The airport just got even more chaotic. A new TikTok trend has Gen Z taking over TSA lines with carefully curated TSA tray “aesthetic” photoshoots, and let’s just say, not everyone is snapping in approval.
While influencers are arranging their belongings like works of art, fellow travelers are left feeling annoyed and impatient — but it’s easy to see why.
RELATED STORIES
It all started when graphic designer and TikToker Piper Taich posted her own “perfect” TSA tray, featuring sunglasses, cameras, and jewelry all laid out with artistic precision.
Her video sparked the trend, with travelers everywhere trying to get that ideal overhead shot of their items before they head through security.
While Taich staged her photos at home with a fake TSA tray (because of course, that’s a thing now), some followers took it a step further by recreating it at real-life airports.
And that’s where the chaos begins. Turns out, arranging your stuff like an influencer in the middle of a TSA line doesn’t exactly go over well with everyone.
One commenter claiming to work at LAX said it all: “We’re just tryna get to work, and you’re in our way lol.”
Embed from Getty ImagesHonestly, it’s hard enough to make it through security without adding a photoshoot into the mix.
As the trend grew, so did the complaints. One frustrated traveler asked, “Girl, it’s already stressful enough, why?”
Embed from Getty ImagesAirports are anxiety central for most of us — throw in someone fiddling with their sunglasses for the perfect shot, and suddenly, you’re not just stressed, you’re ready to scream.
Some Gen Z creators even defended the trend, calling it “art” and a way to express their love for fashion.
But others — especially those with early morning flights and zero patience — aren’t buying it. For them, the only art they want to see is the art of getting through security as quickly as possible.
It’s not just annoyed travelers who are feeling the pressure. Hitha Palepu, author of How to Pack: Travel Smart for Any Trip, didn’t mince words, calling the trend one of her “biggest pet peeves.”
She labeled it “inconsiderate, stressful, and just gross.” Yikes.
Some travelers who tried to jump on the trend quickly regretted it.
Embed from Getty ImagesOne TikTok user shared their horror story: “The TSA agents at Newark made me cry because I couldn’t empty my bin fast enough.” Sounds like a pretty terrible time to be playing airport influencer.
Surprisingly, the actual TSA doesn’t seem too bothered by the trend — at least not officially.
Embed from Getty ImagesA TSA spokesperson said as long as the photoshoots don’t cause delays, they’re fine with it. So if you must channel your inner influencer, make it snappy.
For most travelers, though, the thought of standing in line behind someone mid-photoshoot is enough to make their blood boil.
Embed from Getty ImagesOne commenter didn’t hold back, simply saying, “Get out of the way.” Amen to that.
One person chimed in admitting they could never hold up the TSA line because of the anxiety it would cause to make everyone wait.
Embed from Getty Images“How could you take photos like this in line? I would be having a panic attack,” they wrote.
As a people-pleaser, I totally get this.
“How tf are you having time for these pics and not being yelled at?” someone questioned. “It’s a war zone!”
Embed from Getty ImagesThis is an extremely valid question, honestly. But here’s the thing, the TikToker’s viral photos weren’t taken at the airport at all — they were taken in her home.
In a follow-up TikTok, the influencer revealed that she purchased a TSA bin on Amazon to bring her creative concept to life.
Embed from Getty Images“Marketing queen! I love this!,” a fan commented on the video. Everybody’s so creative!
“I rather people do this than try doing it at the actual TSA line,” someone else wrote, praising Taich.
Embed from Getty ImagesAnother person penned: “I love when people do things just for the vibe.” Same!
“Art can be so much fun and people forget that,” a TikTok user sounded off.
Embed from Getty ImagesThat is the whole point, after all!
One person admitted they had been taking similar photos to Taich, but at the actual airport, writing, “Not me holding the TSA line so that I would have a picture like that… love the creativity.”
“This is insane and I love it,” a commenter shared, while another added, “Genius!”
Never let them know your next move, amirite?
Let us know what you think of Piper Taich’s viral TikTok!
