B737-800
Flight Attendant Current
Situational Awareness; Communication Breakdown
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Other / Unknown
General None Reported / Taken
Company Policy; Human Factors
During the walk through following the [passenger brief]; Flight Attendant A noticed that a [person of small stature] was sitting in the overwing exit row. Flight Attendant A was in boarding position during boarding; but may have been temporarily distracted by a request from the flight deck when the [passenger of small stature] boarded. Flight Attendant C had not asked for assistance or confirmation regarding the suitability of the [passenger of small stature] for overwing exit row seating. When Flight Attendant A returned to the forward jumpseat; she asked Flight Attendant C about the passenger and whether she thought the passenger met the requirements. Flight Attendant A had noticed that the [passenger's] feet were sticking out just beyond the seat. Flight Attendant C assured Flight Attendant A that she had asked this passenger if she could perform the duties and had been answered in the affirmative.The passenger was seated and the plane was moving when Flight Attendant A first saw her. Flight Attendant A could not estimate the passenger's height or mobility at this time.Since evacuations are such a rare event; flight attendants frequently do not want to risk a passenger confrontation or worse; a claim of discrimination by someone in a protected group. However; a person claiming to have a disability may not be likely to meet the requirements; and be disqualified from overwing exit row seating.The Safety Information Card states that a person who sits in the exit row must have sufficient strength and dexterity to toss objects the size of the exit row window (approximately 50 lbs.) over seats. Of course; in the past; we actually had to remove the window. While it is no longer necessary to pull the window out and toss it over seats; it is likely that in an emergency an ABA [Able Bodied Assistant] at the overwing exit might have to wrestle luggage away from exiting passengers and toss it over seats. An ABA would also be expected to be able to assist other passengers.When the [passenger] exited the aircraft; Flight Attendant A noticed that she was approximately as tall as the G7 counter; about 42 inches. She was not especially stout; and probably weighed 80-90 lbs. Considering that she was only 3.5 feet tall; it is unlikely that she had the strength or stature to toss heavy objects over seats; or even lift something that weighed more than half her weight; or manipulate something the size of an overwing exit window. The proportionally shorter arms and legs of [small stature passengers] impact mobility.Flight Attendants are deathly afraid to be charged with discriminating or have a scene that could result in negative media. Additionally; the Flight Attendant runs the risk of not being backed up by the Customer Service Representative if they call for assistance.
Flight Attendant reported a passenger of small stature sat in the exit row and caused doubt as to whether she would be capable of assisting in an emergency.