'Sandwich seats' are the latest hack in economy travel

If the price of a business or first-class plane ticket remains out of reach, a new travel hack gaining popularity online might offer a little extra 'free' leg room – at least in theory.

It’s known as the 'sandwich seat'.

The idea is that two travellers book the window and aisle seats in the same row, leaving the middle seat open, in the hope that no one selects it.

If the flight isn’t full, the pair could end up with an empty seat between them, and a bit more breathing (and leg) room in economy.

But does it actually work?

Aviation expert Linden Burns, Managing Director of Plane Talking, says it’s a clever thought, but not exactly guaranteed.

“I see these things pop up periodically,” he says. “But the only surefire way of securing the seat next to you is to buy it.”

Burns explains that airlines are well aware of passengers' desire for more room on board, and have found ways to capitalise on it.

“They’re offering special deals where you can reserve that extra seat,” he notes. “But they’re not going to let it go for free.”

ALSO READ: More South Africans using AI for travel planning, favour 'lux-scaping' and passion pairing their holidays

Moreover, he says, some carriers have begun to look at seating configuration.

"Even here in our domestic market, you've got one airline that doesn't have any middle seats on any of its aircraft, it only has two-by-two."

ALSO READ: New travel wallet helps South Africans save for dream holiday

Ultimately, while the 'sandwich seat' might occasionally pay off on the rare occasion a flight is not fully booked, Burns says travellers shouldn’t rely on luck, adding that in today’s travel market, extra space usually comes at a price.

To listen to Linden Burns in conversation with CapeTalk's Lester Kiewit, click on the audio below.