Is Your Flight Out Of New York Affected By The Social Media Trend ‘Airport Theory’?

New Yorkers love to give advice regarding airline travel. Show up to the airport 2 hours early! Get the TSA Precheck! You don't need to show up early anymore! Nobody wants to be waiting around the airport but which piece of advice can you trust to be true?

There is a new TikTok trend called the "Airport Theory" that suggests showing up nearly last minute for your flight with no hassles. Problem is many New Yorkers have missed their flights when testing this theory. Does it work or not?

Get our free mobile app

According to Yahoo!life, Airport Theory is the suggestion that you don't have to wake up early on travel days. You don't have to wait at the airport for hours just to board your flight, you can arrive 15 minutes before your flight and off you go.

In this example, TikTok influencer itslexismith tested the Airport Theory at Los Angeles International Airport. She was in security 4 minutes after her flight was scheduled to board. She got to her gate at 24 minutes after her flight was scheduled board. Did she make it?

@itslexismithtesting airport theory at LAX♬ original sound - Lexi Smith

In this next social media video this person allegedly tested the theory but ended up missing the flight. This doesn't show the same detailed time keeping process from arrival to gate.

So, does this Airport Theory prove successful? Critics say much of this is luck and/or social media trickery. Small details that are brushed over are these flyers all have TSA Precheck status and most don't check baggage. Either way do you want to risk it?