New trend of Generation Z? The viral “airport tray aesthetic” is causing a stir. What is it all about?

A new trend is spreading Social Media Platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where Gen Z travelers arrange personal items in airport security bins to create perfectly staged photos.Airport tray aestheticsThis viral phenomenon sees passengers transform their everyday airport routine into a creative visual performance. While some enjoy the artistic execution, others worry about the potential delays it could cause at security checkpoints.
The trend of carefully organizing sunglasses, shoes, books and other personal items has sparked a mix of admiration and frustration. Some travelers care about the aesthetics, while others wonder if the effort is worth it, especially in busy airports.
What is it about?
The “airport tray aesthetic” sees travelers use their time at airport security to arrange their belongings attractively and then take photos to share online. Neatly placed designer shoes, vintage sunglasses, and even film cameras are often seen, turning a normally mundane part of the journey into an “instagrammable” moment.
According to CNN, brands like Anthropologie and storage solutions company Stackers have embraced this trend and are using it to promote travel-friendly products. Stackers noted that the trend “fit perfectly” with their aesthetic focus on curated travel accessories.
How did it start?
The trend gained widespread attention after New York City influencer Chelsea Henriquez shared a video on TikTok advising her followers to wait until after security to leave their trays so as not to hold up the line. Henriquez told the New York Post that this approach allowed her to leave her tray near the benches without crowding or inconveniencing other travelers. Her video, which has now been viewed over 377,000 times, helped put the trend in the spotlight.
However, not all participants are actually in airports. Influencers like Alyssa Lenore have admitted to buying TSA-like containers to recreate the setup at home, where they can stage and photograph their belongings without the pressure of a real security check. Lenore told NYP, “I don't want to be in a position with people – especially not in a line [where] The intensity is already high.”
While some travelers appreciate the creativity, others see it as a potential waste of time. The New York Post described the trend as “time-consuming” and a potential cause of delays in the TSA's already long lines. Many fear that the extra minutes influencers spend setting up trays could slow down security lines, especially at busy airports like JFK, where travelers already face delays of 25 minutes or more.
Commenters on TikTok echoed this frustration, with one person writing: “No, I would be so mad if I was stuck behind you.”
However, the TSA has allayed these concerns, saying that the posed photos are not a problem as long as they do not disrupt security measures or other travelers. Travelers are reminded to keep important documents such as passports and ID cards safe.
Despite the criticism, many participants argue that the trend is more about creative expression than procrastination. Influencer Piper Taich explained in one of her TikTok videos, “It's a really fun way to express my love for fashion and artistic direction.”