Even airport security has become an art project, thanks to Gen Z's latest TikTok trend
The New Gen Z Travel Trend You Won’t Want to See at the Airport
Published on Oct. 28, 2024
There’s nothing glamorous about airport security … but what if there could be? Gen Z influencers are attempting to infuse a little joy into their TSA-checkpoint experiences by crafting perfectly curated travel bins. Yes, you read that right—travelers are turning the mundane act of organizing items for the standard TSA screening into a moment of self-expression, all while capturing the experience for social media.
While it sounds harmless enough, it could also be a breach of basic airport etiquette. Let’s not forget that organizing things “just so” takes time—something you may have, but the people behind you in an airport-security line may not. And when those lines are long and people are stressing about making their flights, it’s easy to see how things could go awry quickly.
Read on to find out more about this travel trend, how prevalent it is and what the TSA thinks of it.
Get Reader’s Digest’s Read Up newsletter for more travel, tech, cleaning, humor and fun facts all week long.
What does this travel trend entail, exactly?
In this somewhat strange trend, travelers are taking a pause before putting their items on the conveyor belt and carefully arranging their belongings in neat, visually pleasing layouts. Think color-coordinated toiletries, jackets folded just so and electronics laid out with precision. It’s not just about getting through security efficiently—it’s about turning an ordinary task into something beautiful and shareable. And share they do! Travelers are posting these curated bins on TikTok, transforming the TSA process into a mini art project.
One note: Some TikTokkers are taking these pictures after going through the X-ray machine, ostensibly so they don’t annoy the TSA agent they’re about to encounter and everyone else behind them in line. Others, however, are doing it before, apparently throwing caution to the wind! And still other influencers are staging these pictures at home—yes, away from the actual airport. In fact, that’s how this whole trend started: Graphic designer Piper Taich posted a series of these bins on TikTok with the caption “in my art director era.”
@_shoppursue kicking off girls trip with some controlled chaos 🤭✨✈️ #airporttray #airportaesthetic #whatsinmybag #packing #pinterestaesthetic #airportstyle #phototutorial #airportdiaries #airportfashion #airportoutfit #ootd ♬ Very Demure Jools House of Evo Remix – CasaDi
Overall, the goal of any of these videos, often tagged #airportaesthetic, remains the same: to capture the moment when their belongings look picture-perfect.
Why are people doing this?
For many, it’s a way to inject a little creativity into an otherwise stressful part of traveling. Gen Z, in particular, has a knack for finding inspiration in unexpected places, and airport security is no exception. Curating a visually appealing TSA bin not only helps these travelers feel more organized, but it also allows them to find joy in the small moments of travel.
For others, it’s all about the content. Social media is overflowing with travelers who share every aspect of their journey—from packing tips to airplane-outfit choices—and this trend is an extension of that. It’s about making travel look effortlessly stylish and, of course, getting a bit of extra engagement from fellow travelers who appreciate the creativity. Comments range from things like “your shoes omg” to “obsessed” to “i would buy prints of these! they are art is right 🫶,” while others ask for info on where to buy the cute items featured in the pics.
How prevalent is this trend?
While you might not see curated bins in every TSA line just yet, the trend is growing, especially among influencers and content creators who frequent large, international airports. TikTok has been the primary platform where this trend is spreading, with hashtags like #airportaesthetic and select videos racking up tens of thousands of views. The trend is most visible at hubs where social media-savvy travelers gather, but it’s slowly making its way to more airports.
Is it legal to take pictures in the airport security line?
The legality of snapping a photo in the TSA line varies, but generally, the TSA doesn’t prohibit photos as long as they don’t interfere with security operations. However, some airports have stricter rules when it comes to photography in secure areas. If you’re traveling internationally, the rules can be even more stringent. Always check local regulations before setting up a mini photo shoot at the security checkpoint.
What does the TSA say about this?
From a security standpoint, TSA officers have two goals: keeping the line moving and ensuring safety. While many officers don’t mind travelers organizing their items, they do caution against letting creativity slow down the process. Here’s what a TSA spokesperson told me when I reached out for a comment on this: “As long as the staged glamour photos are not causing delays or issues with other passengers in the checkpoint, there are no issues.”
In other words, if you want to embrace this trend, make sure it doesn’t hold up fellow travelers who just want to get through security quickly.
What are some other airport trends on social media right now?
The curated TSA bin trend is just one of many travel-related movements popping up online. Here are a few other creative airport trends currently capturing attention:
- Airport OOTDs (Outfits of the Day): Travelers show off their stylish yet comfortable outfits, often posting a “before and after” once they settle into their airplane seats.
- Packing challenges: In these videos, content creators fit an entire trip’s wardrobe into a carry-on and often include tips with folding techniques and liquid rules.
- Luxury lounge tours: Here, you’ll get a sneak peek into the exclusive world of airport lounges, with influencers giving detailed walkthroughs of the food, relaxation spaces and perks.
- Speedy security runs: In this playful challenge, travelers time themselves on how quickly they can get through the TSA line without missing a beat.
Why trust us
Reader’s Digest has published hundreds of travel stories that help readers explore the world safely, easily and affordably. We regularly cover topics such as the best places to visit (and the best times to visit them), tips and tricks to zoom through airport security, flight-attendant secrets, hotel-room hacks and more. We’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions as well as our writers’ personal experiences where appropriate. For this story on the new Gen Z travel trend, Lisa Niver tapped her experience as a longtime travel journalist who has visited 102 countries on six continents to ensure all information is accurate. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.
