TikToker issues stark warning against trying 'airport theory' after trend went viral

The viral 'airport theory' has taken TikTok by storm, but some creators are warning people not to be silly enough to try it...

Have we not learned by now that the average TikTok trend isn't a good thing? From dangerous ones like refusing to wear sunscreen or consuming Tide pods to gross ones like 'gleeking' or injuring yourself with the back crack trend, we question why anyone is lured in by a TikTok's viral videos.

The latest is a doozy, with one TikToker warning against the 'airport theory' trend.

While it might sound like a viral hack to get yourself upgraded to business class or to get more out of your luggage weight, TikTok's airport theory trend involves passengers waiting until the last possible minute before getting to the airport.

Chances are you're either one of those who needs to be at the airport four hours early and sits with your passport in your hand until you're boarded, or you're that one who thinks it'll be fine and those guidelines about when to get the airport should be ignored.

Pushing the latter to its limits, the airport theory sees TikTokers trying to make it through the airport in 15 minutes or less.

Putting this one to the test in the 'world's busiest airport', TikToker @michael.dicostanzo managed to navigate the notoriously busy Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, getting through airport security and to his gate in less than 15 minutes.

Others have called out the likes of DiCostanzo, saying that he 'cheated' by using TSA Precheck, picking an empty line, and not checking a bag.

Even though that might sound impressive, @jenny_kurtzz has warned against trying the airport theory - arriving at her gate to find a 'Flight Closed' screen.

Captioning a video that's been seen by 20.4 million people, Kurtz wrote: "For those of you thinking about testing our airport theory... don't do it, missed my flight."

Responding to the video, one critic wrote: "I work at an airport. Airport theory is wrong. TSA will slow y'all down just for funsies. 🤣🤣🤣."

Another added: "I’d rather sit uncomfortably at the airport for 4 hours than be consumed with anxiety about missing my plane."

A third joked: "I don’t even have a flight booked and I’m already on the way to the airport."

Speaking to The New York Post, Netflights expert Amanda Parker warned: "The trend largely depends on variable factors like queue times and the distance to your gate, which can differ depending on the airport and the time of your flight.

“Additionally, boarding typically begins 45 minutes before departure, which is half an hour earlier than the 15 minutes suggested in ‘airport theory,’ further emphasizing the risks of following this trend."

According to Parker, Google searches for 'I missed my flight' have soared by 645% in the past month.

We imagine some people are trying out the airport theory in the hopes of going viral and making their money back, although we'd advise against trying this scheme that skeptics are branding 'hair-brained'.