NEW YORK » Choosing a seat on an airplane isn’t just about legroom anymore. New "selection" fees and extra charges to sit in certain locations in the aircraft have complicated the process.

With airlines now charging for things that used to be baked into the ticket price — a strategy known as unbundling — they’re dinging passengers for seats with more legroom or near the front of the plane. For some people it’s worth the cost. But passengers should beware: Not all so-called "premium" seats deliver what the airline promises. And while most seats in coach can be had without paying a fee, some discount airlines charge passengers for selecting a seat — any seat.

Here’s a look at where to sit for a quieter ride, the most space and which seats are worth the higher price.

The basics

Where is the best place, in general, to sit on a plane? You’ll likely experience a quieter ride — and less turbulence — in the front, where the plane is more stable. So, if you tend to get airsick, aim for the first few rows. Up front, you’ll avoid the annoyance of being near the bathrooms, the galley and the engines. And for those who fear the worst, statistics show you have a better chance of surviving a plane crash in the front.

One drawback: If you’re sitting in the first row, you won’t always have room to stretch your legs because of the wall dividing coach and first class.

The next best seats are in the emergency exit rows. Although the trip is noisier, you’ll have extra space to stretch your legs. But if your plane has two emergency exit rows back to back, like the popular Boeing 737, the first row of seats won’t fully recline. Sit in that second row if you can.

Premium seats

Airlines are squeezing in more seats to get more money per flight, making coach class sometimes feel like a cattle car. A "premium" coach seat, generally in the front of the plane, holds the promise of some peace and quiet — and more legroom. But travelers beware: Paying extra doesn’t always mean you’ll get extra. While some airlines will give you more legroom and others tie in priority boarding, some airlines are just charging extra for little or no extra benefit.

The priority boarding option might be worth it if you want to get on and off the plane quickly, but it’s possible to get a seat close to the front without paying extra. Plus, the premium seats can only be reserved at the airport. That might inconvenience travelers accustomed to checking in online.

Which airlines provide the most incentive to pay extra? United and JetBlue. Both provide enough extra legroom to make it worth your while, as well as priority boarding incentives.

Rule of thumb: Book early, and always choose your seat when you book.