[MikeSteelBe]

I hate to sound ignorant, but what could “refusal to comply with exit row instructions” actually mean?

[NorthMountain]

If you are seated in an exit row, the FA will ask you to verbally, out loud, affirm that you have read the instructions on how to operate the exit, that you understand the instructions, that you are both willing and physically able to carry them out, and that you are willing to assist other passengers. You may be asked more than once.

It's fairly simple, and a simple "Yes" is sufficient answer. If you answer "No" the FA will have no trouble finding someone willing to trade seats with you.

[alternatives?]

She said she wouldn’t help anyone else out. Someone heard and reported her. She could have kept her mouth shut at the start or moved to another seat after confronted but no.

[pghoilman]

I’m more curious as to what “called her outside her name” means.

[butterdezillion]

I don’t understand this either. It sounds like it means that whoever is in the exit row has to help others get off the plane if there’s trouble. This gal first said she would help herself before she helps anybody else, but then agreed verbally to the terms of the exit row instructions. So I don’t understand what the problem was. She obviously has an attitude but she also did verbally agree to the terms.

I suppose the airline might not want to risk any liability if the gal actually did look after herself first if something happened, since that was what she initially said she’d do. I can’t help but wonder why they didn’t just ask her to trade seats with somebody else.

[Carl Vehse]

Here's an example of Exit row instructions from Southwest Airlines. I suspect Frontier Airlines requirements are similar.

[heartwood]

I think it means, could and would she assist others. She at first said she would save herself, which is good...gets her out of the way.

Then she said something about helping Betty White, which is like me saying something about helping Aunt Esther. It’s racist.