It is tray magnifique – but at what price?
The miserable wait in long, winding lines at the TSA could soon become an even more annoying scourge thanks to a new time-wasting trend.
“Made all my girls unpack their suitcases for aesthetic airport tray pictures,” boasted New York influencer Chelsea in the captions of a viral video.
The adorable footage, which has garnered over 377,000 TikTok views, shows the fashionista and her friends emptying their carry-on bags at the LaGuardia Airport security checkpoint, artfully placing their belongings in TSA bins and taking social media-worthy photos of the decorative display.
“Are we doing too much?” she asked cheekily in the caption of her clip. “Yes.”
“Are we OK with that?” the trendsetter continued. “Well, yes.”
And frequent flyers would also be well advised to join the trend toward “airport tray aesthetics” – so much so that the TSA told the Washington Post that it was “aware” of this movement.
Similar to the controversial “glow-up” movement, which saw vain holidaymakers brighten up their photo IDs for international flights, the airport tray aesthetic is a fashion trend designed to brighten up the often boring aspects of flying.
With over 16.4 million TikTok posts, the growing trend is seeing travelers from all over the world taking a few minutes to create color-coordinated images of their personal belongings neatly placed in the TSA’s dingy gray bins.
Most jetsetters reluctantly remove their shoes, jackets and bulky jewelry at the security center, as per official TSA regulations. However, lovers of aesthetic airport trays voluntarily fill the small boxes with items that officials don’t even notice, such as sweatshirts, high heels, designer handbags, magazines and small toiletries.
Content creator Alyssa Lenore even admitted to purchasing a TSA bin and staging chic airport-style shoots from the comfort of her bedroom.
“If anyone is wondering how I always manage to get aesthetic TSA trash can photos, it’s because I have one at home,” the YouTuber admitted. “I don’t want to be in a position with people – especially in a line where the tension is already high and some people are late – and I just want to get a good photo.”
“So I do it at home.”
However, since most influencers take their snaps in the TSA queue, this trend could increase wait times for everyone—and potentially cause some people to miss their flight altogether.
At busy airports like JFK, both domestic and international passengers often have to wait about 25 minutes through security before they can march to their gates, according to a recent report from travel website Bounce. However, the expert estimate did not take into account unforeseen delays, obstructions or – not surprisingly – viral TikTok trends that could add even more time to the already long wait.
In a statement, the TSA told the Washington Post: “As long as the posed glamour photos do not cause delays or problems with other passengers at the checkpoint, there are no problems.”
“Travellers should be careful to securely store their ID cards, passports and any lightweight items as they could be swept out of the bins when placed in the machines,” the agency added.
However, digital critics of this fashion trend seem to believe that holding up the line for cute pictures doesn’t work.
“No, I would be so angry if I was stuck behind you,” barked one naysayer.
“We don’t have time for the girl. I’m late,” spat another commenter.
“The TSA is way too chaotic for that,” argued another.
“Oh honey, what airport is this?” asked one astonished onlooker. “Because in NYC I would have been yelled at.”
