Viral “airport theory” trend encourages risky last-minute dash to gates – experts weigh in

In the age of social media, new travel trends often go viral, and the "airport theory" is no exception. The concept is simple: arrive at the gate 15 minutes before your flight departs and attempt to board within that narrow window. TikTok users have documented their attempts, showcasing everything from dashing through security to reaching the gate just in time.

One viral video shows a TikTok user setting a timer while navigating through the airport, documenting their successful arrival at the gate with just 13 minutes left. Another TikTok user filmed their journey at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), where they were racing to the gate while boarding had already started. In both cases, the travelers made it just in time, thanks to the flight’s delayed boarding process.

But not every traveler has been so lucky. One user posted a video showing the flight monitor displaying "flight closed," meaning they missed their flight after trying to test the theory. This served as a cautionary tale, with the user advising others to think twice before trying the trend.


While some users may make it to their gates in time, experts argue that the "airport theory" is far too risky to adopt as a regular strategy.

Gary Leff, a travel expert based in Texas and author of the blog View From the Wing, explained that while many people tend to arrive too early at airports, arriving just 15 minutes before departure is a “dangerous” practice. He points out that airlines and airports give conservative arrival guidelines as a buffer to account for potential delays in security lines, bag checks, or other unforeseen factors.

Leff also mentions that while travelers may find this trend appealing, it could backfire: “Airlines benefit from passengers arriving earlier, as they are more likely to spend time and money at the airport shops while waiting.” The trend, he suggests, may overlook the added time required for large airports or more crowded travel days, where even a minor delay can cause passengers to miss their flight.


While "airport theory" might work for some in perfect conditions, travel experts caution against relying on such a tight timeline. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recommends that travelers arrive at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. These timeframes account for everything from check-in to security screening, ensuring that you have ample time for any delays along the way.

Leff emphasizes that the timing can vary depending on multiple factors: “It all comes down to knowing how long different pieces of the journey take, how much buffer your planning gives you, and how bad it would be if you suffer a delay.” Travelers with access to expedited security processes like TSA PreCheck or CLEAR may be able to get through security faster, but even those passengers can face unexpected delays if they encounter long lines or need to transfer between terminals.


Airlines and airports generally recommend earlier arrivals for two main reasons: first, to account for unpredictable delays, and second, to keep passengers on-site for longer periods, which boosts airport revenue through retail spending.

Leff adds that conservative arrival recommendations aim to prevent situations where a passenger arrives late due to an unforeseeable event, such as a long security line or a terminal change, only to find themselves missing the flight. “Airlines do not want to be in the position where they have to explain why a flight was missed due to a late arrival,” he said.


While some travelers have successfully tested the "airport theory" by arriving just minutes before departure, experts warn that this is only viable if several factors align: minimal airport traffic, a smooth security process, and no delays along the way. However, on busy travel days or in larger airports, this strategy can quickly backfire. For instance, busy hubs like LAX or JFK have notoriously long security lines and delayed boarding, which could cause even the most punctual traveler to miss their flight if they don’t leave enough time to get through these challenges.

Additionally, travelers who check bags must factor in the time it takes for the bags to be processed. Even though carry-on bags speed up the process, there’s still a risk of missing the cutoff for gate arrival.


Ultimately, the "airport theory" trend is not one to follow for the faint of heart. It’s built on luck and timing, with little room for error. Experts agree that while it can be tempting to push the envelope and see just how little time you can spend in an airport, it’s much safer to stick with the recommended arrival times.

Although the "airport theory" might sound fun and daring, the risks involved make it a poor strategy for most travelers. The best approach is to follow TSA’s recommendations for early arrival to ensure you have plenty of time to check in, get through security, and deal with any unexpected hiccups along the way. Taking the time to plan ahead will save you from unnecessary stress and, more importantly, missing your flight.