Overview

• The 'airport theory' TikTok trend urges travelers to show up just 15 to 20 minutes before departure to skip check-in and security lines
• London Stansted, Bristol and Heathrow have reiterated that passengers must complete check-in and security at least two hours before domestic or European flights and three hours before international departures
• Numerous travelers following the hack have missed their flights and been required to purchase full-price replacement tickets after boarding doors closed
• Popular users such as @momlifewithtiff and @jenny_kurtzz have posted near-miss and no-show videos that highlight the challenge’s unpredictable outcomes
• Industry insiders stress that airlines cannot reopen gates for late arrivals regardless of digital boarding pass status or compliant cabin baggage size