Most airlines unlock free upgraded seats at check-in, you just need to know when to look

31 Dec 2025 · 0 min

Watch on YouTube

0:28

Short YouTube clip (by Dan Novaes) that highlights airline seat selection fees (example: $60) and gives a tactical travel hack: many airlines (example cited: American) often release free upgraded seats (preferred/main-cabin extra) at check-in; viewers are advised to open the airline app at the 24-hour check-in mark to grab these seats. The speaker attributes the tip to "ubk" and includes a call-to-action to a link in the speaker's bio.

Seriously? You're charging $60 just to pick a seat? Yes. Seat selection fees apply. Unless you choose basic seating. Not exactly. If you wait until check in, American often unlocks free, preferred and main cabin extra seats. You mean those upgraded seats can show up free? Exactly. Open the app at the 24 hour check in mark and you can grab them before they're gone. Interesting. Where did you learn that? I learned it from ubk. They share travel hacks. Airlines don't want you to know. Tap the link in my bio to learn more.