If airports weren’t already a hellscape, TikTok has discovered a solution to make them worse. Welcome to airport idea, a viral delusion that means you possibly can roll as much as the airport quarter-hour earlier than boarding, waltz by way of safety, and nonetheless make your flight with time to spare. No stress, no ready, simply pure major character power.
TikTok creators like Michael DiCostanzo (@michael.dicostanzo) swear by it, documenting their dashes by way of high-traffic hubs like LAX, Atlanta Worldwide Airport, and post–Super Bowl New Orleans. Some viewers are offered. Others are calling BS.
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“So that you had PreCheck, didn’t verify a bag, and have been on the nearest terminal? Now let’s do it when it’s not the optimum state of affairs,” one consumer commented. And, positive sufficient, the web can also be affected by failed attempts—videos of forlorn TikTokers watching their flights take off with out them, their carry-ons filled with remorse.
It’s a enjoyable fantasy, which explains why “airport theory” has racked up over 400 million views on TikTok. Sadly, the the Transportation Safety Administration doesn’t care about your viral second. The nationwide common wait time for safety was 27 minutes, 16 seconds in 2024. And should you’re flying out of a infamous bottleneck like JFK, Orlando Worldwide, or Chicago O’Hare, it’s nearer to 40 minutes. Google searches for “I missed my flight what do I do” have spiked 70 % up to now month, per Google Tendencies. It’s not onerous to attach the dots.
Right here is your unhappy actuality verify: Airways nonetheless suggest arriving a minimum of two hours earlier than a home flight, three for worldwide. Generally that buffer appears like overkill. However would you reasonably rush by way of the airport along with your coronary heart racing or have a couple of minutes to search out your gate, seize a bag of overpriced no matter, and scroll TikTok watching different folks miss their flights? That appears like a significantly better airport idea to us.
Airport Hacks That Truly Work
One of the best ways to get by way of airport safety unscathed is to maneuver such as you’ve finished this 100 instances earlier than. A bit planning, the fitting gear, and skipping social media stunts will get you from curb to gate with minimal stress.
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Time It Proper
- Journey off-peak. According to CheapAir, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are sometimes much less crowded. Early flights between 5 and eight am and red-eyes (after 9 pm) are inclined to have fewer passengers.
- Examine TSA wait instances prematurely. The My TSA app (iOS, Android) gives real-time safety line updates at main airports.
Get the Proper Apps
Pack Sensible
Costume for Effectivity
- Empty your pockets earlier than safety. Stash all the pieces in your carry-on as a substitute of fumbling on the checkpoint.
- Hold steel jewellery, watches, and belts in your bag till after screening.
- Keep away from boots or high-tops. Slip-ons like Allbirds’ Tree Runners for $98 and the Rothy’s Driving Loafer for $189—we’ve raved about them in the past—make safety a breeze. When you’re not planning on sprinting by way of the airport, the Bearpaw Martis Slippers ($70) are ultra-comfy.
- Skip cumbersome outerwear. Coats, hoodies with huge pockets, and something with extreme zippers simply sluggish you down. In case you have PreCheck, you possibly can often hold your sneakers, belt, and light-weight jacket on.
Keep Organized
