Emergency Exit Seating Information

Federal regulations require that a Customer select a non-exit seat if they can't or don't want to perform the following functions:

• Locate the emergency exit
• Recognize the emergency exit opening mechanism
• Understand how to operate the emergency exit
• Able to operate the emergency exit
• Assess whether opening the emergency exit will increase the hazards to which passengers may be exposed • Follow oral directions and hand signals given by a Crewmember
• Stow and secure the emergency exit window so that it will not impede use of the exit
• Move quickly through the emergency exit
• Assess, select, and follow a safe path away from the emergency exit

In addition, to comply with federal regulations a passenger seated in an exit seat must have sufficient mobility, strength, or flexibility in both arms, hands, and both legs to:

• Reach upward, sideways, and downward to the location of the emergency exit
• Grasp and push, pull, turn, or otherwise manipulate mechanisms
• Push, shove, pull, or otherwise open the emergency exit
• Lift out, hold, move on to nearby seats, or maneuver the size and weight of over-wing window doors over seats to the next row
• Remove obstructions similar in size and weight to over-wing exit windows
• Reach the emergency exit quickly
• Maintain balance while removing obstructions
• Exit quickly

A passenger seated in an exit seat must:

• Be 15 years of age or older
• Have the capacity to perform the applicable functions without the assistance of an adult companion, parent, or other relative
• Read and understand instructions related to emergency evacuation provided by Southwest in printed or graphic form
• Understand oral crew commands
• Have sufficient visual capacity to perform applicable functions without the assistance of visual aids beyond contact lenses or eyeglasses
• Be able to hear and understand instructions shouted by Flight Attendants without assistance beyond a hearing aid
• Adequately impart information orally in English to other passengers

A passenger seated in an exit seat must not:

• Have preboarded
• Use a portable oxygen concentrator
• Require a seat belt extension to fasten their seat belt
• Have a condition or responsibilities, such as caring for small children or pets, that might prevent them from performing the applicable functions
• Have a condition that might cause the person harm if they perform one or more of the applicable functions