I recently bought two seats on Air France ATL-FCO and asked for bulkhead or exit row seats. I was told that these seats, along with all window seats, were assigned at the gate. Why put more work on the gate people? Does this make sense? Was I put off? Help.

Most non-US airlines I've traveled (Europen, Asian, Australian) have a similair policy. They assign almost all of the seats at check-in. Although, I'm used to the assigned-when-you-book-it method common here in the States, most of my European friends prefer the assigned-at-check-in stategy, they feel it's fairer. So, I guess those airlines are just giving their customers what they want. You know, when in Rome.....

It has been my experice that most airlines (US and international) assign "exit row" seats ONLY at the gate.

Greetings, <BR> YS is correct, all airlines are supposed to assign exit row seats at check-in. The reason being the requirements to safely operate the emergency doors, etc. These requirements inclued language ability, age (no children), and general ability to get the job done. Many US airlines will pre-assign these seats to holders of their frequent flyer cards. <BR>Airlines generally like to “reserve” their Bulkhead seats for children traveling alone and/or passengers with handicaps. <BR> <BR>Cheers <BR>

I just booked a RT flight on AF from JFK to CDg and requested and got window seats both ways, confirmed. The exit rows are typically given out at the airport, after an agent has confirmed that the passenger can be responsible for the exit row activities, should an emergency arise.

This is true. These seats are usually reserved to be assigned at the gate. mant times they are taken early from people who check in early or who are on a connecting flight. Generally the exit row must be assigned to a person who can handle the door in an emergency. BUT.... I am not sure what the policy is on other airlines but United will pre assign exit row seats to their 'known' gold frequent flyer card holders. United also holds the first third of the coach section for their most dedicated frequent flyers (called Ecomomy Plus). So if you fly United and want to sit in the front, exit row or bulkhead, you will probably need to have a silver or gold Mileage Plus card. There is one exception, you can pay more and get one of these seats.