One drawback of exit-row seats is that the armrests are fixed, so you can't lift them for extra space, even if the row isn't complete. If you have a tight connection. In a few cases, especially a 757-300, there are two exits, and exit-row seats can be located as far back as row 33 (on United) and 41 (on Delta).

While the extra legroom of an exit row is highly coveted, there are several practical reasons to avoid these seats. First, they come with significant legal responsibilities: you must be physically able and mentally willing to operate a heavy emergency door (often weighing over 40 lbs) and assist others during an evacuation. If you are traveling with children, pets, or have any mobility issues, you are legally prohibited from sitting there. Additionally, exit row seats are often narrower because the tray table is stored in the armrest, making the armrest fixed and immovable. There is also no under-seat storage allowed during takeoff and landing for safety reasons, meaning all your personal items must go in the overhead bin. Finally, these rows can be colder due to their proximity to the door seals, and some exit row seats do not recline fully to avoid obstructing the exit path, which can make a long-haul flight quite uncomfortable for those looking to sleep.