "too old"

[NoMercy]

Flippin eck. One of the last times I flew Monarch, I asked for a window seat and got 3 extra leg room seat all to myself. I didn't even have to pay :-)

[craft1948]

Good job EasyJet didn't park the stiff there...........

[Prudie]

I agree and 'too old' was not the right judgement

[jno]

you do have to be strong enough to operate the doors; it's the same on every airline. But if Thomson are selling those seats for extra cost they should check before taking the money, as B00 says. As it is, I hope they get their £100 back; but they'll just have to deal wiith their 'hurt and humiliation'. Just think themselves lucky they weren't flying with the Polish president.

[NoMercy]

Craft... lol !

[bigfoot3000]

On the fence on this one as I understand both sides of the argument.
Are everyone on the plane willing to take a risk that in an emergency that they would be trapped? Then again if this is the airlines policy then do they offer "Door opening training" and if not do they place bodybuilders and strongmen next to the emergency exits as part of their emergency evacuation regime?
Who's right and who's wrong?
Personally I'm against establishments that are ageist, racist etc... but surely safety is first, or is this health and safety gone MAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD????????
Balls in your court...

[Sqad]

jno...quite, one does have to be "strong" but would the Airlines object to either a child or a "puney" teenager being next to the emergency doors.
I know some very strong septuagenarians, so age should not be a factor.

[B00]

Yes ,the airline will not allocate that seat to a child either- well, it shouldn't. I'm willing to bet the couple got their £100 back, however I'm wondering if they were thinking that if they kicked up a massive fuss they'd get compo too?

Cynical...me? ;-)

[Prudie]

Exit seat (able bodied adults only)

Above is a paste from flybe on selection of an exit seat