It seems like every week, there’s a new travel hack making the rounds on social media. Some are clever, others helpful — but a recent boarding “tip” shared widely on TikTok has flight attendants rolling their eyes and urging travelers to think twice before following it.
The Viral TikTok “Hack”
The idea behind this so-called strategy is simple: wait until the very last second to board your flight. The theory? If the plane isn’t full, you’ll be able to scope out empty rows and simply take one for yourself — potentially ending up with a better seat than the one you were originally assigned.
What TikTok Users Are Claiming
- “You can sit in any open row you see available without going to your seat first,” one user wrote.
- Another said: “That way, if they had you sitting next to someone before… now you can choose any open seat if the flight’s not full.”
While that might sound like a convenient workaround, experienced airline crew and frequent flyers are quick to call it out — not just as unreliable, but as potentially disruptive for everyone involved.
Why This Hack Doesn’t Fly
We asked veteran flight attendants what they think of the trend, and their answers were unanimous: don’t do it.
Cabin Crew Etiquette Matters
“I strongly recommend asking your cabin crew for permission before taking an empty seat,” said Crystal Romo, a flight attendant with over five years of experience at a major airline. “We dislike it very much when passengers move to open exit row seats without speaking to the crew.”
Seats in exit rows, for instance, come with additional responsibilities and safety protocols. Passengers in these seats must receive a briefing and meet specific requirements — it’s not just a free upgrade because you spotted an empty chair.
Ask First, Always
Fellow flight attendant Jasmine Khadija, who’s been in the field for two years, echoed Romo’s advice and added that your best chance for a better seat starts even before boarding.
“Ask the gate agent if there’s flexibility — maybe a seat with more space, or away from a full row,” Khadija advised. “Once you’re on the plane, ask the crew if you can move. If it’s in the same cabin class and unoccupied, we usually say yes.”
She emphasized that while flight attendants don’t own seat assignments, they do work hard to manage a safe and smooth boarding process, and springing surprises on them mid-flight isn’t appreciated.
Why Waiting Until the Last Minute Could Backfire
Aside from violating etiquette, boarding at the last second comes with its own risks — ones that could leave you grounded altogether.
Missed Flights and Overhead Chaos
- No overhead bin space: Late boarders are often stuck gate-checking bags or squeezing items under their seat.
- Boarding deadlines are strict: “The boarding door closes 15 minutes before departure,” Romo explained. “Once it’s shut, gate agents are no longer available, and you risk missing your flight.”
- Rebooking isn’t guaranteed: If you miss the cutoff, you may be rebooked — but only if space is available, which is not a sure thing on today’s packed flights.
The Better Alternative
If you’re trying to avoid a middle seat or hoping for more room, transparency is your best bet.
How to Improve Your Seat — the Right Way
- Check in early to see if better seats have opened up.
- Speak to the gate agent before boarding and ask politely if there’s flexibility to move.
- Communicate with flight attendants onboard if you notice open seats after takeoff.
Most importantly, don’t assume — or act entitled to — another seat without following protocol. Respect for the flight crew and your fellow passengers will always go further than a TikTok tip.
Bottom Line
While social media might sell you on the idea of snagging a better seat by boarding last, airline pros agree: once you’ve got your boarding pass, it’s best to stick to it. If you’re truly looking to upgrade your travel experience, your best tools are courtesy, communication, and common sense — not a viral video.
