If you’ve been scrolling through TikTok recently, you’ve probably noticed a curious trend: people posting photos of their airport trays—yes, the trays you get when going through airport security. This seemingly mundane moment has become the latest viral sensation, turning what was once an overlooked part of travel into a social media event. But what’s behind this quirky new craze, and why is everyone suddenly obsessed with documenting their trays?

Here’s a look inside the trend and the reasons why airport trays have become the unexpected stars of TikTok.

1. Aesthetic Minimalism

One of the driving forces behind the airport tray photo trend is the appeal of aesthetic minimalism. TikTok is full of creators who have a sharp eye for turning ordinary moments into visually appealing content. The trays, with their stark lines, neutral colors, and organized placement of everyday items (laptops, shoes, passports, etc.), fit perfectly into the minimalist aesthetic that has become so popular on the platform.

In a world that often celebrates curated and picture-perfect moments, the tray photos offer a glimpse of real life, with a touch of artistic organization. The symmetry, the clean lines, and the simplicity of the items laid out on the trays create a visual that feels oddly satisfying, transforming an otherwise mundane experience into something strangely beautiful.

2. The Relatability Factor

Another reason for the rise of this trend is its sheer relatability. Nearly everyone who’s flown has had to deal with the process of putting their belongings in an airport security tray. Posting a photo of it taps into a shared experience, which has proven to be a successful formula for TikTok trends.

People can relate to the slight awkwardness of placing their items on display, the anxiety of rushing to get everything back in place, and the universal feeling of waiting as your belongings roll through the scanner. The airport tray photos create a sense of community around an otherwise stressful moment—“we’re all in this together.”

3. Status Symbol or Flex?

For many, posting a photo of an airport tray is a subtle way of signaling, "I’m traveling!" It’s a humblebrag that showcases a lifestyle of movement, adventure, or perhaps even luxury. TikTok, Instagram, and other social platforms are filled with travel flexes—exotic destinations, first-class lounges, and beach vacations—but the airport tray offers a more subtle version of this.

Whether it’s a carefully placed passport with a luxury brand wallet, high-end sneakers on the tray, or a high-tech gadget, these photos can act as a low-key status symbol. For some, it's less about the tray itself and more about what’s on the tray. It’s a modern way of showing off a jet-setting lifestyle without needing to post a full-on travel photo.

4. The Quirkiness Factor

Part of the allure is the quirky, random nature of the trend itself. TikTok thrives on unconventional and unexpected content, and the airport tray fits that bill perfectly. What’s more mundane than a security tray? Yet, turning it into a trend feels like a playful commentary on the absurdity of modern life—how even the most ordinary moments can be made Instagrammable.

In the spirit of TikTok’s "anything can go viral" mentality, the randomness of the trend is part of its charm. There’s a certain irony in making something as banal as a security tray worthy of a post, which adds a layer of humor and intrigue that TikTok users are loving.

5. A Subtle Nod to Pandemic Travel Resurgence

For much of the world, the pandemic put a halt to travel. Now that travel has resumed in full swing, many people are excited to be back in airports and on planes. The airport tray photo trend could be seen as a subtle celebration of the return of travel.

It’s a way to document the act of traveling itself, not just the destination. Instead of focusing on where you're going, the airport tray photo highlights the in-between moments—the liminal spaces that most of us tend to overlook. For people who missed the experience of travel, even the act of going through security is a moment worth capturing.

6. The #AirportTrayChallenge

As with many TikTok trends, what starts as a simple idea often spirals into a full-blown challenge. The hashtag #AirportTrayChallenge has begun to trend, with users competing to post the most interesting or creative tray setups. Whether it’s meticulously arranged items or bizarre and funny contents, the challenge has added an extra layer of engagement to the trend.

TikTok users are now looking for ways to outdo each other, turning the airport tray into a mini art form or a quirky visual puzzle. From coordinated color schemes to unexpected objects (like stuffed animals or themed toys), people are getting creative, which is fueling the trend even more.