Bulkhead seating
 

Anyone have any tips for getting bulkhead or emergency exit row seats on airplanes?

Ask.

As a sometimes business traveler I know you have to get to the airport EARLY for this. I don't think airlines will let you reserve Emergency in advance (I have tried). With Emergencey row, I think they need a visual to see if you can physically open the door, etc. For bulkhead, sometimes you'll get lucky when you check in and ask nicely, but I think the frequent mileage customers are always given first choice on these (I think the airlines keep them open till the last minute for them).

Living in Atlanta I usually fly Delata and now the only way to get bulkhead reserved in advance is to be a medallion memeber (they automatically hold the first couple of rows). Otherwise get to the airport early and ask nicely for the bulkhead or emergency row.

If you are particularly tall some airlines see it as a need and will give that to you.<BR><BR>Also on Delta's website you can pick you seat in advance and it shows where those are.

I travel extensively mostly for business on Northwest Airlines. They will give emergency/bulkhead seats to their Elite members first. Elite members can reserve either type of seat prior to departure. To become an Elite member you must fly a minimum of 25,000 (silver) air mi. in a calender year 50,000 mi.(gold) 75,000 mi.(platinum)<BR>This is also why you see so many passengers flying in first class. The airlines award complimentary upgrades to first class for being a loyal customer.

United Airlines also gives first priority to their members with high status.