Not Willing

This photograph of is from a Pune-Hyderabad flight from yesterday. Generally airlines won't ask passengers to open doors, but when they do (especially emergency doors) - it may not be the best time to express reservations.


(Closer Look)

Still, the third category of ineligibles for filling a particular seat next to the exit is baffling -

"Persons who are not willing to open the Exit"

Some common problems with such instructions:

• How does one identify such an individual, does the cabin-crew ask?

• Is previous experience in such door-opening activities necessary?

• Does such a passenger get compensation/air-miles for his emergency-doorman duties?

• What if the plane is full and no one is willing?

• What if the only "willing" passenger wants an isle seat?

• What happens if the passenger changes his mind after initially consenting?

• What if the passenger is "willing" but not able to figure it out?

• On what cue does the passenger open the exit? For eg: When he hears a Doorbell perhaps?

• What if the exit is opened but there is no emergency? Does the passenger retain his seat?

• What if the passenger is overly enthusiastic about opening the exit - is that a cause for concern?

and so on.

(Photography: Dr. Vijay)