[jimworcs]

The cramming of passengers on aircraft with insufficent leg room is a safety issue. The rapid evacuation of an aircraft is likely to be impaired by the inability of passengers to get out of the tiny space they are allocated quickly and efficiently. Statistics will show that we are getting taller (and wider), and the airlines response seems to be to reduce the available space. When aircraft manufacturers test evacuation procedures and times they should be made to ensure that a significant proportion of the test evacuees are tall, disabled, elderly, obese, children etc. If you watch the youtube examples of evaucations, it is made up of perfectly able people and fails to reflect the true nature of a typical flight.

Your suggestion about a fixed fee to purchase the emergency exit seats is available in many low cost operations in Europe and does work for people in your situation. The typical fee is £10 to £15 ($14 to $20). Alternatively, some low costs offer the chance to buy "pre-boarding" passes. However the real solution is to take out two rows, give everyone more room, and charge slightly more for the flights. The regulators should look again at this issue.