If you are traveling overseas (especially to Asia) and you want to have more leg room, simply ask for an emergency row exit seat when checking in at the airport. being 6 feet 3 inches tall, my legs get cramped even in an aisle seat when sitting in coach. I can survive on a two hour trip, but a 10 hour trip just kills me.

I have found that getting to the airport early (about 3 to four hours ahead of time versus 2 hours) and asking for an emergency exit seat will get it for me about 70% of the time. My recent trip I got it both ways.

While the seat width isn’t as good as business class, the leg room is better in most instances. It certainly makes for a much more comfortable flight. The airlines usually don’t assign these seats until the day of departure (unless the plane is fully booked) so it’s the person who asks for it first on the departing date that usually receives it.

I have found getting the emergency exit row seat is a lot easier on international flights to Asia than to those to and from Europe. i think more people who fly to Europe know this making the competition for the seats a bit more competitive.

If you do travel, it’s certainly worth the few seconds it takes to ask and you’ll have a much more comfortable flight.