Travel tips often go viral online for a variety of reasons, from packing hacks to queue-cutting strategies.
TikTok is a hotbed for such travel advice, with one popular hack suggesting that being the last person to board a plane can help secure more space by spotting empty seats. However, Gareth Llewellyn, a travel and luxury golf holiday expert at Chaka Travel, has debunked this theory.
He warned that late boarding could backfire due to two main reasons – limited overhead space and missed important announcements.
Gareth said: “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.
“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.”
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.
“Another risk of boarding late is that passengers may be asked to move to accommodate other passengers including families who need to sit together,” he added. “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, so 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.
He noted passengers can also select their desired seat during booking. Exit rows and seats at the front typically have 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.
“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.”