A viral travel expert has revealed a trick to secure premium seats on budget airlines for free by delaying check-in, a strategy that carries significant risks. The tip has gained attention on TikTok, where the creator has amassed more than 5.5 million likes.
Budget airlines frequently split up travelling companions and assign the least appealing seats first, such as middle seats or those at the back of the plane, hoping passengers will pay to upgrade. The viral strategy, dubbed 'check-in chicken', involves waiting as long as possible before checking in, so that only the more expensive options—like seats at the front of the cabin or those with extra legroom—remain available.
How the hack works
Travel content creator Chelsea detailed a recent trip with Wizz Air, where she checked in just five hours before departure. "I have not checked in yet, as essentially what they do is palm off middle seats or the back of the plane in the hope that you will then pay to change your seat," she explained. The gamble paid off, and she was automatically allocated two seats with extra legroom free of charge. Some frequent flyers have also reported success with this trick on Ryanair flights.
The risks of checking in late
Chelsea warned that the hack comes with a major catch. If a flight is overbooked and you are the last to board, you risk being removed from the flight. To mitigate this, she advised travellers to monitor the airline's live seating plan throughout the day, waiting until only premium seats remain available.
Another drawback is that late check-in likely places you in the final boarding group, meaning overhead lockers will already be full. This increases the chance of hand luggage being taken at the gate and placed in the hold, adding a wait at the baggage carousel upon arrival.
Other ways to avoid hidden fees
For those who prefer to avoid the stress, there are guaranteed ways to keep holiday costs down when flying budget. Setting a check-in alarm is essential, as airlines like Ryanair charge a £55 fee to print a boarding pass at the desk if you forget to check in online. Investing in a soft, squishy backpack that meets the airline's 'free small bag' dimensions can help avoid cabin bag fees, as soft bags are easier to squeeze into sizing crates than rigid suitcases.
Bringing an empty reusable water bottle through security to fill at airport fountains, and packing dry snacks from the supermarket, can also avoid the expensive in-flight trolley and aeroplane food markups.
