When you’re a budget traveler, scoring a coveted seat without having to pay extra fees is possible — but it might take strategic timing.

If you’ve already chosen your seat when you purchased your tickets, you’re at an advantage. But many airlines don’t allow passengers in the most basic economy option to do so, and that’s when check-in time can make all the difference. That’s because during check-in, airlines assign seating to people who haven’t already paid for it — which means the time of day you check in can mean the difference between getting assigned a relaxing seat by the window or a middle seat wedged between two people in the last row by the bathroom.

If this is you, don’t dilly-dally when you get an email about checking into your flight.

“l aways say right at the 24-hour mark, if possible,” Fora travel adviser Amna Ismail said. “Set an alarm, as silly as that sounds, and do it, especially if you’re flying economy.”

The Case For Checking In Early

A bad or great seat assignment can be determined by the time you decide to check in.

Many airlines will allow passengers to check in 24 hours before they depart for a flight, and doing this immediately can increase your chances of getting assigned........

© HuffPost