A viral TikTok travel creator has shared a late check-in trick that could land passengers free extra legroom seats on Ryanair and Wizz Air, but warns the gamble carries risks.
The 'Check In Chicken' Strategy
Budget travel content creator Chelsea, who has amassed more than 5.5 million likes on TikTok, claims that delaying check-in is the best way to beat airline algorithms. Her strategy involves waiting as long as possible before checking in, because airlines typically allocate the least appealing seats first.
As the check-in window closes, the remaining seats are often the more expensive options, such as those at the front of the cabin or with extra legroom. Detailing a recent Wizz Air trip, Chelsea said she checked in just five hours before departure.
How the Gamble Pays Off
"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 revealed. The gamble paid off, and she was automatically allocated two highly sought-after seats with extra legroom free of charge.
Some passengers have also claimed the trick works on Ryanair journeys. The tactic, dubbed 'check in chicken', relies on the fact that both airlines charge for seats, split up travelling companions, and place people in 'bad seats' like middles or those away from exits.
The Risks of Overbooking
Chelsea warned that the hack comes with a major catch. Flights are sometimes overbooked on the assumption that a small percentage of passengers will be no-shows. Leaving check-in until the last minute risks being bumped from the flight entirely.
To mitigate this, she urged travellers to monitor the airline's live seating plan throughout the day, holding off until only premium seats remain. Another drawback is that late check-in often results in being placed in the final boarding group, meaning overhead lockers may be full and hand luggage could be placed in the hold.
The tactic sparked online debate. One user pleaded, "Stop telling everyone," while another confirmed success, saying, "No don't wreck this hack – I got 29E on Sunday by checking in an hour before it shut." However, one commenter had the opposite experience, writing, "I had the exact opposite experience, checked in the minute the flight opened and they put me in the exit row for free." Another warned, "Definitely not worth it. I know someone who tried this and was left with no seat and had to wait until the next flight the next day."
