For Years, We’ve Waited for Hours at Airports. TikTok’s ‘Airport Theory’ Says That’s a Mistake

If you fly frequently, you’re probably tired of hearing it: Get to the airport early. How early depends largely on your city and destination. Still, most travelers are expected to arrive at the terminal at least 90 minutes before a domestic flight. That’s the minimum. If you’re headed overseas, the window stretches even further. But what if you cut that wait to 15 minutes?

That’s enough to make your heart race. Still, plenty of TikTok users are determined to prove the “airport theory,” which argues that if you’ve checked in online, aren’t checking baggage, and are on a domestic flight, 15 minutes is plenty of time to avoid missing your plane.

Not for the faint of heart. Air travel can be fun—but also stressful, anxiety-inducing, and chaotic. That’s why airlines and airport operators recommend early arrivals.

Recommended arrival times vary, but they typically range from 90 minutes to two and a half hours, and up to four hours for international destinations. TikTok users believe, at least in some cases, arriving 15 minutes before boarding or even takeoff is enough. They’re convinced—and say they’ve proven it with real trips.

@michael.dicostanzo

Can Airport Theory survive the world’s BUSIEST airport?? 👀✈️🤔 #airportheory #atlantaairport #challenge

♬ original sound - Michael DiCostanzo

The “airport theory.” This trend has taken off. A quick hashtag search on TikTok reveals dozens of videos from users—including influencers with millions of followers—who claim they’ve successfully boarded flights after arriving far later than recommended.

The trend has made waves beyond social media. Media outlets including CNN, Fox News, and Wired have covered it. Some influencer videos, like one featuring Michael DiCostanzo, have racked up hundreds of thousands of views.

More from Xataka On

Airlines Always Let You Bring a Parachute on Board. The Only Problem: It’s Useless

What it proposes. The theory is simple: You’ve been wasting your life waiting at airports. Supporters claim that if you’ve already checked in and are only carrying hand luggage, you can arrive just 15 minutes before boarding.

That, they argue, gives you enough time to clear security, reach your gate, and board—all without missing your flight. “Is it really necessary to arrive two to three hours beforehand as recommended to make your flight?” asks Betsy Grunch, who has 2.4 million TikTok followers.

@itslexismith

testing airport theory at LAX

♬ original sound - Lexi Smith

“I don’t think it’s necessary.” Grunch told CNN she first tested the theory when traffic and baggage issues led her to arrive at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport just 26 minutes before boarding. She recorded her experience on TikTok: a frantic race through the terminal that ended with her catching her flight.

James Shaw, another influencer, tried a safer experiment. He and his wife arrived at a Florida airport 90 minutes early and used a stopwatch to time their walk to the gate. It took just 13 minutes.

“I think that traveling can be so stressful for so many people,” Shaw said. “And so that’s why we go, ‘I need to be there three hours early or four hours early or whatever.’ And I don’t think you need to do that,” he added. He carried only a small bag and used an expedited security service. Like Grunch, he said he’d never try the theory on an international flight, where the stakes—and wait times—are much higher.

The debate continues. Does the airport theory work? TikTok has videos arguing both for and against it. And some users, inevitably, ended up missing their flights.

Wired reports the hashtag has earned more than 400 million views. The spike in interest mirrors a jump in Google searches for “I missed my flight, what do I do?” Airlines continue to advise early arrival to leave room for the unexpected—like security checks, traffic delays, or long lines at terminal entrances.

“I think it’s stupid.” Airport professionals say showing up 15 minutes before boarding isn’t smart. “TSA wait times can vary from airport to airport, and even from day to day within each airport, especially during peak travel times,” a Dallas/Fort Worth Airport spokesperson told CNN. With a few hours of cushion, travelers can avoid last-minute surprises that might derail their trips.

Even Shaw admitted, “I am not a fan of airport theory. I think it’s stupid. I wouldn’t risk missing the flight. It’s just dumb.” In the end, the question is simple: Is less waiting time worth the greater risk of being left behind?

Image | 𝓴𝓘𝓡𝓚 𝕝𝔸𝕀 (Unsplash)

Related | People Have Wondered for Years if Going Barefoot on Long Flights Is a Good Idea. Airlines Are Clear About It