The Upgrade (@theupgrade) is a TikTok account that prides itself in “providing the most up-to-date and relevant news for travelers across the globe, since 2017.”
Source: @theupgrade_/TikTok
As part of its travel content, the account shared a “hack” on how to prevent people from sitting beside you on airplanes. Contrary to their expectations, the video sparked criticisms, prompting them to issue an explanation on why they shared something as offensive as that.
Something “Iconic”
The video @theupgrade shared was set to Kim Kardashian’s “Because it’s iconic and I love to do iconic s***!” sound. In it, a woman shared how she cleverly manipulated a flight to ensure she had no one by her side throughout the journey.
Source: Jelaine Aquino/Pexels
From her facial expressions and gestures, the woman was excited about her new tip — the same trick that raised many eyebrows.
The Hack
In the video, the woman could be seen holding her left hand, which adorned a beautiful green ring with a matching green manicure, to her face. She grinned guiltily as the overlaid text read, “When I buy 3 refundable seats and cancel 2 at the last minute.”
Source: IndyLife/X
We bet that nothing in the world could have prepared you for this “hack.”
We May Understand Why
Picture this: after enduring a rough week, you managed to drag yourself out of bed in the wee hours of the morning to catch a red-eye flight. Then, just when you’re settling into your middle seat hoping to get a little nap, the passenger in front suddenly reclines their chair.
Source: Daniel Frese/Pexels
Now you understand why someone may want to keep all that space to themselves at any cost.
That’s Not Iconic
For many TikTokers, her trick was shadier than they could stomach even though they could relate to the reason behind it. “Is it even worth it?” someone asked.
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“That’s not iconic. There are people who need seats to see loved ones and your selfishness prevent [sic] them from doing that,” another TikToker opined.
Not Standby-Proof
Then there were others that seemed like they would consider the idea, but for one little hitch — the people flying standby. That’s right!
Source: northinthesouth/Instagram
“As a family that flies standby regularly—my kids and I will be thrilled to have those seats!” a commenter wrote. With people like this on a flight, you stand no chance with your extra seats.
More Dissenting Comments
A viewer, without mincing words, said “Doesn’t work if there’s a standby list.” Another commenter, an airline employee said, “As a flight attendant who flies standby, I hope I’m on all your flights!!!”
Source: Domenico Bandiera/Pexels
With so many people going as far as threatening to ensure that there are no extra seats on airplanes, it’s safe to say that this hack is dead on arrival and just a matter of luck.
Others Begged to Differ
Despite the widespread criticisms, some people saw the hack as a breakthrough and expressed gratitude for it. They were ready to explore this hack if the opportunity ever presented itself.
Source: Steviemello/Instagram
“If there is no cancellation fee then this a great lifehack,” someone wrote. Another typed, “Wait that’s actually the smartest thing ever.” Meanwhile, according to The Upgrade’s founder, Kashlee Kucheran, the video was “satire and joke” that people took the wrong way.
Satires and Jokes
“The video was born when our social media manager, Ivanna, just by chance had an entire row to herself and made it into a fun parody for TikTok,” Kucheran explained.
Source: @theupgrade_/TikTok
“Everyone dreams about having a row all to themselves, and I was lucky enough to realize that dream on my last flight. The video was a cheeky spin on my experience that day,” said Ivanna.
The Video’s Now Deleted
They were forced to remove the controversial video roughly a week after it was posted. Before then, it was one of their most viral videos, gathering almost 7 million views in a few days.
Source: dwannb/Instagram
“We have removed the video in good faith to ensure people don’t take a social media parody seriously,” The Upgrade, which claims to be “a world-leading indie travel news source,” wrote.
Traditional Alternatives
Many other TikTok users have shared what works for them when it comes to enjoying a roomier flight. Some people book the aisle and window seats with their companions, then leave the middle seat, the most disliked position, empty.
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Others wear their mean faces to discourage potential seatmates or place an item in the middle to give the impression that the seat’s taken.
What Do You Think?
So, if you don’t fancy this woman’s hack, you can explore many other traditional methods of avoiding a seatmate on your flight. But if you think the benefits of these tricks are not worth the effort, your opinions are valid too.
Source: Borja Lopez/Pexels
What’s your take on Ivanna’s airplane seat hack? Do you think it’s genius or absolutely unnecessary? Let us know in the comments.
