ADVERTISEMENT While TikTok flight hacks entice flyers with promises of a cheaper, more comfortable, or stress-free experience, not all of them work. However, people’s desire to hack the system or get the deal of a lifetime often outweighs the risks associated with these tips, like getting stranded, paying extra, or inconveniencing staff and fellow travelers. Recently, NYC home baker Shreya made a video on TikTok about how she fell victim to an airplane seating hack. The couple she was neighboring tried to score extra room on their flight, making her time in the air miserable. Such experience turned her against these traveling tips and tricks for good, prompting her to make a video encouraging others to do the same.

* **Nick Harvey from Northern Wanderers:** Nick provides insights on how to avoid common travel pitfalls and maximize your trip’s value. He emphasizes the importance of planning and research, highlighting the dangers of relying solely on social media for travel tips. * **Guillaume and Hammer from afuncouple.com:** Guillaume and Hammer offer practical advice on how to save money and optimize your travel experience.

The man was sitting in my seat, and the woman was sitting in the aisle seat. The woman was like, “Hey, we’re together. We’ve a couple. Would you mind taking the window seat?

Share icon ADVERTISEMENT Image credits: nycshreya And I was just like, “girl, I’m doing you the favor. You and your man didn’t book seats next to each other, and I’m switching my seats so that y’all could sit next to each other.” And so then I explain to her, “Well, I would prefer the middle seat then, because I get up a lot and I don’t wanna get up over two people versus just one person.” And she’s like, “We’ll get up every time you need to go to the bathroom.” And at this point, there’s a line forming behind me. People are starting to watch and get kind of angsty. And I was just like, you know what, whatever, I’ll take the window seat, fine.

Share icon Image credits: nycshreya ADVERTISEMENT And lo and behold, guess what, I got up three times during that flight and they didn’t get up any of those times. They just, moved their bodies to the side, which I guess is my karma for not giving up the seat immediately. But I was just flabbergasted that they were acting like they were doing me a favor and then got mad for not receiving that well. So I’m kind of anti these hacks. But, I mean, it would have been fine if they had been down to be flexible. But it’s also why me and my boyfriend will never be subjecting other people to this. And yeah, I’m very anti.

ADVERTISEMENT “Many TikTok travel hacks, such as ‘ skiplagging ’ or using ‘ hidden city ’ layovers, can pose significant risks despite their potential to save money” Share icon Image credits: Natã Romualdo / pexels (not the actual photo) The airplane life hack Shreya was referring to in her video is one of the internet’s most famous travel tips that supposedly helps couples or families have a full row of seats to themselves. Essentially, all they have to do is book an aisle and window seat, leaving the middle seat empty. The logistics behind it are that a solo traveler is less likely to want to sit in between two people if there are other options available.

* **Travel Hack:** Shreya, a frequent traveler, discovered a life hack for saving money on flights. * **The Hack:** Shreya found that booking flights on Tuesdays and Wednesdays often results in lower prices. * **The Problem:** While this hack worked for her, it doesn’t always guarantee savings.

Skiplagging can be a controversial topic, with strong opinions on both sides.”

The ethical considerations surrounding skiplagging are complex and multifaceted. It hinges on the fundamental question of whether passengers have the right to exploit airline pricing inefficiencies.

“Test the hack in a low-risk scenario before relying on it for important travel plans” Share icon Image credits: kenishirotie / envatoelements (not the actual photo) Harvey has found that several popular online travel hacks don’t hold up under scrutiny. “For instance, the belief that booking flights on specific days or times guarantees the best deals is not supported by evidence, as airfare prices fluctuate due to various factors. Similarly, the idea that using private browsing modes to search for flights can lead to cheaper fares has not been substantiated. Another example is the so-called “ankle-seatbelt hack,” which has been debunked as hazardous by experts, emphasizing the importance of adhering to standard safety procedures.”

* **Free upgrades and lounge access:** These are often advertised as free perks, but they are actually paid for by credit card companies. * **Hacks:** These are deceptive tactics used by credit card companies to lure people into spending more money. * **Credit card companies:** These are the primary source of these hacks.

It’s also a good idea to assess the potential consequences of hacking the system, like violating airline policies or legal regulations. “Consider whether the potential savings outweigh these risks,” Harvey adds. “Review the specific airline’s policies and terms of service to ensure compliance. This is particularly important for hacks involving ticketing strategies or luggage modifications.” Lastly, he advises seeking guidance from experienced travel experts who share their insights. “This can provide a more balanced perspective on the viability of a hack. If possible, test the hack in a low-risk scenario before relying on it for important travel plans.” Guillaume and Hammer conclude by saying, “Generally, use common sense. If you see something online that’s a bit far-fetched or too cheeky, then better avoid it. The more you travel, the more you will develop your “own” travel hacks based on your own experience. Small tweaks here and there will make traveling cheaper or easier.”

Commenters were confused as to why the couple just couldn’t book seats next to each other Share icon Share icon Share icon Share icon Share icon Share icon Share icon Share icon Share icon Share icon Share icon Share icon Share icon Share icon Share icon Share icon Share icon Share icon Share icon Share icon Share icon Share icon Share icon Some even shared similar stories Share icon Share icon Share icon