Flight Hacks that ACTUALLY Work in 2024 (Don't get tricked by #4!)

These are the top 6 airport and airplane hacks that airlines HATE, and you probably will too! The problem is that they ACTUALLY WORK in 2024. Prepare to be shocked by the things passengers are getting away with at the airport, the boarding gate, and on the plane. Know what yo look out for so you do not end up in a scammed by another traveler!

✈️ TRAVEL RESOURCES

🌎 WATCH NEXT

Welcome to Portable Professional, where I, Megan, use my experience from over 300 flights to offer you simple, practical and game-changing travel tips and hacks. Our mission is to help you reduce stress and make the most of every trip.

🐶 Chapters
00:00 Controversial Travel Hacks
00:20 Hack 1: Board the flight first
01:05 Disability fakers EXPOSED
01:35 Hack 2: Priority boarding (cheat)
02:21 Hack 3: More space on plane FREE
03:04 Sneaky seat tactic (watch out!)
03:39 Hack 4: Get a row of seats FREE
04:36 YOU end up paying more!
05:12 Hack 5: Must-know sneaky flight trick
06:11 Major debate over this
06:35 Hack #6: Cheating the system
08:08 What the airlines won't tell you...

Affiliate Disclosure: This content contains affiliate links. We may receive compensation at no additional cost to you if you click through and make a purchase. Thank you for your support!

[rcollins]

Southwest is the miracle airline. On our last flight 10 people needed wheelchairs for assistance to get on first. When we landed 6 of them walked off without assistance. It’s a miracle!

[alltogethernow]

I'm 95% deaf. My hearing aid allows me to speak with a person eye-to-eye (ear-to-ear?) as I also read lips. But the hearing aid is worthless for microphone announcements. I've missed two flights because I couldn't hear that the jet was boarding (flight delayed, then suddenly on time), or the gate had changed. Now, I board early because the airlines want it that way. I know I look healthy otherwise, but sometimes deaf is a true disability, although an 'invisible disability'... The point is, it's often difficult to tell a person is disabled - not all of us are in a wheelchair. Although anyone faking a disability should be chastised.

[wncjan]

I don't look disabled and I can walk normally but only for about 75 steps, then I have to sit and rest fpr 5 or 6 minutes before I can walk another 75 steps and so on. That means that many people believe I fake it, when they see me get out of a wheelchair and walk normally into the plane.

[danpost]

I actually do have disabilities and hate the fact that I need help sometimes. Faking a disability just to try to get ahead is disgusting.

[mmabri]

The faking service animals really burns me. I seen it first hand with a couple claiming their dog was for the husband's ptsd, but being retired military myself I struck up a conversation with the husband. After just a minute talking to him I could tell he never served, and when I called him out on it him and his wife just laughed it off, and were actually proud they fooled the airline.

[flyoverkid]

Proving once again that people can't be trusted to do the right thing, to treat others as they wish to be treated. Sad commentary on society.

[royhenson]

Airlines should ban further service to passengers who reserve three seats then drop row seats for more space. Also prosecute. These people are scamming all of us

[spreston]

I have to recline due to spinal issues. Anybody trying to stop me by aiming their air vent at my head would just result in me putting the hood of my jacket on. I always wear my Goretex jacket with lots of pockets when I fly.

[billkallas]

I only fly with an assigned seat, but this last June I had messed up my Achilles tendon and was using a cane to make walking less painful. I was boarding in group 3, but the people there, told me to board with group 1. I went ahead with 1's, because I couldn't walk too fast.
You can't always tell how disabled a person is, by looking at then, so I try to make a point to not judge them.

[labtechsuperstar]

I remember a few years back when I had a knee injury (minor tear MCL and meniscus). I asked for a wheelchair because I couldn't walk for long distances. When I went on a trip with my family, there were a total of THIRTEEN wheelchairs! When the plane landed, only 3 of the wheelchair people (myself included) remained on the plane. The FA was PO'ed because the destination airport was told that they would need to send 13 wheelchairs. People who fake this stuff are awful.

[magietagie]

It’s really hard to tell who has a disability or who doesn’t because some disabilities are invisible. On a recent trip, I requested a wheelchair for the very first time. I was recovering from a very bad fall and had not only broken my elbow but sprained my knee, which made both standing and walking difficult, though I could do both for a short time. I know I got a few weird looks from people, I will say the staff at both airports were super great and so helpful!

[eagleheads]

Not all disabilities are visible. And, the hallways going out to gates are getting longer and longer! Some gates are a 20 minute walk…not something that everyone can handle. Maybe if airports were better designed. PDX hall to rental cars is insane! SLC SWA is a mile.

[leanneray]

I have mobility issues and have experienced other passengers pretending to be with me so they can get on first. I don't mind giving proof of my disability, but it's hardly a perk. Often you are stranded and waiting for assistance as they are often understaffed.

[gdyshus]

This is why I hate being at the mercy of other people from the ticket counter, to the TSA, to the gate agent, to the flight attendant, to fellow passengers. Every step of the way no one can just be kind for the sake of being kind. It hurts my heart that everyone has been taught to ask first what's in it for me rather than just do the right thing. Low trust society. We have got to do better.

[bellanatural]

Didn’t southwest recently announce that would start assigning seats?!

[SharrellKline]

As someone with an 85-pound (I didn't pick him he was matched to me) seizure detection medical service dog I makes me so angry that people are making it challenging to travel. It's tough to travel in the best of times.

[tammypearson]

I get so disgusted with fake people. When people use a fake disability to get onto the plane early, then walk off the plane upon arrival, I'm sickened. I like dogs very much, but mine are staying home when I travel.

[HariSeldon]

I was on one flight, I think it was Frontier, where reclining slid the bottom of your seat forward thus taking away your own legroom. I'd love to see this on every plane.

[paulready]

I only use wheelchair assist between gates, check-in areas, and the baggage claim area, as I cannot walk very far. Extremely helpful in an airport like Detroit when the walk can be extremely far especially with a short layover.

[davidlipnicky]

I typically don't recline, but I fully support the right for anyone to recline if they want to.