TikTok Trend Causes Missed Flights—And We Don't Hate It

A viral TikTok trend encouraging travelers to show up just 15 minutes before departure is leading to a surge in missed flights—and airlines are responding by giving away their seats.

How the Trend Started

The chaos stems from a TikTok theory claiming airlines overestimate boarding times, allowing passengers to cut it close without missing their flights. Influencers have encouraged their followers to arrive at the gate just before departure, claiming it saves time and stress. However, real-world results have been far less predictable. Many travelers are arriving too late, finding doors closed, and watching their flights depart without them.

@itslexismith

testing airport theory at LAX

Airlines Are Giving Away No-Show Seats

With more people missing flights, airlines are reassigning their empty seats to standby travelers (woot!). While most airlines already have policies to release no-show seats before departure, the recent increase in last-minute miscalculations has led to an uptick in open seats for those flying standby.

What This Means for Passriders

For nonrevs, this is a rare win. More missed flights mean more available seats, potentially increasing the chances of clearing standby lists—especially on routes with high leisure travel where the TikTok crowd is likelier to fly. It’s a welcome shift for those used to the unpredictability of standby travel. We’ll see how long it lasts.

Final Boarding Call: Should You Risk It?

While this trend might work once in a while, it’s far from reliable. Airlines enforce strict cut-off times for a reason, and rolling up to the gate 15 minutes before departure is a gamble. For passriders, however, watching a few misinformed TikTokers get left behind just might be a ticket to a better seat.

What do you think of this viral trend?