Tips for getting the best airline seats without paying extra

 Tips for getting the best airline seats without paying extra

Is there anything more frustrating than booking flights or a package holiday, only to face yet another decision at check-in: should you hedge your bets and skip “choosing your seats” (i.e. paying extra), or fork out more money to secure your preferred spot? Whether you favor soaking in the sights with a window view, an aisle seat to avoid clambering over fellow passengers for bathroom breaks, or simply sitting next to your travel companions; this blatant money-making tactic is a real pain in the neck. 

Resourceful passengers, however, have found a way to work the system, dubbing it “check-in chicken.” Click through the gallery to learn everything you need to know about this nifty, money-saving travel hack.

Would you pay extra to sit where you want?

Some people will happily pay extra to lock in their favorite seat. But on budget airlines, many prefer to save their cash, rolling the dice on ending up wedged between two strangers who haven't grasped the concept of personal space. 

Why people don't like the middle seat

Middle seats typically feel more cramped because passengers in the aisle and window seats can spread out a bit more. They have armrests to themselves, while the person in the middle has to share both armrests with the passengers next to them, who are often reluctant to split elbow room.

Is this seat taken?

The earlier you check in, the more likely it is you’ll be assigned the middle seat, unless you cough up the cash. Airlines are holding back on "the good seats," hoping to up their profits before takeoff.

Check-in chicken

Check-in chicken is a tactic passengers have found to be effective at scoring a great seat at the last minute for free.

Would you risk it?

When checking in online, the idea is to wait as long as possible, giving time for all the middle seats to be designated. This increases the chances of being left with seats that typically cost extra—like those at the front, with extra legroom, or near the emergency exits.