The answer to whether exit rows have under-seat storage is generally no, at least during the most critical phases of flight. For safety reasons, the space directly in front of an exit row seat must remain completely clear during taxiing, takeoff, and landing. This prohibition applies to all items, including small personal bags, purses, and laptop cases, which must be stowed elsewhere. The primary concern is ensuring an immediate and unobstructed path to the emergency exit door in the event of an evacuation.
The Safety Mandate Against Under-Seat Storage
The prohibition against under-seat storage in exit rows is a non-negotiable requirement mandated by aviation regulatory bodies, such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States. This rule is not simply an airline preference but a standard designed to maximize passenger survival in an emergency. The core principle is maintaining an “unobstructed path” from the seat to the exit door.
Any item placed on the floor in front of an exit row seat, even a small personal item, is considered a tripping hazard. During an emergency evacuation, which must be completed in 90 seconds or less, a bag on the floor can slow the flow of passengers or cause a fall, potentially blocking the exit for those behind. Flight attendants ensure the floor space is completely clear before the aircraft moves to mitigate this risk.
The rule applies specifically to the floor area directly in front of the exit row seats, which is the space that would normally be used for under-seat storage. This area is considered part of the designated evacuation route. Since the exit row passenger is responsible for assisting with the evacuation, their immediate access to the aisle and the exit must be unimpeded.
Alternative Storage Solutions and Timing
For travelers seated in an exit row, the only acceptable storage location for all carry-on items during critical phases of flight is the overhead bin. This includes both the larger carry-on bag and the smaller personal item (e.g., a backpack or purse). All items must be placed securely in the overhead compartment before the cabin doors are closed for departure.
Once the aircraft reaches cruising altitude and the seatbelt sign is turned off, passengers may retrieve personal items from the overhead bin. The item can then be kept on the lap or placed on the floor directly at the passenger’s feet, provided it does not extend into the aisle or impede movement. This temporary allowance provides access to in-flight necessities like reading material, headphones, or snacks.
However, the personal item must be returned to the overhead bin well before the aircraft begins its descent for landing. A practical strategy for exit row passengers is to consolidate essential items into a small, easily accessible pouch or pocket within their personal bag. This minimizes the need to access the overhead bin during the flight and ensures a quick return of the item before landing.
Exit Row Variations and Exceptions
The configuration of the aircraft can affect the storage situation, particularly in bulkhead exit rows. A bulkhead exit row is located immediately behind a solid wall, meaning there is no seat in front of the passenger to store anything under. In these cases, all items must remain in the overhead bin for the entire duration of the flight, as there is no alternative floor space available.
On aircraft with two consecutive exit rows, the strict “no under-seat storage” rule applies equally to both. Both rows are considered part of the immediate evacuation area, and the floor space in front of both must be kept clear to ensure a rapid flow of passengers toward the emergency door.
A notable exception is the row immediately behind the exit row. Since this row is not directly adjacent to the emergency door, it is not considered part of the primary evacuation path. Passengers in the row behind the exit row are permitted to use the under-seat storage space in front of them, just like any other standard seat.