TikTok is brimming with new travel trends, with users often filming their airport experience, from check-in to landing. But Dawn Morwood, a travel specialist, warns against engaging in six seemingly harmless trends – as filming certain airport spaces could land you in hot water.
Recording videos in these areas could lead to fines, questioning by authorities, or bans. Morwood cautioned travellers, saying: “If you’re tempted to recreate a trending airport video for your followers, you might want to think twice.”
One such trend at the security checkpoint involves travellers rearranging their carry-on items in the trays to make aesthetically pleasing displays for colour-coordinated shots before they go through the X-ray machine.
But, as the travel expert indicates, this behaviour could look suspicious and potentially lead to interrogation in a high-security zone – and it also risks frustrating others by delaying the queue. TikTok trends or any other filming at passport control can even bring about severe national security issues.
The co-director of Cheap Deals Away warned: “Passport control areas are heavily monitored, and recording here can be interpreted as an attempt to capture sensitive information,” reports the Express. “Border officers may delete your footage, confiscate your phone, or detain you for questioning. These areas usually have signs prohibiting filming or photos, so you have no excuse for recording.”
Passport control
Filming here could raise serious national security concerns and there’s “no excuse” for it, Morwood cautioned. There’s a risk you could be detained, questioned as recording is strictly prohibited and border officers may delete your footage and confiscate your phone.
Lounge bragging rights
Showing off their access to exclusive VIP lounges has become a staple for many travel influencers. Unfortunately, this trend has escalated to the point where some lounges now impose a blanket ban on social media filming.
Respecting guests’ privacy is also crucial in these lounges, and breaching this policy by filming others could result in removal or even blacklisting.
Duty-free haul
Filming your duty-free shopping spree might seem like a great idea for content, but it can raise suspicions, especially if you’re rearranging items for aesthetic purposes without actually purchasing anything.
Security officers may intervene, and if you continue to film, you could even be banned from the store, the expert cautioned.
Baggage claim caution
When it comes to baggage claim, the stakes are more about personal safety. As Morwood notes: “While it might seem harmless to film yourself waiting for your suitcase, baggage claim areas are a prime spot for theft. Posting a video showcasing your expensive luggage or travel gear can make you an easy target.”
Boarding gate etiquette
One of the most popular shots on travel TikTok involves the journey through the boarding gates, however, if this interferes with boarding procedures, it could lead to flight delays or even actions against you.
Airport tray aesthetic
Rearranging carry-on belongings in the trays before passing through the X-ray machines. for carefully curated shots sees travellers organising every item perfectly to create a visually pleasing effect.
But the travel expert said this can be seen as suspicious in a high-security area, which could result in you being detained for interrogation, at the very least it’s going to cause frustration by holding up the queue.