This travel hack could well be the easiest one you ever try out – because all you have to do to ensure you get extra legroom on your next flight is simply turn up late
Anyone who has ever suffered through a long-haul flight in economy knows the level of discomfort you have to put up with to get to your destination. Sitting there for hours getting gradually stiffer and more than a little bit achy from the lack of space and movement, it’s easy to dream of having a seat on the plane that offers just a little bit extra legroom, and a bit more breathing space.
However, seats with more legroom can come at a premium on many flights, that many of us simply can’t afford to add to our holiday budget – no matter how much we wish we could. There might be an incredibly easy solution on the cards though – that an online holiday company recommends you consider trying out – and all you have to do for this one is simply turn up to your flight a bit late, which may come more naturally to some of us than others.
The experts at Travel Republic break down what has become known as “check-in chicken” and some content creators have filmed themselves trying out when jetting off on a break. Google searches for the travel hack have increased by 126 percent in the last month, according to the experts, as holidaymakers hope to score some extra legroom, or, ideally, a row of empty seats.
“‘Check-in Chicken’ is a savvy strategy where travellers intentionally delay online check-in, hoping for better seats. This method capitalises on the fact that airlines often charge extra for prime seats, split up travelling groups, and initially assign less desirable options. As check-in closes, the remaining seats tend to be the more desirable ones – like those with extra legroom,” the holiday company explains.
However, this hack isn’t for the faint-hearted, and if you start feeling anxious at the very thought of turning up late to your flight, or not being assured you definitely have a seat on your plane – it’s understandable if you would want to swerve this one. A major downside to this hack, which takes its name from the gave where two players go head to head to see who loses their nerve first, is that airlines quite often overlook their flights, because sometimes passengers don’t turn up.
If you wait too long, the experts advise, you could end up not getting a seat on the plane altogether. If you do want to give this one a try, they have three main tips you use to give it your best shot – and hopefully get your coveted upgrade.
Firstly, as it approaches the time to board, keep a keen eye on the online seating chart. “Using the airline’s app or website, you can often see which seats are still available and move closer to an empty row. For added flexibility, some airlines even allow passengers to swap seats up until just before boarding, making it possible to find extra legroom or a more spacious option at the last minute.”
The next tip is to chat up the gate agent – particularly if you want to get swapped to an empty row. Friendliness and manners won’t cost you a penny, and if the flight is not fully booked, whoever is manning the gate may well try to accommodate you.
Finally, make sure you are one of the last to board the plane. Other passengers may have been upgraded or had their seats swapped so they can sit together, which means if there are any empty rows, or pairs of seats, that would allow you a bit more space, you can try and claim it.
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