As I write this, my husband and I are on an emergency trip to New Orleans for a funeral. Given the short notice and the fact that the NCAA Playoffs are going on in New Orleans, we had to fly an alien airline. As a result, we're seated in center seats in separate rows in coach. I'm a size 4, but I can hardly move. Since the man in front of me put his seat back, I can't even unfold my laptop to write on it.
Upgrades are the only salvation.
Acrue miles and use them to make the trip bearable. You may play better in some markets than others. As a woman, for example, I'm generally well received in Europe and a good ldeal less so in Asia. My biggest competitor asks me repeatedly how I landed a prize account in Paris. I'll know he believes me when he puts a female account manager on the Continent.