Check In Exactly 24 Hours Before for Best Seats

The Problem

You check in at the airport and get a middle seat in the back.

The Hack

Set an alarm for exactly 24 hours before departure. Check in online immediately. Select your seat from the newly available options.

Why It Works

Airlines hold premium economy and preferred seats until 24 hours before departure. At check-in, these seats become available to all passengers — first come, first served.

Pro Tips

• Set an alarm — the 24-hour mark matters
• Best seats go within minutes of check-in opening
• Southwest: boarding position determined by check-in time — be early
• Some airlines release exit row seats at 24 hours