Another travel trend turning heads on TikTok.
TikTok is back with another absurd travel trend. And this time, you’ll risk missing your flight if you decide to try it. The “Airport Theory” TikTok trend is gaining traction, with supporters challenging the recommendation to arrive at the airport two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. Instead, TikTok users are strolling into the airport late, clearing all airport hurdles with just 15–20 minutes to spare.
This harebrained idea has amassed millions of views on TikTok. One user, michael.dicostanzo, tried it at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world’s busiest airport. He cleared TSA PreCheck quickly, took a tram to his terminal, and made it to the gate in under 15 minutes. His video has 3.6 million views, with commenters noting that he didn’t check a bag, traveled on an easy day (Tuesday), and used PreCheck. When these conditions aren’t met, does the Airport Theory still hold true?
@michael.dicostanzo Can Airport Theory survive the world’s BUSIEST airport?? 👀✈️🤔 #airportheory #atlantaairport #challenge ♬ original sound – Michael DiCostanzo
Proponents of the trend suggest the benefit is avoiding early wake-ups. The downside? Missing your flight. For nervous fliers, it might also be anxiety-inducing and counterproductive. Flying is already stressful, and cutting it close can add to the psychological discomfort.
Many others have tried the trend and shared online that it worked for them—they managed to clear everything within 15 minutes. A couple—one with PreCheck and one without—tried it, and it took them almost 20 minutes to get through. The moral of the story, according to one of them, is to arrive at the airport two hours in advance to ensure you won’t miss your flight. One commenter said on their video, “It’s not about the average, it’s about the exceptions. I flew every week for about five years. I knew all the tricks to get through quick. Traveling for work, cut it close. Pleasure, make your flight.”
@asa.labelle Airport theory strikes again 👀 #college #entrepreneur #apparelbrand #smallbusiness #collegetraditions ♬ original sound – Asa LaBelle
But for one user, the trend didn’t turn out so well. Jenny_Kurtzz has 17.6 million views on her TikTok video warning people not to try it. In the video, she sips coffee while walking through the airport, only to find the screen at the boarding gate reading, “Flight Closed.” She doesn’t recommend trying the trend.
@jenny_kurtzz i would not recommend 😩😭✈️ #airporttheory #airport #flying #fyp #lifehack #tipsandtricks ♬ son original – tswiftmusic
There are, of course, some cases where the Airport Theory might work: at smaller airports with fewer travelers, on less busy travel days, and at highly efficient airports. However, it’s a gamble because so many factors are out of your control when flying. Traffic on the way to the airport, staff shortages, long security lines, baggage issues, additional checks, and distant gates or terminals can all derail your plans. If you don’t have TSA PreCheck—or, worse, if you have a weak passport when flying internationally—you’re better off playing it safe.
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Another question: Would this work during busy holiday travel seasons? Probably not. It’s also a different story at airports outside the U.S., where immigration control adds another layer of complexity. As with every other TikTok trend, don’t use it as a blanket rule.
Related: There’s Another Viral TikTok Travel Trend That’s a Really, Really Bad Idea
