Check-in chicken trend could leave passengers stranded

In recent months, a new travel trend known as 'check-in chicken' has emerged among flyers, particularly those flying with budget airlines like Ryanair and Wizz Air. Passengers engaging in this trend deliberately delay booking their seats until check-in is almost closed, hoping that this last-minute strategy will allow them to secure better seating options such as extra legroom or front-row seats. This tactic is rooted in the airlines' practices of charging extra for pre-booked seats while potentially splitting up traveling parties and seating them in less desirable locations, leading to the perception that the best seats remain available until the last moment. Travel expert Chelsea Dickenson has noted that this approach is often successful due to airlines typically having high load factors, which means flights tend to be nearly full. As a result, those willing to take the risk of waiting may find better seating options once the undesirable seats are occupied by those who have pre-booked. However, this strategy does come with significant risks, as overbooked flights can easily leave 'check-in chickens' without a seat, negating any potential benefits of waiting until the last minute. Airlines like Wizz Air and Ryanair reportedly maintain an average load factor of around 94%, which creates a highly competitive environment for travelers who wish to secure good seats without paying additional fees. Dickenson emphasizes the need for passengers who adopt this strategy to monitor the check-in seating plan closely; otherwise, they could find themselves left without options if they wait too long. The rise of this trend underscores the evolving nature of air travel, particularly within the context of budget airline practices and passenger behavior. Additionally, the emergence of this trend coincides with a notable increase in attention to boarding procedures, as highlighted by American Airlines' recent efforts to combat the phenomenon known as 'gate lice'. The airline has introduced advanced technology in over 100 airports to manage passengers who attempt to board before their designated group is called. This has been implemented during peak travel periods around holidays, illustrating a broader push towards improved efficiency and management in the air travel industry amidst changing passenger behaviors.