Hot to Get Extra Legroom on Your Next Flight for Free With This Simple Travel Hack
Forget overpriced seat upgrades—this clever travel trick is changing the game for economy flyers.
Let’s say you’ve booked your dream getaway. The sun, sand, and serenity are just a plane ride away. But before you fasten your seatbelt and sip on that in-flight tomato juice, there’s a critical question to answer: Where will you sit?
When it comes to air travel, economy seats are not all the same. While extra legroom, being near the aisle and sitting up front are great, they usually cost more.
However, a smart new trend, sparked by savvy travelers on TikTok, is helping passengers get better seats without paying extra.
The “Check-In Chicken” Strategy—What Is It?
This hack is known as “check-in chicken” because it changes the usual way people travel. Although many people like to check in as soon as they can, it’s better to wait a bit.
The basic idea is that airlines give away the best seats later in the check-in process. When the time to board approaches and there are only a few premium economy seats or seats with better legroom left, the airline might give them away for free (only paying for the normal airfare).
In other words, by holding off on check-in, you may be left with fewer choices—but those choices could be much better.
Where It All Started
After flying with Wizz Air, budget travel expert Chelsea Dickenson posted a video on TikTok(@cheapholidayexpert) showing her results. She showed that by checking in late, just 5.5 hours before departure, she was able to not only avoid the rush associated with booking but she also landed a seat with extra legroom for free.
Two hours earlier, over 20 seats had been available. But by choosing to wait a bit more, she found that only the top-tier options remained.
No fees, no upgrades—just a little strategic procrastination.
Can It Really Work?
According to travel expert Katy Nastro from the Going Travel app, the tactic isn’t foolproof—but it’s definitely worth trying under the right circumstances.
“I’ve checked in late without selecting a seat and ended up in the emergency exit row. It doesn’t always work, but it can be a real bonus,” she explains.
If you notice that most seat map options during check-in are paid or premium-only, it might be worth waiting until more of the standard options are gone. Airlines would rather fill every seat than leave extra-legroom rows empty.
What You Won’t Get: First-Class Freebies
Tempted to try this trick hoping to score a luxurious first-class upgrade? You might want to lower your expectations.
Elite upgrades are increasingly rare, especially with today’s airlines monetizing every inch of premium space. According to industry reports, over 85% of first-class seats are now sold, not gifted. And if any are left, they typically go to loyal frequent flyers or those with elite status.
So, while “check-in chicken” may land you a cushy spot in the economy plus, it won’t likely bump you into the champagne-sipping section.
The Catch: It’s a Gamble
Of course, any travel hack that involves waiting comes with risks. Here’s what could go wrong:
- Overbooked flights: Airlines frequently overbook. If you check in late on a full flight, you risk being bumped, especially if you don’t have a seat assignment.
- Unlucky seat assignment: If premium seats are taken and only middle seats remain, you might end up wedged between two strangers in row 36.
- Missed check-in deadline: Every airline has a final cut-off for check-in. Miss it, and your seat, and maybe your entire ticket, is gone.
Nastro warns travelers: “U.S. airlines tend to have better technology, meaning they may fill remaining seats more efficiently than European carriers. It’s not always a guaranteed win.”
To avoid disaster, always check your airline’s check-in deadline and set an alarm to ensure you don’t cross it. Nastro suggests starting the process at least an hour ahead, even if you’re cutting it close.
Is This the Right Hack for You?
This trick works best for:
- Budget travelers who want to maximize comfort without spending extra.
- Passengers flying with budget airlines, where seat assignments are often randomized.
- People who aren’t picky and don’t mind a middle seat if the gamble doesn’t pay off.
It may not be right if:
- You’re traveling with children or companions and want to sit together.
- The flight is already showing signs of high demand.
- You’re not comfortable taking travel risks.
Final Boarding Call: Play It Smart
“Check-in chicken” is part strategy, part luck, and part nerve. But for travelers who like to game the system and possibly win a better in-flight experience, it’s a trick worth keeping in your back pocket.
So next time you’re preparing to fly, ask yourself: Do you feel lucky? If the answer is yes, wait it out, keep an eye on that seat map, and you just might score that extra legroom throne, all without spending an extra dime.
