06-12-2021
01:09 PM
First, I am retired Air Force, flying air refueling aircraft and transport aircraft. I have dealt with in flight emergencies and opening hatches. First, "Saving seats" should not be allowed in emergency rows. Those who board with the best group numbers (ex: Business Select) should be allowed if they want one of those seats and it is open. On one flight, a male (aggressive and confrontational) passenger saved the other two seats in the emerg row for his family. The FA was there and said nothing when another tall passenger and Business Select wanted to sit there. When the other two family members came (C group), they were two elderly smaller women well into their late 70s or early 80s. That should not be allowed which is another issue for emergency egress. But: How does SW set some common sense boundaries and enforce it without fear of a lawsuit or a physical confrontation? In an emergency, things become chaotic,.. confusion and panic can set in. I have seen it on SW once when encountering severe turbulence on descent and approach (into Burbank CA). Some passengers were screaming, puking, crying and the FAs were doing their best to keep everyone calm.
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