Experts warn against TikTok ‘Airport Theory’ as travel season approaches | Travel News | Travel

Travellers are being cautioned that following an odd TikTok trend could potentially ruin their vacation. Flight experts have cautioned that the latest viral sensation, the “Airport Theory,” is a risk people should not take. The trend has gained massive traction on the platform, with over 382.9 million posts alone.

But what is this trend about? It challenges the conventional advice of arriving early for a flight, instead suggesting that just 15 minutes is enough to pass through security. One video alone gained more than 12 million views and many wondered why she chose to do it.

Comments flooded in, with one writing: “I’d rather sit in an airport for two hours than risk missing my flight” and another adding: “I don’t understand how people miss flights.

“That’s hundreds of dollars gone because you cannot wait at your gate. I’d wait 1-2 hours minimum at my gate because I’m so scared to miss my flight.”

As more people start booking trips with the Easter and summer holidays in mind, experts are urging travellers to steer clear of this practice at all costs. Amanda Parker at Netflights warned holidaymakers: “While some participants may have found success with the [Airport] theory, the trend largely depends on variable factors like queue times and the distance to your gate, which can differ depending on the airport and the time of your flight. Additionally, boarding typically begins 45 minutes before departure, which is half an hour earlier than the 15 minutes suggested in ‘Airport Theory,’ further emphasising the risks of following this trend.

“To ensure you have enough time to comfortably catch your flight and avoid missing out on your holiday, we recommend that UK travellers check in at least three hours before departure for long haul flights, two hours for European flights, and one hour for domestic flights. With all this in mind, we strongly advise against participating in this trend.”

The experts also suggest planning for peak travel times to ensure a timely arrival at the airport. If possible, pre-booking fast-track boarding can be beneficial, as it helps cut down the time spent in queues and provides a smoother airport experience – especially for large groups or families with children.

However, for those attempting the “Airport Theory,” fast-track boarding does not guarantee passing through security and reaching the gate on time. Their final piece of advice is to stay updated on flight schedules and live travel news rather than waiting at the airport. This can help avoid unnecessary delays if flights are rescheduled. However, travellers are still encouraged to arrive at the airport as usual to accommodate any last-minute changes.