If you can't fly first class, and you don't have enough mileage for an upgrade, and you are facing a coast-to-coast trip that will last four or five hours, or perhaps an overseas trip that will last seven hours or even fifteen hours to a really far away place like Australia, you can still be comfortable if you want to be.
Here are some tips I've developed in over forty years of flying, plus some research into the experiences of others. Use them and relax!

If you fly a lot, try to get into the very-frequent-flyer or elite status offered by some airlines to get the best seats on the plane. Or, try asking the attendant at the departure desk for the seat you want when you get your boarding pass. It helps to give a reason, such as: you are too tall for the average seat, you don't feel well and need to be near the toilets, or whatever your situation is that might work for you. The best seats are usually those right near the emergency exits or the bulkhead seats. They have the most legroom in coach.

What do you do if you get stuck with a middle seat on a cramped plane? Try waiting until shortly before takeoff and then going out to the gate agent in the departure lounge. Tell him or her your sad tale and ask if they have a better seat that may be available because of no-shows at the last minute. If the seats haven't all been taken by standby passengers, you may be able to get a better seat. It's worth a try.

HINTS FOR BETTER SEATS:

• Ask for a seat in aisle 13. Many superstitious people shun that aisle and it is often half empty.
• If you are flying with a companion, ask for seats with one seat between you, rather than side-by-side. If the flight is not heavily booked that space may remain empty, giving you more room.
• After you are airborne, remove the armrest between your seat and the one next to you, if you can. This allows more "tushie-room".
• When flying alone, pick an aisle seat in the center section. With a bit of luck the seat next to you may remain empty.
• Avoid cattle car aircraft. If you are taking a long flight on a 737, 747, or 757, try getting on a different flight, or another airline that doesn't use these flying sardine cans. An exception might be the new A-320, which has sculpted seats and headrests and one more inch wider seats.
• If you get a 777, ask how many seats across there are. If the answer is ten across, go somewhere else if possible. If the answer is nine across, you may be comfortable on the flight.
• Best bet for comfort in coach: the 767, with its two-three-two configuration and comfortable seats gives you a chance to relax, if possible.
• Do some research. Airlines such as Alaska Airlines, TWA, Midwest Express are consistently rated more comfortable in coach (depending again on the aircraft being used).
• Get a copy of the June, 1995, issue of Consumer Reports Travel Letter, which rates the comfort of each type of aircraft, airline by airline. An updated version is scheduled for mid-1997.

If none of the above works, wait until the door to the aircraft has been shut and get up and simply stake your claim to an empty seat (if there are any). You usually can accomplish your mission if you are tactful and don't make a scene. Leave your baggage in the overhead bin and get it when you land.

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