Airport Tray Aesthetic: The Intersection of Travel and TikTok Trends
11 September 2024
As a former social media editor and now travel editor, I’ll be the first to admit that my dedication to creating aesthetic holiday content can sometimes go too far. While on holiday with family in Kefalonia this summer, I accumulated over 1,500 photos and videos in just one week. Similarly, during a five-day trip to Tuscany with friends, I returned with just under 1,000 images. My camera roll is packed with carefully curated restaurant tablescapes, postcard-perfect sunsets, and highlight reels of my recent travels.
While I often tell myself that I’m creating memories to cherish later, the truth is that I’m likely addicted to social media like many people in their twenties. Although I enjoy looking back on old photos and my friends appreciate the shared memories, there comes a point during every holiday when I question whether my quest for the perfect travel aesthetic has gone overboard.
As I scroll through Instagram, I can’t help but think that many others share these concerns. “I love taking good photos, and capturing postcard-perfect images of places and people has become a hobby,” admits commerce editor Sarah Bannerman. “However, I can’t just take one shot, and whenever I’m with others, I feel self-conscious about it – is it cooler to pretend I don’t care about stuff like this? The best reality check comes when I go to capture something – usually a view – and it simply doesn’t translate on a screen. That reminds me to put my phone down and look with my eyes instead.”
The Rise of the TikTok Airport Tray Aesthetic
Recently, a cultural moment that resonates with these fears is the latest TikTok trend known as the “airport tray aesthetic.” With over 16 million posts related to this trend, it involves travelers arranging their hand luggage items into a security tray before taking pictures or videos to share online. Items such as passports, cameras, plane tickets, and beauty products are meticulously arranged, often sorted by color or size. Although these aesthetically pleasing videos can accumulate thousands of views, they have sparked intense debates online.
Critics argue that this trend leads to longer airport security lines and clutters vital repacking stations, deeming the behavior as selfish. In the pursuit of posting perfection, is self-awareness being sacrificed?
Sarah Allard, digital director at Condé Nast Traveller, believes so. “Imagine this: you’re almost at the front of the airport security queue, feeling hot and bothered, only to find that the person in front of you is delaying the process to take pictures of their tray. While I admit that I’m an Instagram addict and guilty of over-photographing my travels, causing extra stress to fellow travelers during what is typically a stressful time is a step too far for me,” she explains.
Debating the Impact of Social Media Trends
The primary issue appears to be a lack of consideration for others; even when moving to a less crowded area, the priority for achieving the perfect shot seems to eclipse the need for cooperation among travelers.
On a brighter note, the explosion of this trend on TikTok might signal a nostalgic return to a time when travel was not merely a means to reach a destination, but an experience in its own right. Many travelers are now intentionally curating their airport experiences rather than viewing it as dead time.
Moreover, amidst a world filled with distressing news, there is some value in light-hearted social media engagement. Users find joy in showcasing mundane activities, which fosters a sense of personality and community among content creators who share their latest finds in beauty, fashion, and experiences.
“I don’t believe that everything trending on social media is inherently negative or a waste,” argues deputy digital editor Sarah James. “Often, these trends are driven by young people using social media as a creative outlet, and while a photo of an airport tray may not change the world, it’s harmless fun. Not everything must carry profound meaning; enjoying trends is part of our culture.”
Chartered psychologist Dr. Mark Rackley echoes this sentiment, saying, “Social media trends are fads, much like any other. Some people find them enjoyable, while others deem them trivial. Regardless, if you encounter someone engaging in this trend at the airport, try to find humor in it. After all, airport security can be a tense experience, and these moments might just lighten the mood!”
“If a trend isn’t harming anyone or significantly affecting your life, it’s best to let it be,” advises Sarah James. “Allow people to enjoy their fun without critique, and reserve your energy for addressing genuine issues.”
