Travelers at airports are playing ‘check-in chicken’ in the latest flight-booking trend.
This curious tactic involves flyers delaying their seat selection until the last moments of the check-in period.
The premise of this gamble is intriguing: by waiting, one may be able to snag those coveted leftover seats — perhaps an exit row or one with extra legroom.
Recently, a bold travel influencer took to TikTok, sharing her experience with “check-in chicken.” With enthusiasm and a hint of mischief, she detailed how airlines often assign less desirable seats at the onset, in the hopes that passengers will pay for an upgrade.
“They often offer the middle seats or ones at the back, hoping you’ll pay to switch,” she explained, eyes sparkling with intrigue. “But wait it out. As the clock ticks, you may find that only the premium spots remain.”
Stressed yet excited, she emphasized the importance of checking in regularly to read the seat map without selecting a seat immediately.
“You have to spy on the seat map for the last 24 hours. We’re all busy, packing and preparing. Should I really spend my time refreshing a screen?” said Chuck Duckworth, an avid traveler and expert in travel trends.
He cautioned against the potential pitfalls of this trend. “Realistically, you might lose your seat altogether if you misjudge the timing,” he warned thoughtfully. As he reflected, one can’t overlook the finite value of time — both the waiting and the potential frustrations involved might make this risk a tough choice for many.
Chuck encouraged integrating flight prices into vacation budgets, perhaps as a gesture of pragmatism amid today’s unique travel climate. To add a twist to their boarding experience, some have even turned to a new viral tactic known as “Gate Lice.” This trend has passengers attempting to board out of turn, an act marked by both desperation and boldness.
American Airlines, aiming to combat this chaos, is rolling out technology that vocalizes when an early boarder attempts to step ahead, effectively denying their passage. This innovation seeks to restore order at over 100 airports nationwide.
In the end, travelers must weigh these quirky strategies against their personal definitions of value and comfort. If one finds delight in the thrill of the gamble or chuckles at the absurdity of the situation, it might just make the journey that much more memorable. Amid all the hustle at the gate, it might be worth taking a moment to appreciate the adventure — even if that adventure includes a little risk.
