The TikTok trend cycle never stops churning. But while catchy dances and memes are fairly innocuous, some trends are riskier than others.

A new travel-related trend eschews common guidance from most major airlines for a more cavalier approach to air travel. Following the “airport theory” method, travelers aim to arrive at the airport as close to departure as possible — 15 to 20 minutes before their flight — so they can walk straight to their gate and onto the airplane after the boarding is already underway.

It sounds great, in theory — and depending on your anxiety levels. Who wouldn’t want to spend less time waiting around at the airport (unless you happen to be near one of the country’s best airport lounges)? But it’s also risky and very easily a recipe for disaster.

Here’s what you need to know before you put this airport theory to the test.

What is airport theory?

“Airport theory is a risky travel ‘hack’ that’s been making the rounds on social media, encouraging travelers to ditch the standard two- to three-hour airport arrival window in favor of showing up just 15-20 minutes before their flight.” Kate Boyer, Air New Zealand’s general manager of airports, told TPG.

I am in no hurry to test this theory myself, but luckily, dozens of people on the internet did it for me. One traveler shared on tikok that she arrived at the airport at 10:32 a.m. for a flight that started boarding at 11:15 a.m. and claimed that the fact that she got to her gate before boarding started was why she would never get to the airport early.

In another videothe traveler was still in line at security when their flight started boarding. They had to ask people to let them skip the line and ended up being the last passengers to board, making it onto the plane with only seconds to spare.

Other travelers who tested the airport theory strategy can be seen missing their flights.

Then there are people like Michael DiCostanzoa content creator in Central Florida who has tested airport theory several times while also ensuring that he’s arrived at the airport early enough in case things go drastically wrong.

Daily Newsletter

Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter

Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s experts

“Airport theory is something that I posted online for the first time about a year ago. All that I’ve ever said is that airports are usually less crowded than you think they’re gonna be,” DiConstanzo told TPG. “I keep seeing online people are claiming that airport theory is that you can get to the airport 15 minutes before your flight. … That is something I’ve never said in a video. All I’ve ever said is that they’re usually less crowded than you think,” he explained.

If you watch DiCostanzo’s videos, his interpretation of airport theory does tend to check out, and he’s successfully tested the approach at several airports, including Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).

In each instance, DiConstanzo managed to make it from the check-in area to his gate in 15 to 20 minutes, but he is quick to point out that he does it just for fun and does not encourage travelers to arrive at the airport right before their plane is scheduled to depart.

“One thing that I’ve said in every single video is that I made sure we got there two hours early because even though they’re less crowded than you think, why risk it?” DiCostanzo said.

What is the appeal of airport theory?

Airport theory purports you can skip the wait altogether and arrive with just enough time to get through security and to your gate, and I can certainly understand the appeal.

“Most people would rather spend a little more time at home or lapping up the last few hours of their vacation than sitting at an airport gate,” Boyer said. “That’s probably why airport theory has gained traction; travelers are looking for ways to maximize their time outside the airport instead of inside it.”

I have questioned why we have been told to get to the airport so early in the past. I often end up spending most of that time sitting at my gate, drinking a bitter and far-too-expensive cup of coffee while I wait for my flight. But I still prefer bad coffee to missing a flight, so I continue to arrive at the airport with enough time to clear security and get properly caffeinated.

I can’t say the same for some of my co-workers. When I asked for opinions on airport theory, several of my TPG teammates shamefully admitted they do get to the airport as close to boarding as possible. Most only do so at airports they are familiar with and know how to navigate quickly, like their home airport, or because they have expedited security through TSA PreCheck or Clear (preferably both if they choose to stand too close to this particular flame).

Though DiCostanzo doesn’t advocate for cutting it close at the airport, he does feel his “gamified” airport theory tests can provide some peace of mind if you find yourself in a bind. “It’s not a great feeling when you see that many people and start thinking about having to stand there that long with all your stuff,” he said. “It’s comforting to know that maybe those lines are going to go faster,” he added.

Why this trend may leave you stranded at the airport

If you need evidence beyond the disappointed travelers posting on social media who have tested this theory themselves, here are a few more reasons you do not want to arrive at the airport with little to no wiggle room.

First, this theory will not work if you need to check your luggage. Most airlines require you to check your luggage at least 45 minutes before departure time for domestic flights and at least 60 minutes before international flights. And that doesn’t mean you need to be in line to check your luggage by that time — it means they need to put the tag on your bag and put it on the belt by that time.

“Every airline is different, but at Air New Zealand, we typically close bag drop 30 minutes before a domestic departure and 60 minutes before international. If you miss that window, your bag might not make the flight, so it’s always best to check your booking for exact times,” Boyer said.

Most airlines stop boarding 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time. This allows time for safety checks and passenger briefings before takeoff. Logistically, it does not work in your favor to arrive at the airport with a mere 15 to 20 minutes before your flight is due to take off, as airport theory suggests.

Airport theory also doesn’t account for unforeseen delays, such as traffic, a last-minute gate change or other factors that can increase the time it takes to get to your gate. DiCostanzo has experienced this firsthand.

“There was one time when I was going to London and I made it halfway to the airport before realizing I forgot my passport. So I had to go back and get it, but it was fine because I left three hours early,” he shared.

Several of my TPG co-workers agree with DiCostanzo’s “better safe than sorry” approach.

TPG Senior Editor Lyndsey Matthews doesn’t take any chances. “I could never try this trend, it gives me hives whenever it pops up on my FYP [For You Page] on TikTok. I aim to get to domestic flights two hours in advance and international flights three hours early — which usually translates to me being there three to four hours early,” she said.

Supervising Producer Jon Maxwell had a change of heart after a major airport mishap. “I used to show up an hour before departure, but then my family got separated at the airport, and my wife had to take a different flight. That flight was then canceled, and she had to stay overnight with our baby with just a carry-on backpack. I will never live that down for the rest of my life, so now we show up as early as possible and wait in the lounge,” he shared.

How early should you get to the airport?

DiCostanzo and Boyer agree with general airline guidance and TPG’s own recommendation to arrive at the airport at least two to three hours before an international flight and one to two hours before a domestic flight. Exactly how much time you need depends on whether you are checking a bag and if you participate in an expedited security program like TSA PreCheck or Clear.

DiCostanzo utilizes TSA PreCheck to speed up his time through airport security. “I highly recommend TSA PreCheck because it’s an unbelievably good value,” he said. “You can get it for $75 for five years, so that’s $15 a year. People think the process is really hard to go through, but you just have to go into the office and answer a few questions,” he continued. With the right credit card in your wallet, you can even get TSA PreCheck for no out-of-pocket cost.

If your primary concern is what to do with all that extra time at the airport, here are a few solutions.

Depending on which fare class you purchased, your elite status or the premium credit cards you hold, you may have airport lounge access. The most flexible cards with lounge access can often get you into several lounge brands. The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Cardfor example, includes access to both Capital One and Priority Pass lounge locations. And with the Chase Sapphire Reserve®you can access Chase Sapphire and Priority Pass lounges. Both of these cards also allow up to two guests to tag along with you.

If you have The Platinum Card® from American Express (enrollment is required) or The Business Platinum Card® from American Express (enrollment is required), you can access Amex Centurion Lounges and the American Express Global Lounge Collection. This includes Priority Pass, Plaza Premium and Escape lounges, and select airline partner lounges, provided you have a same-day ticket with that airline.

Or, you can take DiCostanzo’s lead and turn waiting into a game. You can, of course, test airport theory by timing how long it takes you to get from the check-in area to your gate, as DiCostanzo has, but he plays other fun airport games to pass the time, as well.

“One that I like to play is suitcase color roulette. You try and find someone carrying a suitcase of every color of the rainbow, and you can’t stop walking around the airport until you find them all,” he said. “Another is to see how many letters of the alphabet I can cover by finding different stores at the airport. If a store starts with a Q, then Q is checked off the list. You just keep going until you cross every letter off the list.”