Gen Z's airport tray arrangement craze, driven by TikTok, reveals their desire for structure and artistic expression.

Let's chat about the trashy, TSA-approved trend taking over social media!

Get ready to board the style-train, ARE YOU LISTENING?

Andrew Johnson Sept 4, 2024 at 8:31 am

2-minute dive

What the hell have those grimy, airport security trays gotten themselves into? Yep, you guessed it, those god-awful grey, serial-killer-trays have become the latest source of fingertip-licking, social media inspiration!

Recently, the 'airport tray aesthetic' has littered social feeds, particularly TikTok, where users have been pooping out videos and posts featuring neatly arranged belongings atop those filthy airport trays. And it's stinking up the app with over 16 MILLION related pieces of content!

So, why the heck are these things now Instagram celebrities? Could it be because everyone needs a reason to stall at security? Or perhaps thefact that they're hosting a Costco-sized bacteria buffet is just too tempting to ignore?

Let's take a Dumpster-dive into the "tray-tastic" trend

From minimalist masterpieces featuring cherub-colored flasks and cherub-size hair clips, to more chaotic, sticker-covered laptop and hot pink bucket hat displays, reactions to these posts vary. Some folks see them as a waste of time or a luxe-boast about pricey gear, while others consider them an artistic expression of the inner fashionista.

Who's responsible for this dung-heap of a trend?

A well-known purveyor of this trend is the graphic designer and TikTok sensation, Piper Taich. She's made quite a stink with her posts, showcasing a mix of adidas kicks, a pink mule collection, lime green bags, and an Olympus camera on those god-awful trays. For Taich, it's all about expressing herself and having fun, much like she does in her professional photoshoots.

But the real trick here? Turns out she cares less about actually flying and more about creating perfect compositions from the comfort of her own home. Taich, you sneaky, selfie-taking, Amazon-purchasing vixen, you!

Brands, of course, are hopping on this stinky bandwagon quicker than Kim Kardashian changes designers. Sustainable fashion and skincare companies are particularly interested, dreaming of all those eco-friendly products catching the spotlight on these retched trays.

And it's clear that other media outlets have also spotted the stench of this trend creeping across the internet. For example, digital pub juggernaut Travel Noire jumped aboard the "airport tray aesthetic" train, highlighting young travelers carefully curating and organizing their trays with an array of personal items and high-fashion accessories.

WOULD YOU EAT YOUR DINNER OFF THOSE THINGS?

This trend does raise some practical concerns. What happens if you decide to decorate your tray just as the TSA agent is about to shout, "Board now!"?

It's true that not everyone online has embraced this scent with open arms. Some aren't pleased, lamenting, "I hate the world and everyone in it," while others sigh, "Just when you thought airport security couldn't get any slower, now you've got to sit through a photo shoot!"

The "airport tray aesthetic" is part of a wider, digital vibe of visual storytelling on social media. Past trends included curating weird, wonderful tableaus on plates and bathroom counters. Now, these trays have become the latest canvas for artistic flair.

Some content creators, like the innovative Chelsea Henriquez of the TikTokverse, have pushed back against the criticisms. Henriquez even posted tutorials on how to clear security and then escape to a separate area to stage her shot, while maintaining etiquette and not causing delays for others. She's also addressed broader criticisms of the social media industry, noting the unfair amount of flak it often receives, especially considering it's dominated by women.

So, whether you view this trend as the latest form of artistic expression or a waste of time, it's clear that these plastic trays have become the unexpected symbols of modern Gen Z travel culture. Let's just make sure not to catch any cooties on the way!

Gen Z's airport tray arrangement craze, driven by TikTok, reveals their desire for structure and artistic expression.