Air passenger perceptions on exit row seating and flight safety education

This paper investigates passenger perceptions about exit row seating limitations and obligations and about the effects of flight safety education given to the general public. The results of an empirical study in Taiwan showed that passengers in Taiwan misunderstood exit row seating, especially the age limitation regulation. The respondents also misunderstood the exit row seating obligations of being able to: (1) recognize the emergency exit opening mechanism and related instructions and (2) assist and help other passengers deplane when an emergency occurs. Statistically, there are significant differences between passenger age-groups and between passengers who travel and those who travel more by air. Passengers strongly believe that flight safety education is vital to the general public; therefore, they believe that the government needs to do more to develop safety awareness and education for passengers.