Passengers flying with Ryanair and other low-cost airlines are being urged to check their boarding passes carefully — or risk missing their flight altogether.
What’s the Issue?
Some travellers, even after checking in online, arrive at the airport only to be told their flight is overbooked — and they have no seat. This is not an uncommon practice, especially during peak travel seasons like summer.
Now, an industry expert is revealing a key tip that could help travellers avoid being bumped off a flight.
Watch the “SEQ” Number
According to Hadleigh Diamond, Chief Operating Officer of SCS Chauffeurs — a premium airport transfer firm — one of the most overlooked elements on your boarding pass is the “SEQ” (Sequence) number.
> “SEQ stands for Sequence Number,” he explained. “It shows the order in which you checked in. SEQ 001 means you were the first; SEQ 152 means you were the 152nd. While it doesn’t affect seat assignment, it becomes vital on overbooked flights.”
Overbooking Is More Common Than You Think
Airlines, especially budget ones, intentionally overbook flights, betting on the chance that a few passengers won’t show up. But when everyone does, someone has to go — and often, it’s the last to check in.
> “If a flight is full and volunteers aren’t found to give up their seats, the airline will follow its own policy — and that often includes denying boarding to passengers with higher SEQ numbers,” said Diamond.
Travellers who are solo, flying without checked baggage, or who paid the lowest fare are also more likely to be offloaded.
✅ How to Avoid This
To stay on the safe side, you should:
Check in online as early as possible (usually 24–48 hours before departure).
Set a reminder so you don’t miss your check-in window.
Check your boarding pass for a low SEQ number.
Avoid last-minute check-ins at the airport if you can help it.
According to the Civil Aviation Authority, over 6 million passengers were denied boarding globally in the past year. Many of them could have avoided it by checking in earlier.
Pro Travel Tip
If you’re flying with a budget airline like Ryanair this summer, check in early, double-check your SEQ number, and travel smart. It could be the difference between a sunny holiday and a ruined trip.
