Allegiant flyer Ben Smith (@benjispears) isn’t the first one to enjoy beverages on board—and he certainly won’t be the last. But when he realized what seat he was in, he was forced to rethink his choice.
Smith is a popular TikToker with 1.5 million followers. He is best known for his bartender content. However, in a recent video about his Allegiant flight, he garnered 254,100 views.
The TikTok consisted of Smith showing viewers he was in the exit row, before panning the camera to himself.
Accompanying on-screen text read: “When you’re seven mimosas in and you realize you have everyone on the planes safety in your hands.”
BroBible reached out to Smith via Instagram direct message.
What Did Commenters Say?
One wrote, “I’d be switching seats. That’s too much pressure, friend.” Smith replied, “But the leg room!”
On the subject of legroom, a second added, “You got this. Have another and enjoy that leg room.”
While a third shared, “OMG my flight attendant basically said I couldn’t drink because I was in an exit row.”
Elsewhere, a fourth said, “I once sat in an emergency exit row seat and the flight attendant came up and asked if we could ‘confirm we would help other passengers escape to safety incase of an accident.’ Like dude I’m only 22? But sure alright?”
And a fifth quipped, “I’d book this seat and still save nobody but me IDGAF.”
What Is The Significance Of The Exit Row?
If you are an exit row passenger on a plane, there are certain expectations. These expectations are so important, some argue that drinking as an exit row passenger should be prohibited.
Usually, exit row seats are the nearest seats to the plane’s emergency exit. As Direct Travel points out, they’re often desirable to some passengers. This is because they have extra leg room and less crowding. But some responsibilities come with these perks.
According to Direct Travel, airlines are mandated by organizations like Air Canada and the FAA to ensure these rows are kept clear. They are also mandated to ensure that the passengers sitting in the seats meet the appropriate safety requirements.
The site also listed some common requirements for exit row passengers. This includes being at least 15 or 18 years old (depending on what country you’re in), being fluent in the language spoken by the crew, being physically able to open the emergency exit, and, most importantly, being willing to help passengers in the case of an emergency.
Moreover, some disqualifying qualities include needing a seatbelt extender, travelling with pets or babies, medical conditions that inhibit reaction times or mobility, and an unwillingness or inability to listen to crew instructions.