Tiktok’s trend cycle never stops you from stirring it around. However, while catchy dances and memes are rather harmless, some trends are more risky than others.
New travel-related trends avoid general guidance from most major airlines and avoid more intense approaches to air travel. Following the “Airport Theory” method, travelers aim to arrive at the airport as close to departure as possible 15-20 minutes before the flight. So, after boarding is already underway, you can walk towards the gate towards the plane.
In theory, and sounds great depending on your anxiety level. Who doesn’t want less waiting times at the airport (unless you happen to be in one of the best airport lounges in the country)? But it is also dangerous and very easy to disaster recipes.
Here’s what you need to know before testing this airport theory:
What is Airport Theory?
“Airport theory is a dangerous travel “hack” that is making rounds on social media, encouraging travelers to throw away the standard 2-3 hour airport arrival window in favor of appearing just 15-20 minutes before a flight. “Kate Boyer, general manager of Air New Zealand’s airport, told TPG.
I’m not in a hurry to test this theory myself, but fortunately, dozens of people on the internet have done it for me. One traveler shared that she arrived at the airport at 10:32am in Tiktok, boarding at 11:15am and arrived at the gate before boarding, claiming that there was a reason why she didn’t go to the airport early.
In another video, travelers were still in line for security when the flight began boarding. They had to ask people to skip the line, eventually becoming the final passenger and on the plane in just a few seconds.
Other travelers who have tested the airport theory strategy can see them missing their flight.
Then there are people like Michael DiCostanzo, a content creator in Central Florida. He tests airport theory several times and ensures that you arrive at the airport early enough if things are significantly wrong.
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“Airport theory was the first I posted online about a year ago. What I said is that the airport is less crowded than you think,” Diconstanzo told TPG. “I keep watching online claim that airport theory can be reached at the airport 15 minutes before your flight. That’s something I’ve never said in the video. What I said is that they are usually less crowded than you think,” he explained.
Watching DiCostanzo’s video, his interpretations of airport theory tended to be checked out, and I successfully tested my approach at several airports, including Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), and Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).
In each example, Diconstanzo was able to arrive at the gate from the check-in area in 15-20 minutes, but he quickly points out that he does not encourage travelers to arrive at the airport just before the plane is scheduled to depart.
“One thing I said in every video is why I put it in danger, even though it’s not as crowded as you think, so I made it get there two hours earlier,” Zicostanzo said.
What is the appeal of airport theory?
Airport Theory claims that you can skip the wait completely and arrive in plenty of time to get through security.
“Most people would rather spend a little more of their last few hours of their vacation at home or spend the last few hours of their vacation than sitting at the airport gate,” Boyer said. “That’s probably why airport theory has gained traction. Travelers are looking for ways to maximize their time outside the airport, not outside the airport.”
I questioned why I was told to go to the airport early in the past. I often end up sitting at my gate for most of that time, drinking bitter, very expensive coffee while waiting for a flight. However, I still prefer a bad coffee to miss flights, so I continue to arrive at the airport in enough time to clear security and properly caffeine.
I can’t say the same thing about some of my colleagues. When I asked for opinions on airport theory, some of my TPG teammates embarrassingly admitted to reaching the airport as close to boarding as possible. Most do so only at airports they are used to. I know how to navigate quickly, like at the airport in my home, or because I promoted security via TSA Precheck or Clear (preferably if I choose to be too close to this particular flame).
Although Zicostanzo has not insisted on closing it at the airport, he feels that his test of “gaming” airport theory can provide some degree of mind if you are tied up. “It’s not a great feeling to see a lot of people and start thinking about standing there for so long with everything about you,” he said. “It feels good to know that those lines will probably be faster,” he added.
Why this trend might make you stuck at the airport?
If you need evidence beyond the disappointed travelers who post this theory on social media that tested it yourself, here are a few reasons why you don’t want to arrive at the airport in a wiggled space.
First, if you need to check your package, this theory won’t work. Most airlines must check their luggage at least 45 minutes before departure times for domestic flights and at least 60 minutes before international flights. And that doesn’t mean you need to be lined up to check your luggage by then – that means they need to place the tag on your bag and place it on the belt by then.
“Although every airline is different, New Zealand Air usually closes the bag 30 minutes before a domestic departure and internationally 60 minutes before the international one. If you miss that window, the bag may not make a flight, so it’s best to check your booking at the exact time,” Boyer said.
Most airlines will suspend boarding 15 minutes before scheduled departure times. This allows for safety checks and passenger briefing time before takeoff. Logistically, as airport theory suggests, arriving at the airport just 15-20 minutes before the flight is scheduled to take off will not work in your favor.
Airport theory also does not explain unexpected delays, such as traffic, last-minute gate changes, or other factors that could increase the time it takes to reach the gate. Zicostanzo experienced this firsthand.
“When I went to London, I made it in the middle of the airport before I realized I would forget my passport. So I had to go back and get it, but I left three hours earlier so it was fine,” he shared.
Several of my TPG colleagues agree with Dicostanzo’s “safeter than better safety” approach.
TPG Senior Editor Lyndsey Matthews doesn’t get a chance. “I couldn’t try this trend. I give hives every time I appear on my FYP (for your page) in Tiktok. I aim to reach domestic flights two hours ago and international flights three hours earlier.
Director and producer John Maxwell had a heart change after a major airport accident. “I had appeared an hour before departure, but my family parted ways at the airport and my wife had to take another flight. That flight was cancelled and she would not live our life for the rest of her life.
How early should I go to the airport?
Dicostanzo and Boyer agree to the general airline guidance and TPG’s own recommendations to arrive at the airport at least 2-3 hours before an international flight and 1-2 hours before a domestic flight. The amount of time you need depends on whether you are checking your bag and whether you are participating in a quick security program such as TSA Precheck or Clear.
Dicostanzo uses TSA Precheck to speed up time through airport security. “I highly recommend TSA Precheck because it’s incredibly good value,” he said. “It’s $15 a year because it’s available for $75 for five years. People think it’s really hard to go through this process, but you have to go to the office and answer some questions,” he continued. Using a suitable credit card in your wallet will also allow you to get TSA Precheck at no out-of-pocket costs.
If your main concern is what to do with all your extra time at the airport, here are some solutions.
Airport lounge access may be available depending on the fare class you purchased, elite status, or the premium credit card you hold. The most flexible cards with access to the lounge can often be found in several lounge brands. For example, your Capital One Venture X Rewards credit card includes access for both Capital One and Priority Pass Lounge. Additionally, Chase SapphireReserve® provides access to the Chase Sapphire and Priority Pass lounges. Also, both of these cards can be tagged with up to two guests along with you.
If you have an American Express (registration required) PlatinumCard® or an American Express Business PlatinumCard® (registration required) you can access the Amex Centurion Lounges and the American Express Global Lounge collection. This involves selecting the airline’s partner lounge if you have a ticket on the same day as the airline.
Alternatively, you can get a lead from Dicostanzo and wait for the game. Of course, like Dicostanzo, you can test airport theory by timing how long it will take to get to the gate from the check-in area, but he spends his time playing other fun airport games.
“What I want to play is the suitcase colored roulette. I try to find someone who has suitcases of all colors in the rainbow. I can’t stop walking around the airport until I find them all,” he said. “The other thing is to see how many alphabet characters you can cover by finding different stores at the airport. If the store starts with Q, Q will be checked from the list. Continue until you erase all the characters from the list.”
Conclusion
Some swear to airport theory, while others swear they will never try it again. Some people have successfully pulled this strategy apart, but I cannot recommend it in good faith, nor can the experts I have spoken to. Hangs on the way to the airport, or delays at operational protocols and the airport itself, can lead to missed flights.
Perhaps you need to stick to safer tikk trends, such as dancing, buying unnecessary beauty products, or mischief of your spouse.
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