Continental to let coach customers buy more space

Continental Airlines will begin charging coach customers extra if they want a seat with more legroom.

Prices will vary depending on the length of a flight and popularity of the route. A spokeswoman said extra room on a Houston-New York flight might cost $59. International fliers would pay more than that.

Starting March 17, coach customers will be able to pay the charge at check-in to get an exit-row seat with at least 7 inches more legroom than the other rows, Continental said Wednesday.

Top-level members of Continental's frequent-flier program - those who rack up at least 25,000 miles a year - and their traveling companions will still be able to claim the exit row without extra charge.

To see what other airlines are doing, visit:  http://bit.ly/8YCZKV