Flying with a low-cost airline is one of the most affordable ways to explore the world — until it’s time to choose your seat. Often, the most comfortable or better-located seats require an additional fee, which can significantly increase the ticket price.
Travel influencer Elaine Pool (@travelainewithme), an expert in budget travel, shared a foolproof trick to get the best seats on low-cost airlines without paying extra.
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What’s the best seat on a low-cost airline?
According to Elaine, the most desired seats on low-cost flights are located in the front rows, in the emergency exit rows (with extra legroom), and in the last rows — especially with airlines that allow boarding and disembarking from the rear of the aircraft, like Ryanair.
This pattern is also confirmed by a 2024 study from Upgraded Points conducted among American travelers. The study found that:
- 41% prefer emergency exit seats for the extra space;
- 67% choose window seats;
- Only 2% opt for the middle seat, the least desired.
The golden tip: the best time to check in
Most travelers believe that checking in online as early as possible is the best strategy to secure a good seat and avoid overbooking. But Elaine Pool goes against this logic:
“Check in as late as possible to increase your chances of getting one of the best seats for free,” she recommends.
According to the influencer, the seat allocation algorithm used by low-cost airlines prioritizes assigning the worst seats first as a way to pressure passengers into paying to switch. The best seats are saved for last and given to those who check in later, since they’re still available.
She says the strategy works with airlines like Ryanair and easyJet, where she was able to get emergency exit seats and even an empty row — all at no additional cost.
Why does this trick work?
Elaine explains that airlines try to fill the least desirable seats first. “Ryanair starts by assigning the worst seats on purpose, as a way to push paid upgrades. If you check in later, you may end up with the last available options — which, ironically, are the best ones,” she revealed in a TikTok post.
Pay attention to check-in deadlines
While the trick works well, Elaine warns:
“Never check in after the airline’s set deadline. Always check your flight’s rules, as each company may have different policies.”
How to get the best seat on budget flights
If you want to travel comfortably without extra fees, consider delaying your check-in until just before the allowed deadline. This simple change can land you a seat with more space, better location, and a more pleasant flight experience — without hurting your budget.
Source: Bestlife
This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
