This works on both international and domestic flights ONLY if it is not a sold out or jam packed flight. I would say this works 80% of the time and really is a blessing for those long international flights. This will NOT work for First or Business class seats if you are flying economy.
STEP ONE:
When you check in, ask them for an emergency exit row, or ask them if it's a full load and if it's not, if you can sit alone because you are somewhat claustrophobic. This will also let you know if the plane is over booked or not and if step two is even an option.
STEP TWO:
This one is simple...
Be the last person on the plane.
Let everyone board before you because they will go directly to their seats. The line will ALWAYS bottle neck as they enter the plane so give them all time to get in and get seated. Wait until the final boarding call and make your move...
Board the plane and start looking for empty seats. Sometimes you will even find empty rows. Walk around, look for the one that you want and sit in it.
Once they close the aircraft doors, that means all passengers are on and if nobody is in the seats you want, you own it. The attendants do not care where you sit and will not bother you about it.
When I do not fly business, this is ALWAYS my plan of attack and probably 80% or more of the time I will get an entire row to myself where I can lay down and sleep.
Happy flying, and think of me when you are sleeping like a baby, spread out across an entire row on your way to Hong Kong.
