Following the social media trend of posting the perfect “airport trash can” aesthetic may have become a little less intimidating — and less annoying for the travelers around you.
The trend of showing travelers their perfectly organized belongings—passport, camera, cute jewelry, or knick-knacks—in an airport security locker has become a social media staple this summer. But how do you take the time to meticulously stage your items for the perfect photo in the chaos of a TSA line? Content creator Chelsea Henriquez, who’s mastered the trend, recently—and thankfully—shared her tips with Travel + Leisure.
“My best advice for someone who wants to try this would be to take their airport bins with them after they go through TSA so they don’t get in anyone’s way when they do,” she told T+L. “It will also give you peace of mind and some space to play around with your tray layout.”
And the TSA is okay with that.
“As long as the staged glamour photos do not cause delays or problems with other passengers at the checkpoint, there are no issues,” the TSA recently said. said ABC NewsHowever, the agency spokesperson added that travelers should be careful with their belongings, including “any lightweight items that sit on top and could be swept out of the bins as they enter the machines.”
Henriquez also noted that she's heard of some creators “purchasing the set to take their photos at home, which is also really smart.”
Now, when it comes to what to put in your trash, Henriqez suggests keeping things personal and fun.
“I think the motto is ‘random but consistent,’” she explained. “There’s something visually satisfying about seeing your coolest pieces displayed in something as mundane as an airport trash can. I love seeing a passport next to a bottle of perfume that matches the color of your bag and your sunglasses for the day.”
Henrique's many posts about her capture of the airport trash can aesthetic have garnered thousands of views — and a variety of reactions, with viewers assuming she's holding up the TSA line.
“I have to say I was surprised by how many people were bothered by this trend, especially after I explained that I was doing it once I was completely through the TSA line and not inconveniencing anyone,” Henriquez added. “I thought, if it’s not going to hurt or bother anyone, what’s the harm in taking a fun, aesthetic photo? You wouldn’t think twice if a family stopped to take a photo to commemorate their trip to the airport, in many ways it’s similar.”
