Federal regulations require that a Customer select a non-exit seat if he or she cannot or does not wish to perform the following functions:
Locate the emergency exit
Recognize the emergency exit opening mechanism
Comprehend the instructions for operating the emergency exit
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
Pass expeditiously 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 dexterity 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, deposit on nearby seats, or maneuver over the seatbacks to the next row or out the opening objects the size and weight of over-wing window exit doors
Remove obstructions similar in size and weight to overwing exit windows
Reach the emergency exit expeditiously
Maintain balance while removing obstructions
Exit expeditiously
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
Have the ability to read and understand instructions related to emergency evacuation provided by Southwest in printed or graphic form
Have the ability to understand oral crew commands
Have sufficient visual capacity to perform applicable functions without the assistance of visual aids beyond contact lenses or eyeglasses
Have sufficient aural capacity to hear and understand instructions shouted by Flight Attendants without assistance beyond a hearing aid
Have the ability to 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 his or her 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 he or she performs one or more of the applicable functions
