A seasoned traveller has unveiled a clever hack that she claims can cheat Ryanair's system, guaranteeing passengers aisle or window seats for free, effectively dodging the dreaded middle seat. Lauren Hawker-Jones, a travel tips expert from Jack's Flight Club, based in Barcelona, Spain, has demonstrated this method in a viral video, hailing it as a 'small-but-satisfying win for the average budget-conscious traveller'.
The Step-by-Step Guide to Beating the System
In footage that has amassed over 200,000 views, the 29-year-old from Birmingham, West Midlands, prepares to check in 24 hours before her flight. She identifies the available middle seats she wishes to avoid. Then, in a separate browser tab, she loads Ryanair's website again and initiates a new booking for the same flight. By adding three fictitious passengers to allocate those unwanted middle spaces, she tricks the system into reserving them, as Ryanair's algorithm assumes they are being purchased.
How It Leaves Only Desirable Seats
This manoeuvre leaves only the preferred aisle or window seats available for 'random allocation' during the check-in process. Lauren explains, 'As a budget traveller, I'm always looking out for small ways to make the journey more comfortable in a cost-effective way. Since testing this out a few months ago, I've tried it on every flight since and I've always landed a window or aisle seat.'
She emphasises that with increasing luggage restrictions and tighter seating becoming the norm, this hack feels like a minor victory for those mindful of expenses. 'I doubt it's going to sink Ryanair anytime soon, so if it helps even a few people avoid the dreaded middle seat without forking out even more cash, I think it's worth sharing,' she adds.
Support from the Travel Community
Katy Maclure, head of community and content at Jack's Flight Club, supports the hack, viewing it as a way to 'get back at Ryanair who have no shame in charging extra for more breathing room'. Katy notes, 'Lauren discovered it when she was travelling back to the UK to visit family, and she's managed to replicate it since. Our mission is to make sure people can travel without spending over the odds, and if we can find ways without having to pay these inflated fees, then we want to share them.'
Timing and Execution Are Key
The hack only works closer to the end of the check-in period when most seats are already allocated, requiring both time and determination. Katy explains, 'It's normal there's going to be a hold on that seat, so presuming there are enough seats left to buy, there's an opportunity to jump in on a bargain. Hating the middle seat is about personal space because if you're not willing to spend that bit extra, you're jumped in between people you don't know. It's like a punishment and it doesn't feel fair, so this is a good way to claim that personal space.'
Mixed Reactions from Social Media
The post, captioned 'desperate to avoid the middle seat?', has garnered over 2,400 likes and more than 75 comments. Supporters praised the ingenuity, with one user commenting, 'Love it, travel alone and hate the lottery of the seat picking.' Another added, 'Lol love it for real. The tech guys will hate it,' while a third claimed, 'I've done it with up to 20 seats.'
However, critics labelled it as unethical, with one stating, 'Not a hack. It's a cheapskate trying to dodge seat costs,' and another agreeing, 'Just pay the premium.' Ryanair has been contacted for comment but has not yet responded to these claims.
This hack highlights ongoing tensions between budget airlines and travellers seeking comfort without additional fees, sparking debate over fairness and innovation in the travel industry.
