A bold new trend on TikTok called “Airport Theory” is encouraging travelers to cut their arrival times at airports down to the wire—sometimes showing up just 15 minutes before their flight’s boarding time. While some thrill-seekers have managed to pull it off, many others are facing missed flights and added stress.
In contrast to 2024’s “raw-dogging” trend—where people flew without any form of in-flight entertainment—2025’s Airport Theory dares flyers to test the limits of travel efficiency, often at the expense of their wallets and peace of mind.
The theory goes like this: if you’ve already checked in online and are only carrying hand luggage, you can arrive just minutes before boarding, breeze through security, and walk straight onto the plane. Some TikTok creators have attempted it at major airports, with mixed results.
Content creator Michael DiCostanzo posted a now-viral video on January 10, documenting how he successfully made it from airport entrance to gate in just under 15 minutes—14 minutes and 57 seconds, to be exact—at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson, one of the busiest airports in the world. With TSA PreCheck and no checked luggage, he slipped past the lines and made it just in time.
But not everyone has been that lucky.
Another TikToker, Jenny Kurtz, tried the same stunt on February 5 and missed her flight to Chicago. Her video serves as a cautionary tale and a reminder that not all airports—or travel days—are created equal.
Nicole Campoy Jackson, a travel advisor from Fora Travel, shared her take on the trend with People, warning travelers not to fall for the thrill. “It only takes one stressful missed flight for you to realize this trend is pointlessly risky,” she said. “The easiest way to guarantee you’ll eventually miss a flight is to rely on this ‘theory.’”
Jackson pointed out that there are too many unpredictable variables at airports—such as surprise security checks, malfunctioning systems, or long lines—that can completely throw off such a tight schedule.
Although she admits to having cut it close once or twice, Jackson emphasized: “I have never once arrived early or on time and missed my flight.”
As tempting as the adrenaline rush might be, travel experts advise giving yourself enough time at the airport—because with flights, there are no second chances.
