How to Fly Coach in Comfort

Pay extra for comfort

Exit-row supplements: Many airlines—currently including Delta, Northwest, US Airways, Spirit, and AirTran—now charge for exit row seats; the fees range from $5 to $75 depending on the airline and distance traveled.

Legroom: Several airlines are tinkering with special seats at the front of the plane, which offer four to six extra inches of legroom ($10 at JetBlue, $14 at United, $35 at Spirit).

Priority status: United is experimenting with a “Premier Line” program at some airports that starts at $25 and includes access to priority check-in lines, security lines, and boarding passes.