Best Paid Airline Amenities 2017

Low-cost carrier JetBlue is already known for ample legroom in economy and free extras like Wi-Fi, so it's no surprise that its paid add-ons pack plenty of value as well. The airline's Even More Space seats in the main cabin grant you increased seat pitch and early boarding, but that's not all. The roomier seats now come with Even More Speed, or expedited security, in some cities. The extra convenience starts as soon as you arrive at the airport, and as other airlines encroach on leg room and overhead bin privileges, JetBlue is staying true to your personal space. Cost varies by route, but you can see exactly how much more you'll pay before booking.

Famed traveler and chef Anthony Bourdain said it best when he revealed in 2016 that he doesn't eat airplane food—unless it's wine and cheese to hold him over. Premium handmade Seattle cheese Beecher's Flagship meets that need for the average flyer on Alaska Airlines in the Pacific Northwest and beyond: the airline sold 1.5 million in 2015 (about 4,200 per day). For $6, upgrade your bag of pretzels to a platter of local cheddar and brie served with fresh grapes and apples. Travelers can reserve theirs up to a week in advance using the airline's mobile app.

Craving an authentic Mai Tai before you've even landed in paradise? Hawaiian Airlines takes inflight cocktails to a new level with its signature pre-made cocktails by On the Rocks. Options include a Lychee Vodka Martini, a Mai Tai, and a Li Hing Vodka Gimlet. For $8, the colorful and preservative-free cocktails will have you feeling like you're in first class. They're made with natural juices like lychee, plum, and pineapple.

Forget stale airline coffee and standard inflight beer cans—low-cost airline Allegiant doesn't skimp on either. The Italian coffee roaster illy provides iced coffee as a specialty inflight beverage, and beer from Hawaiian brewery Kona has a spot on every Hawaii flight to make the trip fly by faster.

We see where airlines without seatback TVs are coming from—but we also appreciate a backup entertainment option beyond our own phone. For $10 to $15, United flyers can rent a preloaded inflight entertainment tablet—so you won't have to drain your own battery to stay occupied.

Extra leg room starting at $20 doesn't sound like a bad deal when you consider the grief it could save you on a long-haul flight. American Airlines' Main Cabin Extra can be purchased even after you've booked a standard ticket, and also gets you early boarding.

You don't have to overpay for spotty inflight Wi-Fi only to attempt and fail to connect with people on the ground. Southwest offers messaging capability for just $2 on pre-downloaded apps like (iMessage, WhatsApp and Viber)—a fraction of the price of most inflight Wi-Fi access.

Another extra leg-room option, Delta offers preferred seating selection for purchase that can also get you closer to the front of the plane, so you don't have to worry about that tight layover. Prices vary by route.