Rear exits aren't absolutely unheard of: the 727 and the DC-9 family had rear stair exits, and the 727 one was used in flight at least once (by 'DB Cooper' - pr

Rear exits aren't absolutely unheard of: the 727 and the DC-9 family had rear stair exits, and the 727 one was used in flight at least once (by 'DB Cooper' - probably not successfully though). I don't fancy the chances of the crew getting the whole cabin of a 737 out of a single door, in flight, after fitting parachutes, but without parachute training, before hitting the ground, though. Even leaving aside the weight and bulk of the parachutes. As you say, not a great idea.