The Viral ‘Airport Tray Aesthetics’ Trend: Generation Z Is Turning TSA Trash Cans Into Fashion Statements (And Driving Travelers Crazy)

Airport security is now the scene of a viral social media trend: the “airport tray aesthetic.” Passengers curate and photograph the contents of their TSA containers.

Gen Z passengers arrange designer bags, perfumes, gadgets and books to create color-coordinated, visually appealing compositions. They turn a mundane part of travel into a creative expression. It gives them control over something where control has been taken away from them – you go through a government checkpoint, go through naked performances and your water bottle is confiscated. The checkpoint has more germs than the monkey in outbreak.

@chelseaasoflate @chelseamaninang ♬ Original sound – Speedz!

But they also slow down lines. Long lines at security and passengers worried about their flights lose patience when influencers stop to set up their trays and take photos. The TSA preempts the slowdowns but is largely powerless to stop them (there are limits to the restrictions it can set on taking photos at checkpoints).

@_shoppursue starts the girls' trip with controlled chaos ✨✈️ #airporttray #airportaesthetic #whatsinmybag #packing #pinterestaesthetic #airportstyle #phototutorial #airportdiaries #airportfashion #airportoutfit #ootd ♬ Very Demure Jools House of Evo Remix – CasaDi

So what do more mindful (“very reserved, very mindful”) influencers do?

• Place your garbage cans away from the checkpoint
• Buy tablets online and make fake boarding passes, because who needs authenticity on social media?

The airport tray aesthetic is all about capturing the travel experience in a stylized way. Photos of exotic destinations are tired. Photos of the itinerary itself are wired. Photos of what the state makes you go through as part of this process are, it seems, inspired.

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