Frommer's travel guide reports that a standard economy class seat is 17 inches wide with 30 to 32 inches of legroom. Smarter Travel indicates that while premium class seats are only one or two inches wider than their economy counterparts, they offer more space between passengers, making the environment less cramped.
Frequent air travelers prize exit row seats, which offer at least two more inches of legroom than other economy class seats. Exit row passengers must be more than 15-years-old and willing and physically able to assist in lifting the door open after an emergency landing.
If your airline doesn't assign you a seat when you purchase your ticket, find out if they provide online check-in capability. If so, check in 24 hours before the flight and select your seat. If that's not possible, arrive at the airport as early as possible to get the best available seat.
