Girl I’m not gonna hold you but if you are in front of me in TSA arranging your tray for a photo I’m cutting the line!
Sorry not sorry!
According to the NY post the whole Airport Tray Aesthetic Trend is annoying everyone.
“Got all my girls unpacking their bags for aesthetic airport tray pics,” bragged NYC influencer, Chelsea Henriquez, 31, in the closed-captions of a viral vid.
The viral video, which has garnered over 377,000 views on TikTok, showcases the stylish influencer and her group of friends as they meticulously unload their carry-on bags at a LaGuardia Airport security checkpoint.
They arrange their items in TSA bins, creating an Instagram-worthy display.
To ensure she captures the best shot without annoying other travelers or drawing disapproving looks, Henriquez shared with The Post,
“I take the tray with me after going through TSA, and curate my items near the benches where people put their shoes back on.”
“This way I’m not rushing to set up the tray while on the TSA line and I’m also not inconveniencing fellow travelers or the TSA folk by getting in their way.”
@chelseaasoflate @chelseamaninang ♬ original sound – speedz!
But, unfortunately, not every member of “airport tray aesthetic” mania is as courteous as the Queens native.
And yet, the picturesque trend is taking off amongst tastemakers everywhere — so much so that the TSA told The Post that they are “aware” of the movement.
Similar to the divisive passport “glow-ups” trend, where travelers took pride in enhancing their ID photos for global journeys, the airport tray aesthetic is the latest fashion-forward attempt to add flair to typically mundane aspects of air travel.
This emerging trend, which has inspired over 16.4 million TikTok posts, encourages travelers around the world to spend a few extra moments arranging their belongings in a visually appealing, color-coordinated manner inside the TSA’s drab, gray bins.
Most jet-setters begrudgingly take off their shoes, jackets and bulky jewelry at the security center, per official TSA regulations.
However, airport tray aesthetic revelers are volitionally loading up the little boxes with items that haven’t even been flagged by the officials, such as sweatshirts, high heels, designer purses, magazines and mini self-care goodies.
Content creator Alyssa Lenore even copped to purchasing a TSA bin, and staging snazzy airport-esque shoots from the comforts of her bedroom.
airport trays that i didn’t take at the airport pic.twitter.com/x0jRD5vO6s
— natasha (@tashteshtish) July 7, 2024
“If anyone is curious about how I always get aesthetics TSA bin photos, it’s because I have one at home,” admitted the YouTuber. “I don’t want to be in a position with people — especially on a line [where] intensities are already high, some people are running late — and I just want to get a good photo.”
“So, I make it at home.”
However, with many influencers staging these photos in the TSA line, the trend has the potential to extend wait times for everyone and could even cause some travelers to miss their flights entirely.
At busy airports like JFK, domestic and international passengers typically endure security lines for around 25 minutes before rushing to their gates, according to a recent report by travel site Bounce. But this estimate doesn’t account for unexpected delays, obstacles, or—perhaps unsurprisingly—viral TikTok trends that could further prolong the already lengthy wait.
In a statement to The Post, the TSA commented:
“As long as the staged glamour photos are not causing delays or issues with other passengers in the checkpoint, there are no issues.”
The agency also advised,
“Travelers should take care to secure their IDs, passports, and any light items on top that could be swept out of the bins when they go into the machines.”
However, digital critics of the fashionable fad seem to feel that holding up the line for cute pics simply won’t fly.
‘Airport tray aesthetic’ is annoying everyone — and even the TSA is aware of the ‘staged glamour photos’ pic.twitter.com/OiOu2dDhPd
— New York Post (@nypost) August 25, 2024
“No, I’d be so mad if I was stuck behind you,”….
“We don’t have time for that girl. I’m late,”
“TSA is way too chaotic for this,”
“Oh honey, what airport is this in?,” a stunned onlooker asked. “Because in NYC, I would’ve been screamed at.”
POV: You’re stuck behind Rochelle Humes in the cue at the airport, whilst she tries to lay out the items in her security tray for an aesthetic Instagram photo. pic.twitter.com/c8KjZ0PVcT
— The Saturdays Updates (@ShadySatsFacts) May 17, 2024
and
@natbco *Aesthetic* TSA tray photos, wherein people neatly arrange their belongings in x-ray bins, are blowing up. Some people take them at the airport, others are recreating them at home with their own bins. I asked a spokesperson for #TSA ♬ original sound – Natalie B. Compton
and
@vickirutwind My TSA trays based on which destination I’m traveling to. Which is your favorite? ???? Santorini, Greece ???? Positano, Italy ???? Paris, France ???? Hawaii, USA (Products from P448 + @NARS Cosmetics + @elfcosmetics + @OtterBox + @dolceitalianaoriginal were gifted by those brands) #travelaesthetic #pinterestaesthetic #travelstyle #travelinstyle #packingideas #pinterestaesthetic ♬ original sound – ????⬛
Are you here for this trend? Let us know on social!
