Airports have barely started introducing new scanning machines, eliminating the need to unpack carry-on luggage, and already a new trend : Take photos of loose items in security trays.
“Airport tray style” has exploded on TikTok, Instagram and Pinterest, with artfully arranged photos of sunglasses, shoes, toiletries and reading material on the polypropylene trays.
Don’t expect to see crumpled plastic bags filled with toothpaste and medicine. This is an aspirational trip, where an analog camera shares space with vintage shoes and a rare edition of “On the Road,” by Jack Kerouac .
It’s the latest in a series of trends that see people displaying their belongings in a way that combines organization and aesthetics — on bookshelves, bedside tables and even inside refrigerators. Yes, “fridgescaping” — decorating refrigerators with flowers and picture frames — is also a trend.
However, taking photos of airport trays bothers many people, since the security line is one of the places where you can’t waste time .
Newspapers such as the New York Post have criticized the trend as a waste of time that disrupts TSA (Transportation Security Administration) lines, while the UK’s Metro has pointed out that the behavior can make you the most hated person at the airport.
Comments on TikTok videos like Shop Pursue’s show discontent with young people organizing their Adidas Gazelles and Louis Vuitton bags as they prepare for trips: “The people behind you must be annoyed that they’re waiting.”
However, as with many things online, not everything is as it seems. In a video with 82 thousand likes, the influencer Chelsea as of Late teaches how to follow the trend without disturbing others. The secret, according to her, is to do this after going through security: find a quiet place and, if you have time, put together some trays. After all, why not?
However, this is still a space reserved for travelers who need to rearrange their items or take a quick break.
Also, it’s important to remember that with all the shoes going through the security trays, it’s almost like putting your items directly on the floor. A 2018 European study found that airport trays are the least hygienic part of the place, carrying more germs than the bathrooms.
So while hand sanitizer doesn’t appear in the photos and videos of these airport trays, it should be an essential part of your sanitation kit.
This trend has been a hit with marketing teams around the world, with brands like Anthropologie and Faber sharing their stylized versions. Stackers, a storage solutions brand, told CNN Travel : “This trend aligns perfectly with us, combining aesthetics and a focus on practical travel products.”
Many of the best-organized boxes don’t involve an actual trip to the airport. In one of TikTok’s most popular videos, with 1.8 million views, content creator Piper Taich explains that her tray was purchased on Amazon and her boarding pass was edited in Photoshop.
She then curates her travel-themed selections to her liking. “If you’re wondering what the point of this is, it’s because it’s fun and artistic,” she says. “It’s a fun way to express my love of fashion, thrift shopping, and art direction.”
With the advancement of social media and editing tools, people are creating true masterpieces at home, from dance videos to makeup tutorials.
Still, there is a downside. The idealized images of other people’s lives flooding our social media. impact mental health especially in younger people.
As for the airport tray style, while people are worried about Gen Z disrupting the lines, the TSA doesn’t seem as concerned.
“We became aware of this trend recently,” a spokesperson told CNN Travel . “As long as the staged glamour shots don’t cause delays or problems for other passengers at the checkpoint, there are no issues. Travelers should just make sure their documents and lightweight items are secure.”
For a break from screen time during a flight, some travelers may consider looking out the window. When you arrive at your destination, you can always turn off your phone and go for a swim or hike — life needs to be lived before it can be documented.
The post New viral trend from Generation Z irritates airport travelers; understand appeared first on CNN Brasil V&G.
Source: CNN Brasil
Johanna Foster is an expert opinion writer with over 7 years of experience. She has a reputation for delivering insightful and thought-provoking articles on a variety of subjects. Her work can be found on some of the top online news websites, and she is currently lending her voice to the world stock market.
