Commercial Fixed Wing
Flight Attendant Current
Confusion; Communication Breakdown; Training / Qualification
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Other / Unknown
Company Policy; Human Factors; Procedure
Passenger that lacked mobility was about to be boarded with seat assignment of over wing exit. He was brought to the airplane door in wheelchair with cane when we noticed his seat assignment was an exit row. We informed Passenger Service Representative that he could not be boarded in exit row. Passenger Service Representative asked us to reference in Flight Attendant Operating Manual (FAOM). We reference FOAM which states the following requirements be met: the person lacks sufficient mobility; strength; or dexterity in both arms and hands; and both legs to operate the exit and any slide mechanism. Passenger Service Representative said this training was only to ask if customer if they were able to perform exit row responsibilities not to assess whether customer could be in exit row or not. Also referencing FAR 121.587.
A Passenger Service Representative attempted to board a disabled passenger in an emergency exit row. The Flight Attendant cited the FAR prohibiting certain passengers; but the agent stated the passenger could perform the duties even if unable to exit.