Prices will vary depending on the length of flight and popularity of the route. A spokeswoman says extra room on a Houston-New York flight might cost $59.
The airline doesn't plan to reconfigure its planes but instead will charge extra for those who want to sit in exit-row seats with at least 7 inches more legroom than the other rows in coach.
Top-level members of Continental's frequent-flier program will be able to claim the exit row without extra charge.