Civic Duty and the Exit Row

I flew in and out of JFK airport this weekend.  Three times -- when I checked in, when I boarded the plane and before take-off -- an airline representative noted my seat assignment in an exit row and asked, "Are you prepared to carry out the duties that may be required of you in the exit row?" I found myself instinctively straightening my posture and answering with purpose: "Yes, yes, I am."  It all felt very serious, as well it should, given that sitting in the exit row is a moral commitment to opening the emergency exit in the event of ... well, an emergency. 

I have sat in exit rows on many planes, but don't recall ever having such a formal ask-and-answer before this weekend.  If I had to guess, I'd say I got seated in the exit row on that particular flight because I booked my ticket late, I was flying alone, I have have full range of physical motion, and I am neither old nor young (42; not that it matters much).  Nevertheless, as a result of this colloquy, I felt special to be assigned an exit row seat, just as if I had been chosen as team captain during grade school gym class.  I was certain I could perform the duties required of me! I've taken CPR! I have a clear and projectable speaking voice (honed through teaching 100-person Federal Income Tax classes)!  Don't they want to see my CV?  Oh, they picked me!  

Curiously, the question three-peat did inspire a sense of obligation, the same way I feel when I am called for jury duty. Unless I had a really good reason, I felt, I was required to accept the responsibility.  My number had been drawn.  It was my turn.  That's a feeling I don't have too often in day-to-day life.

Admittedly, I joyfully accepted the extra legroom that came along with my duties.  Courthouses -- where one can usually find chairs just as uncomfortable as airline seats -- might do well to create some cushier waiting area for jurors. I might re-up for jury duty next time with more enthusiasm.

 

Comments

[andy]

That's a little worrisome that you have been asked only once. They should be asking every time.

I've flown in the exit row about 30 times in the last year, and every single time I am asked the same questions, at check in, boarding, and seating.

Most likely, you were chosen for the exit row because most major airlines leave those seats open for elite customers as late as possible, and late ticket purchasers are thus sometimes placed in those seats (since they are held open until the very last minute). Not to say that you were not deserving of this patriotic duty, of course. . .