Get Some Extra Legroom on Your Next Flight

You can get a little extra legroom on your next flight—without paying for first class. Here are a few seats with some breathing space:

• Exit rows . Federal Aviation Administration rules require that seats by emergency exits have extra space between the back of the seats in front. Remember: If you sit in an exit row you must be willing and able to work the emergency door. Also, exit row seats generally can't be booked in advance, but you can request them at the gate.
• Bulkhead rows . Seats right behind a cabin divider spare you from having someone recline a seat back into your lap. These seats are sometimes reserved for travelers who need extra boarding time, but ask your agent anyway.
• Inside aisle seats . On wide-body planes, middle seats in the center section are considered least desirable, so they're the last to be assigned. Your best shot at having an empty seat next to you is to ask for an aisle seat in the center section.

If you want a seat in a specific location, ask the airline or your travel agent when you can have it assigned. If you can't get an advance assignment, visit the gate check-in before your flight and ask for the seat you want.

For more information, go to www.seatguru.com.

Dread the hassles that come with flying? We'll make things a bit easier:

• Avoiding Connecting Flights at All Costs
• A New Way to Breeze Through Airport Security
• The Truth About Travel