Peyton Johnson, a fashion and lifestyle content creator from Washington, D.C., embraced the “TSA airport tray trend” while returning home from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico this summer.

The trend of taking picturesque photographs of personal items in airport security bins has gained significant traction on social media. Johnson first noticed it on Pinterest, but it has since spread to TikTok and Instagram. She uploaded a TikTok video showcasing how she captured her stylish photo.

“I had my boyfriend film me while I took the picture,” Johnson, 28, mentioned. “After going through security, we just placed the bin on the nearby table… and I had him record a quick five-second clip of me taking the photo.”

Her security tray featured cameras, passports, sunglasses, jewelry, hair clips, and other items that matched her social media aesthetics.

“What I love is the freedom to create your own unique flat lay for this trend,” Johnson expressed.

Other participants have displayed coordinated outfits, accessories, and beauty items to join in on the fun. Some posts have even racked up millions of views.

This trend is similar to the “What’s in my bag?” phenomenon, but it doesn’t need to include only practical travel items—it can feature anything from your bag that looks good in the photo,” she added.

TSA is aware of the ‘staged glamour’ photography, says spokesperson

Johnson, along with other travel influencers like 29-year-old Jessica Zuniga, made a point to take their pictures after passing through TSA security.

“I felt like my actions didn’t slow down the line at all,” Zuniga reflected on her experience at Los Angeles International Airport recently. “I wrapped it up in just a couple of minutes.”

Despite the popularity of this trend, it has faced criticism on social media from those worried about causing delays in security lines. Some TikTok commenters have claimed it feels too “chaotic,” while others have raised concerns about the cleanliness of the bins.

“The TSA has recently become aware of this trend,” a spokesperson informed YSL News. “Provided these fashionable staged photos do not disrupt the screening process or slow down other passengers, they are acceptable.”

The TSA even humorously addressed it on their Instagram, advising travelers to snap their photos post-screening to avoid holding up the line.

Tulsa International Airport has also joined the bandwagon after noticing the trend from TSA and influencers. A representative mentioned that no interruptions have been reported at their airport due to this practice.

Their suggestion: “For those interested in participating in this original social media trend, we kindly recommend that travelers come to the airport with a plan for their photographs to help ensure the security process runs smoothly. Additionally, it’s essential to step aside out of the flow of other passengers while taking pictures.”

Brands leverage the trend for marketing; Creators buy their own bins

“Brands jumping on this trend is a clever move—they get to showcase their products in a fun and appealing way,” she noted. “For example, a handbag company can feature its latest collection inside a TSA tray.”

On the creator side, some have opted to purchase their own trays online to create beautiful photos at home. “It’s all about enjoyment and creativity,” TikToker @pipertaich commented in a video from July.

When away from the hectic airport, Zuniga added, “You have the luxury of including more extravagant items that would be impractical to travel with.”

Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for YSL News