FYI, ( this was prolly mentioned somewhere, oh well) I just checked in online for US Airways flight 433 (JFK-PHX) for tomorrow morning, I have 0 (no) status with US or AA, they wanted to charge $67 for any front seats, however for an Exit row.. Row 10 seat F (~4 feet of legroom) there was no charge, only had to click yes that I understand it's an exit row. There are draw backs to that seat, (see Seat Guru) however I'll take it anyways.
I never really checked in online before, but it may be worth it going forward.