September 9, 2025, 3:35 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
Wondering what a “Chicken Check-in” is? Here’s a hint: it has something to do with checking in for a flight. TRAVELBOOK explains what the travel hack “Chicken Check-in” is all about, why it’s useful, and where it comes from. Here’s the overview.
At first glance, the term “Chicken Check-in” (or “Check-in Chicken”) might logically make you think of the translated chicken. Then perhaps you wonder what a chicken is doing on a plane. This might lead you to the proverbial chicken that you shouldn’t be, as it implies you’re afraid to do something. Are we on the right track? At least when it comes to courage, we’re not completely off base.
What’s Behind the Term “Chicken Check-in”
We’ve already revealed that “Chicken Check-in” is a travel hack. But not what it’s good for—or what you actually have to do. In fact, you don’t have to do much: just wait—and check in as late as possible. Occasionally glance at the seating chart. The goal: snag an ideal seat with more legroom or without a neighbor.
Travel influencer and self-proclaimed “expert on budget travel” Chelsea Dickenson explains the hack’s background on social media. She notes that budget airlines like Ryanair and Wizz Air do “three things: 1. They charge for seats. 2. They actively separate people traveling together. 3. They often place passengers in ‘bad’ seats, like middle seats or those away from exits.” As time progresses, good seats remain available, “like those further forward with more legroom.”
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Risks and Ideal Timing for Check-in
However, the travel hack isn’t just about waiting until the last minute. There’s a risk that no seats will be available and you might be rebooked on another flight, as airlines sometimes overbook. The time-consuming part of this hack is keeping an eye on the seating chart before check-in, meaning you must repeatedly check which seats are still available. Dickenson advises: “Don’t wait until the last moment with the ‘Chicken Check-in’—you need to monitor the seating chart throughout the day and check in when only good seats are left!” Another risk is not sitting together if traveling with others. So, the “Chicken Check-in” travel hack isn’t suitable for families with young children. But it is for solo travelers or couples who don’t mind sitting apart.
And how likely is it to work? The budget travel expert says it works for her nine out of ten times. However, a travel expert interviewed by the news site “ABC News” warns that the hack could backfire—and you might end up with worse seats instead of the hoped-for better ones.
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By the way, Chelsea Dickenson didn’t invent the travel hack. “ABC News” reports, citing a travel app spokesperson, that “Chicken Check-in” is “not a new strategy—especially not for frequent flyers.” Rather, it’s a commonly given tip to prevent travelers from spending extra money on a better seat. Nonetheless, budget travel expert Dickenson has gone viral with it. So, others might try the “Chicken Check-in” too. But don’t rely on it.