TSA weighs in on TikTok's 'airport tray aesthetic' trend
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(NEXSTAR) – For most people, removing items of clothing, frantically pulling out laptops and wondering what might set off TSA's screening devices is the most anxiety-producing part of flying. For others, it's a social media opportunity.
A trend on TikTok dubbed "airport tray aesthetic" consists of passengers removing various items and arranging them just so for a photo, with the gray, plastic TSA tub as the background.
A spokesperson confirmed to Nexstar that the TSA recently became aware of the trend.
The items are often color-coordinated and the displays often feature prominently displayed brand names, flower themes, makeup, sunglasses, jewelry and compact digital cameras (sometimes more than one).
"My tray at TSA when I travel to: Santorini, Greece," one TikToker wrote, showing off pale blue Adidas shoes, sunglasses, a vintage Ricoh camera, blue sweater, a hibiscus flower hair clip, Canadian passport and makeup, among other things.
Social media videos show passengers unpacking their own luggage to handpick items and then arrange them aesthetically in the trays. Unlike "fridgescaping," the TikTok trend of decorating the inside of one's refrigerator, tray aesthetic pics are taken in a section of the airport notorious for high stress, impatience and lines.
Comments range from gushing praise and questions about individual products to harsh criticism.
"Not very mindful," said one person, echoing a TikTok's obsession with being "very demure, very mindful."
"Talk about self centered," another person commented. "Do you ladies consider anyone behind you? The TSA line is slow enough ... "
While some TikTokers confessed to dressing up their trays while still in line, others explained that the photos were taken after they went through the screening process and before returning the bins, but it wasn't enough to reassure everyone.
"You're still taking up space, benches and trays," a reply reads. "It's obnoxious and inconsiderate, all for 'attention.'"
While some commenters were convinced the TSA would never allow the trend to crop up in busy airports in Atlanta, New York, Detroit and other major cities, there is some good news for aesthetically-inclined passengers.
"As long as staged glamor photos are not causing delays or issues with other passengers in the checkpoint, there are no issues," a TSA spokesperson told Nexstar, adding, "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."
Want to avoid the TSA and impatient travelers altogether? Some TikTokers claimed they bought their own screening trays online to never have to leave the house.