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How to get an exit-row seat
A comprehensive guide to getting yourself the prime spot, airline by airline
 | Delta is unusual among U.S. airlines in that it allows anyone to reserve exit-row seats, and doesn't charge for the privilege. However, this could change as the airline looks for new sources of passenger revenue to offset the increasing cost of fuel. |
Delta Air Lines |
Recently, I flew from JFK to Burbank on JetBlue Airways. I paid $40 more than I'm accustomed to paying for a ticket to Los Angeles. This time, however, I couldn't blame the rising cost on fuel surcharges. This was my own fault. After all, who doesn't prefer an exit-row seat, with more room (up to 8 inches more) to stretch the legs?
For a long time, JetBlue passengers had free and unfettered access to exit row seats at any time, as long as they met government requirements. As of this month, however, there's a $20 charge each way (shorter flights will be $10.)
In today's turbulent skies, few people have blinked at the change. After all, JetBlue isn't alone in charging for more space. At least you have the option to buy or not buy. Many airlines won’t entertain exit-row seat requests in advance at all, while others only offer the extra legroom to their elite mileage-plan members.
Bottom line: Everyone's got 'em — exit row seats, that is — but each airline’s rules for getting them, FAA restrictions aside, are a lot like you and me: completely unique! Note that the following information was accurate at time of publication, but with airlines scrambling for every ancillary dollar they can get, new fees will be added and old ones may be increased.
If you're keen to get an exit-row seat on your flight, here is Airfarewatchdog.com's comprehensive how-to guide, airline by airline.
AirTran Airways
Advance booking: First come, first served – anyone may book any time between the ticket purchase and day of travel
Charge: $20 each way (includes all legs of each journey)
At the airport: Sure — if there’s anything left
Tip: AirTran is notorious for its stingy seat pitch in its regular coach seats — as little as 30 inches on its Boeing 717s. Pay the $20 — if there's any room left by the time you book, that is.
Alaska Airlines
Advance booking: Purchasing a Full Flex ticket? (Those are the really pricey, full fare ones.) Are you an MVP or MVP Gold member? You’re good
Charge: No
At the airport: Any customer can request or select (from a kiosk), based on availability.
American Airlines
Advance booking: AAirpass members, AAadvantage Platinum and Gold members, other top tier oneworld alliance members; those traveling on certain unrestricted fares
Charge: None
At the airport: First come, first served — passengers may assign themselves exit row seats using the self check-in kiosks as well as by request in person from an agent.
Continental Airlines
Advance booking: Passengers may request to be assigned an exit row seat any time between booking and day of travel — provided they call and speak to an agent and make the case as to why they should get the seat (i.e. “I’m tall!")
Charge: None
At the airport: First-come, first-served — you may select exit row seating from a seat map on the self check-in kiosks, as well as by making your request in person.
Delta Air Lines
Advance booking: Open to all, and you don’t even have to ask — passengers can select exit row seats for themselves when booking on delta.com
Charge: None
At the airport: First come, first-served. Self check-in kiosks will allow you to select exit row seating.
Frontier Airlines
Advance booking: No
Charge: None
At the airport: Yes, based on availability; you must request from an agent
Tip: As with the other airlines that follow this policy, to the early airport-check-ins on the day of travel go the spoils.
Hawaiian Air
Advance booking: No
Charge: No
At the airport: First come, first served at check-in or the gate — Hawaiian Air has self-check-in available at Honolulu, but the system will not allow you to seat yourself in an exit row.
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