Q – I tend to fly a great deal in my job as a quality inspector for a manufacturing company. Lately, I’ve started getting to the gate early and asking for the Exit Row window seat. Each time I do I get asked if I would be able and willing to assist in case of an emergency. But the thought occurred to me yesterday – what if there really was an emergency. Do I do my Mariah Carey impression? Can I get sued if I don’t do certain things? If someone can’t make it through the door to the slide because they are too hefty am I required to rub them down with olive oil and try again? I really am concerned about this.
A – This is a rather grey area. No need to apply olive oil – just ask the heavyweights to stay with the plane and explain that someone will be back to get them. But your serious responsibilities generally include helping to open the door, helping people through it, and then, at the bottom of the exit slide, telling people to move away from the aircraft. The good news is that this is as unlikely a scenario as Trump’s induction into Mensa.
