A new trend is sweeping through social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where Gen Z travelers arrange personal items in airport security trays for perfectly staged photos. Dubbed the “airport tray aesthetic,” this viral phenomenon sees passengers transforming an everyday airport routine into a creative visual showcase. While some enjoy the artistry, others worry about the potential delays it could cause at security checkpoints.
The trend, which involves carefully organizing sunglasses, shoes, books, and other personal items, has sparked a mix of admiration and frustration.Some travelers are all for the aesthetic appeal, while others question whether it’s worth the hassle, especially in busy airports.
What is it about?
The “airport tray aesthetic” involves travelers using their time at airport security to arrange belongings in an appealing way and then snapping photos to share online. Commonly featured are neatly positioned designer shoes, vintage sunglasses, and even film cameras, turning a typically mundane part of travel into an ‘Instagrammable’ moment.
According to CNN, brands like Anthropologie and storage solutions company Stackers have tapped into this trend, using it to promote travel-friendly products. Stackers noted that the trend “aligned perfectly” with their aesthetic focus on curated travel accessories.
How did it start?
The trend gained significant attention after New York-based influencer Chelsea Henriquez shared a video on TikTok, advising followers to wait until after security to arrange their trays to avoid holding up the line. Henriquez told the New York Post that this approach allows her to set up her tray near the benches without rushing or inconveniencing other travelers. Her video, which has since accumulated over 377,000 views, helped propel the trend into the spotlight.
Not all participants are actually in airports, though. Influencers like Alyssa Lenore have admitted to purchasing TSA-style bins to recreate the setup at home, where they stage and photograph their belongings without the pressure of an actual security line. Lenore told NYP, “I don’t want to be in a position with people — especially on a line [where] intensities are already high” .
While some travelers appreciate the creativity, others see it as a potential time-waster. The New York Post described the trend as “time-consuming” and a possible source of delays in already long TSA lines. Many worry that the extra minutes influencers spend setting up trays could slow down security lines, especially at busy airports like JFK, where travelers can already face delays of 25 minutes or more.
Commenters on TikTok echoed these frustrations, with one person writing, “No, I’d be so mad if I was stuck behind you” .
However, the TSA has addressed these concerns, stating that as long as the staged photos don’t disrupt security operations or other travelers, they aren’t an issue. Travelers are reminded to keep important documents like passports and IDs secure.
Despite the criticisms, many participants argue that the trend is more about creative expression than causing delays. Influencer Piper Taich explained, “It’s a really fun way to express my love of fashion and artistic direction,” in one of her TikTok videos.
The trend, which involves carefully organizing sunglasses, shoes, books, and other personal items, has sparked a mix of admiration and frustration.Some travelers are all for the aesthetic appeal, while others question whether it’s worth the hassle, especially in busy airports.
What is it about?
The “airport tray aesthetic” involves travelers using their time at airport security to arrange belongings in an appealing way and then snapping photos to share online. Commonly featured are neatly positioned designer shoes, vintage sunglasses, and even film cameras, turning a typically mundane part of travel into an ‘Instagrammable’ moment.
According to CNN, brands like Anthropologie and storage solutions company Stackers have tapped into this trend, using it to promote travel-friendly products. Stackers noted that the trend “aligned perfectly” with their aesthetic focus on curated travel accessories.
How did it start?
The trend gained significant attention after New York-based influencer Chelsea Henriquez shared a video on TikTok, advising followers to wait until after security to arrange their trays to avoid holding up the line. Henriquez told the New York Post that this approach allows her to set up her tray near the benches without rushing or inconveniencing other travelers. Her video, which has since accumulated over 377,000 views, helped propel the trend into the spotlight.
Not all participants are actually in airports, though. Influencers like Alyssa Lenore have admitted to purchasing TSA-style bins to recreate the setup at home, where they stage and photograph their belongings without the pressure of an actual security line. Lenore told NYP, “I don’t want to be in a position with people — especially on a line [where] intensities are already high” .
While some travelers appreciate the creativity, others see it as a potential time-waster. The New York Post described the trend as “time-consuming” and a possible source of delays in already long TSA lines. Many worry that the extra minutes influencers spend setting up trays could slow down security lines, especially at busy airports like JFK, where travelers can already face delays of 25 minutes or more.
Commenters on TikTok echoed these frustrations, with one person writing, “No, I’d be so mad if I was stuck behind you” .
However, the TSA has addressed these concerns, stating that as long as the staged photos don’t disrupt security operations or other travelers, they aren’t an issue. Travelers are reminded to keep important documents like passports and IDs secure.
Despite the criticisms, many participants argue that the trend is more about creative expression than causing delays. Influencer Piper Taich explained, “It’s a really fun way to express my love of fashion and artistic direction,” in one of her TikTok videos.