Ever found yourself crammed into a middle seat on a long-haul flight, desperately eyeing the empty row ahead? There's a clever trick seasoned travellers swear by to increase their chances of getting that precious extra space – and it's all about a little-known button most passengers ignore.
The Boarding Pass Secret Airlines Don't Advertise
When checking in online, most passengers simply accept whatever seat the system assigns them. But travel experts reveal there's actually a way to request seat changes that dramatically improves your odds of sitting alone.
How It Works
The magic happens during online check-in when you see your assigned seat:
- Look for the 'Change Seat' button (often overlooked)
- Check the seat map for clusters of empty seats
- Select an aisle or window seat with empty adjacent seats
- Confirm your new selection before boarding
This simple move puts you in prime position to claim extra space if the flight isn't full. Airlines typically fill planes front-to-back, so seats near the rear often have better availability.
Why This Works Better Than Asking at the Gate
Many travellers wait until boarding to request seat changes, but by then it's often too late. Flight attendants have limited authority to reseat passengers once boarding begins due to weight distribution requirements.
By making your move during online check-in (usually opening 24-48 hours before departure), you're working with the airline's automated system that prioritises seat assignments before human agents get involved.
Pro Tips for Maximum Success
- Check in exactly when it opens for best seat selection
- Avoid peak travel times - midweek flights tend to be less full
- Look for newly added aircraft - these often have more availability
- Be flexible - moving a few rows can make all the difference
While nothing guarantees an empty seat, this strategy significantly improves your odds. As one frequent flyer noted: 'I've had entire rows to myself on transatlantic flights just by being strategic about seat selection.'
Remember, this isn't about gaming the system – it's simply using the tools airlines provide to make your journey more comfortable. With fuel costs high and flights operating near capacity post-pandemic, every inch of extra space counts.
