The check-in trick that could score you a better seat, according to travellers
For many people paying that extra fee for a seat with a little more legroom, or one that is closer to the front of the plane, isn't an option.
But a new travel trend promises travellers the chance to score a better spot on the plane - but you'll need some patience and a little bit of luck for it to pay off.
Passengers are hopping on a new practice dubbed "check-in chicken".
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If you can hold off checking in you may find a better seat without the price tag. Getty
The idea behind "check-in chicken" sees travellers delaying their online check-in until the last minute.
This relies on the fact that airlines will often charge extra for better seats, and initially assign the less desirable seats at the back of the plane.
But once the check-in deadline nears, leftover seats are released free-of-charge, and tend to be better ones, including those with extra legroom.
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According to @cheapholidayexpert, a TikToker who recently posted about the trend, she's had it work almost every single time she has tried it.
But she does warn not to leave it too late.
"I've actually got five and a half hours still to check in, but at this point it's good to check in and see the lay of the land," she said in a video.
"Because ultimately, you do not want to be left without a seat. Sometimes these airlines do like to overbook."
Sometimes being last may pay off. Getty
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Travel experts at UK holiday site Travel Republic also suggest monitoring the seating chart online.
"Many airlines release the final seating chart as boarding time approaches," they told the Washington Post.
"Using the airline's app or website, you can often see which seats are still available and move closer to an empty row."
