To be seated in an exit row, British Airways instructs that the passenger must be able to understand and follow verbal and written instructions in the English language. The passenger must be physically able to open the door and push it free from the airplane. Typical emergency exit doors weigh between 30 and 40 pounds. Each emergency row passenger will be asked if they can manage the weight and bulk of the door.
British Airways prohibits blind or deaf passengers from being seated in the emergency exit row. If a passenger is traveling with someone who requires assistance (such as a physically disabled or elderly person), neither is permitted to sit in the emergency exit row. Children under the age of 12 are prohibited from being seated in an emergency exit row. If a person is unable to move quickly due to their age or physical fitness level, or because of an existing illness, they are prohibited from being seated in the emergency exit row.
