A family travel expert has unveiled a sneaky yet legal trick to avoid paying extra for airline seats, ensuring families can sit together without the hefty fees.
Many airlines charge passengers extra to reserve specific seats, particularly for groups or families. However, this travel pro has discovered a simple workaround that could save parents a small fortune.
The Sneaky Seat Selection Hack
Instead of paying upfront to reserve seats, the expert suggests waiting until online check-in opens—usually 24 hours before the flight. At this point, airlines often release blocked seats, allowing passengers to select them for free.
Why does this work? Airlines typically hold back a portion of seats for operational reasons, such as accommodating passengers with disabilities or last-minute bookings. As the flight departure nears, these seats are released to the general public.
Top Tips for Guaranteed Family Seating
- Check in early: Be ready when online check-in opens to grab the best available seats.
- Be flexible: If adjacent seats aren't available, consider splitting into smaller groups (e.g., two and two).
- Ask at the gate: If all else fails, politely ask the gate agent—they may help rearrange seating.
While this trick isn't foolproof, it has worked for many families looking to cut costs on their travels. Always check the airline's specific policies, as some budget carriers are stricter about seat assignments.
