Exit Row Seating Question

[Adrian B]

Without opening up the forum to abuse of those obese, a serious question based on an article in the Herald Sun.

Complaint Letter to jetstar

Based on the unfriendly descriptions of the passenger whom is sitting in the exit row, my question is why would the crew not move the allegedly obese passenger out of the exit row? Not due to the other passenger comfort, but due to safety?

If in fact the size of the person (based on the article, not my judgement) is 'extreme', would this not be a safety risk in that a person, will need to activate the emergency exit and proceed immediately out of the aircraft without 'blocking the exit?

I am no skinny linnie either, but I fit into my seat, and could open the door if required, and I regularly sit in exit rows. I have given my window exit row seat when i was unwell as I felt I could not operate the door in the event of an evacuation

Is there any policy / guideline in play here? My understanding was that at check in or the gate, a person could be refused an exit row seat, and moved to another seat if deemed not suitable for such a responsibility?

[Zac M]

As a general rule I assume with most airlines, if you need an extension belt you are too big for the exit.