A critical travel warning has been issued for passengers flying from major UK airports including Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, and Edinburgh. As millions gear up for summer escapes, aviation experts are urging travellers to take a closer look at an overlooked detail on their boarding passes — the Sequence Number, or SEQ — which could determine whether you’re jetting off or staying behind.
The SEQ number, typically printed at the bottom of your boarding pass, indicates your place in the airline’s check-in queue. While most passengers ignore this code, airport and aviation insiders now say it could be the single factor determining whether you’re allowed to board — especially when flights are overbooked, which is increasingly common during the post-pandemic travel boom.
Why the SEQ Number Matters in 2025
“SEQ is your Sequence Number,” explains Hadleigh Diamond of UK-based SCS Chauffeurs. “If your SEQ is 001, you were the first to check in. If it’s 150, you were further back. This sequence becomes critical when the airline needs to decide who gets bumped off a full flight.”
Overbooking has become a standard industry practice, as airlines hedge bets against no-show passengers. However, according to recent statistics released by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), more than 6 million passengers globally were denied boarding last year due to overbooked flights — a figure that continues to rise.
Early Check-In Could Save Your Holiday
Experts say one of the easiest ways to protect your trip is by checking in online as early as possible — ideally the moment online check-in opens, usually 24 to 48 hours before departure.
“Early check-in gives you a lower SEQ number,” Diamond emphasizes. “And that could mean the difference between relaxing on a beach and scrambling for a backup plan at the gate.”
Passengers flying solo, without checked baggage, or on budget fares are statistically more likely to be bumped — especially if they check in late.
Families and Groups: Don’t Get Split Up
The SEQ number can be especially crucial for families or group travelers. If even one member of a party checks in late and receives a high SEQ number, they’re more vulnerable to being left behind — potentially separating them from the rest of the group.
“Make sure all members of your family or group check in simultaneously,” advises Diamond. “Otherwise, you risk someone missing the flight, or your group being split.”
Tips to Avoid Being Bumped
To prevent last-minute holiday cancellations, UK travelers should follow these simple guidelines:
- Check in online as early as possible.
- Travel with checked luggage if feasible — it decreases your risk of being bumped.
- Ensure all group members check in together, ideally at the same time.
- Avoid budget fare classes, which are more likely to be involuntarily offloaded.
Doing so doesn’t guarantee a boarding pass, but it significantly reduces your risk of being denied boarding on an overbooked flight.
Your Passenger Rights in the UK
Even if the worst happens and you are involuntarily bumped, the UK Civil Aviation Authority guarantees certain rights. Under current regulations:
- You’re entitled to monetary compensation, depending on the flight distance and delay duration.
- Airlines must offer alternative travel options, including rebooking at no extra cost.
- Passengers must be provided meals, refreshments, and accommodation if delays extend overnight.
The CAA advises that passengers file compensation claims promptly and retain all documentation, including boarding passes and SEQ numbers, to support their case.
Growing Demand, Limited Seats
With UK outbound travel surging during the summer months — particularly to destinations in Spain, Greece, Turkey, and Portugal — flights are filling fast. Airlines like British Airways, easyJet, and Ryanair have all increased frequencies, but even that hasn’t eased the crunch.
Travel watchdogs say the rise in last-minute bookings, flexible ticketing policies, and demand for revenge travel are all contributing to flight overbooking scenarios.
Final Boarding Advice: Know Your SEQ
While the SEQ number may seem like a trivial code, it could hold the key to whether your trip begins with a tropical welcome drink — or a stressful airport reroute.
In an age of high-demand air travel, being an informed traveller is more important than ever. Stay ahead of the curve by checking in early, traveling smart, and understanding your rights — because sometimes, it’s the smallest number on your ticket that carries the biggest consequences.
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