Want to travel in comfort without forking over big bucks for business or first class? There’s another way. You can still score a few extra perks (even those without elite airline status) without breaking the bank. Many U.S. airlines offer a premium economy product on long-haul flights, but this can cost quite a bit more than the standard economy class ticket. However, there is a subset of “preferred” seats that costs only a fraction more than economy—and we’re not just talking about exit-row seats.
These extra-legroom seats sometimes even come with supplemental goodies that are quite valuable. And if you do have elite status, you may even be able to get these seats for free, both for yourself and companions on your reservation. Here’s what you need to know about choosing the best seats in the main cabin for extra legroom from five top U.S. airlines.
JetBlue Even More Space (up to 38 inches)
While not all planes have the same configuration, JetBlue’s Even More Space seats have as much as 38 inches of extra legroom, easily putting them at the top of their class. The airline already offers free Wi-Fi to all passengers, and those booking this slight upgrade receive priority boarding as well as fast-track security in airports that offer it. The cost for these seats varies based on the length of the flight, but keep an eye out for upgrade offers on your reservation. TrueBlue Mosaic members, as well as top American Airlines elite members, can enjoy access to these seats free of charge. For everyone else, the additional cost can be between $15 and $200 on most flights.
Delta Comfort+ (up to 35 inches)
When flying Delta Air Lines, Medallion members get early access to Comfort+ seats, which come with extra legroom and free alcoholic drinks on most flights. On flights over 900 miles, there’s even a snack basket with more choices available here than the rest of the plane, similar to some options you might find in first class. These seats are available for a surcharge with the price depending on the flight length, typically between $20 to $150. Delta says these seats have up to three more inches of legroom compared to the standard economy seat, although the exact amount varies by aircraft. On most Delta planes, it’s between 34 and 35 inches of legroom (although some aircraft have exit rows with a few more inches).
United Economy Plus (up to 37 inches)
These seats are located toward the front of the economy cabin and can have as much as six inches of legroom more than regular economy. United was one of the first domestic airlines to offer these more spacious seats, which it makes available to its elite status members at no extra charge. Others can pay a small fee, often between $20 and $200, depending on the length of the flight. Like other airlines, passengers who do not pay for these seats (or do not qualify to sit there with elite status) aren’t allowed to move there without paying, and United’s basic economy fares are not eligible to upgrade to these seats. Other than the extra leg room, there aren’t any other tangible perks for Economy Plus. If you fly United often enough, it may make sense to purchase an annual subscription pass to Economy Plus (starting at $599) giving you unlimited access on all your flights for a year, with an option to buy a pass that allows up to eight companions on the same reservation.
American Main Cabin Extra (up to 39 inches)
These extra legroom seats are available on all flights, with prices starting at an additional $20 and usually reaching around $200 more on the longest flights. Not only will you get as much as six inches of more space for your legs, but on flights with standard beverage service you’ll get a free alcoholic drink, too. Earlier boarding is another benefit giving those in Main Cabin Extra a head start to find space for their carry-on bag. The amount of leg room varies based on aircraft type, with only a handful of planes offering up to 39 inches in certain exit rows. Elite status members (including members from airline partners like JetBlue and Alaska) get free access to these seats and can bring along companions traveling on the same reservation, too.
Alaska Airlines Premium Class (up to 38 inches)
With as much as four extra inches of legroom, Alaska’s Premium Class is available on most flights. It comes with free wine, beer, or spirits (on flights over 350 miles) and early boarding privileges. Alaska and American elite status members get free access to these seats at varying times before departure, depending on the fare they purchase. The uptick to these seats for everyone else starts at just an additional $15, with the price going up based on the length of the flight and often capping out at about $150.
Editor’s note: Because airlines are constantly updating their cabins and fleets, the figures listed are subject to change after publishing. In addition, some aircraft may have certain exit rows that have more room than other extra legroom flights, and the prices charged for any of these seats can vary.
