Taking aesthetically pleasing photos of your belongings in the airport security bin has gained significant popularity online. The trend initially blossomed on Pinterest but soon spread to TikTok and Instagram. It involves taking videos of yourself , showcasing items in your bin, such as cameras, passports, sunglasses, jewellery, hair clips, and other pieces that match the aesthetic and theme of your feed.
This trend is reminiscent of the “What’s in my bag?” challenge, but the items don’t necessarily have to be related to travel or the typical things one would remove while going through TSA. Instead, they’re carefully chosen to look visually appealing for the photo.
While the trend has been embraced by many, it has also faced backlash on social media, with some concerned about holding up security queues. In the TikTok comments section, some described it as “chaotic,” while others pointed out the unsanitary nature of the plastic bins.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has acknowledged the trend, stating that as long as these staged glamour shots don’t cause delays or inconvenience other passengers, there’s no issue. The agency even joked about it on Instagram, advising travellers to take their photos after screening, noting that “holding up the line is not very demure!’
Brands such as Ciaté London, Samsonite, and Anthropologie have embraced the trend, using it as a clever marketing tactic on TikTok. On the creator side, some have opted to skip the airport altogether, purchasing their own security trays to stage photos at home. Outside the chaotic airport environment, there’s more time to add impractical items that would normally be too cumbersome to fit in a carry-on.