What is the minimum age required for a passenger to sit in an exit seat?

The minimum age required for a passenger to sit in an exit seat is 15 years old. This age requirement is in place because sitting in an exit row entails certain responsibilities for the passenger during an emergency, such as assisting crew members in the event of an evacuation. Individuals in these seats must be mature enough to fully comprehend and fulfill these responsibilities, which is why the age limit is set at 15, as this is typically considered the age at which most individuals are capable of understanding the necessary safety protocols and directions associated with exit row seating.

The other provided age options are either below or above the legally recognized age of responsibility for such tasks in aviation safety regulations. Choosing an age of 12 or younger fails to acknowledge the maturity needed for performing potentially life-saving actions, while a limit of 21 may be unnecessarily stringent, as 15-year-olds can already demonstrate the required level of understanding.