Travel hacks are all the rage online, with countless tips promising to ease your holiday hassles.
From savvy packing methods to queue-busting techniques, there’s a wealth of advice out there aimed at streamlining your travel prep. TikTok, in particular, is a treasure trove of such wisdom, and one hack that’s been doing the rounds suggests hanging back until the final boarding call to nab those coveted empty seats for extra legroom.
However, Gareth Llewellyn of Chaka Travel, an aficionado of travel and luxury golf holidays, has debunked this tactic, outlining two key reasons why this approach might actually spoil your trip:.
Firstly, tardy boarders often struggle to find overhead locker space, leading to a scramble for any remaining spots. Secondly, arriving late could mean missing crucial flight announcements, potentially impacting your journey.
Gareth elaborated: “One of the biggest risks of boarding at the last minute is that overhead baggage space can be limited. Most passengers will have already stowed their carry-on luggage away, and late boarders will be forced to find space wherever they can – often away from their seat.”
He added: “In worse case scenarios, individuals may have to gate check-in their carry-on baggage, which means it is stored with larger pieces of luggage, and adds to the inconvenience of luggage retrieval when you land.
“Another risk of boarding late is that passengers may be asked to move to accommodate other passengers including families who need to sit together. Airlines reserve the right to reassign seats at their discretion so if you board late you might have to switch seats – which can be frustrating.”
He also noted it’s not uncommon for flight attendants to make important announcements during boarding, meaning passengers who are late could miss out on critical information. This can make them less prepared for the journey and any onward travel.
Instead of relying on the TikTok hack, he said there are several ways to ensure you have a better flying experience. Many airlines collaborate with credit card companies, or have their own loyalty programs, which allow passengers to enjoy early boarding for free – and the benefits that come with it.
The expert noted passengers can also select their desired seat during booking, with exit rows and seats at the front typically having more space.
There are also tools on the internet which can help you to find the best seats based on the flight duration and aircraft type. By strategically packing a carry-on bag, passengers can ensure they fit under the seat in front of them, meaning they won’t be forced to gate check-in their baggage if space is limited.
Gareth added: “While TikTok hacks can be useful, it’s important to consider the practicality of them. Boarding at the last minute might seem clever but the downsides often outweigh the benefits.
“Instead, planning in advance and using the tips mentioned above will ensure a smoother and more enjoyable flight.”