6 Travel Essentials for the ‘Airport Theory’ Challenge

How early should I arrive at the airport before a flight? Two hours? Maybe three? Although the answer usually varies from person to person, one internet theory suggests that you only need 15 minutes Passengers are now taking risks to make their flight and check their seats.

The premise of TikTok’s now-viral airport theory is simple: You should walk to your gate at boarding time within 15 minutes of arriving at the airport. Theory suggests that without sitting around at your gate before takeoff, a quarter of an hour of cushion time is enough.

Now, hundreds of thousands of travelers are documenting their airport views every step of the way. While many tacticians have been able to successfully overcome this by finding time-saving ways, such as traveling only on the itinerary or enrolling in TSA PreCheck, others have failed, forcing them to book a flight later.

Considering the exorbitant cost of flights and the general unpredictability of air travel, we hesitate to recommend it. anyone Airport theory should be tested for yourself. But if you’re up for the challenge, we recommend some time-saving travel accessories. Here are six products that can help shave the time it takes to get to your gate, including stretch slip-on shoes, a TSA-friendly toilet seat, and another airport outfit, all starting at $10.

Best Overall Airport Theory Travel Essentials

Trendy queen meets 2 piece set

The airport idea challenge is all about finding sneaky ways to save time, and one easy way you can do this is to plan your airport outfit the night before. We recommend choosing something that’s easy to move around in. This two-piece set from the trendy queen comes complete with a set-flow, wide-leg trousers and a versatile t-shirt that you can wear with anything in your suitcase. It’s perfect for work.

Samsonite Freeform Carry-On Spinner

Checking a bag takes time, so consider carry-on only for this challenge. The key is to pack a carry-on that is both roomy and easy to maneuver. It’s a Simsnite freeform carry-on, you won’t feel like you’re compromising on space. It expands to accommodate extra clothing, and one traveler shared that they were able to fit everything in for a four-week trip to Scotland. It’s also equipped with a telescopic handle and four 360-degree spinning wheels that move in every direction, allowing you to quickly zip through your airport terminal.

Tolfie Travel Toiletry Bottle Set

A clear, travel-sized toilet bottle set will help you avoid sucking during security checks. This Tolfie set includes 10 TSA-approved silicone bottles, plastic jars and spray bottles so you can carry your favorite hair care and skincare products with you.

Waterfly Cross Body Sling Bag

For this challenge, you’ll want to be able to access your electronics, boarding pass, or passport at a moment’s notice. An organized sling bag can help you whip out these items without rummaging through your carry-on or personal item bag. This Waterfly sling bag, on sale for $25, is big enough to fit an 11-inch tablet and is flush with interior and exterior pockets and compartments, providing dedicated spaces for all your essentials.

Breast portable charger

Of course, you’ll want to start your airport view challenge attempt with a fully charged phone, but you should also have a backup power bank on deck. Even if you can pull right up to your gate to save minutes, you won’t have enough time to recharge your devices—and we wouldn’t wish an hours-long flight without Netflix on our worst enemies. Keep your phone on the go with this Charmast Portable Charger. It’s slim, powerful, and has four built-in charging cables, so you won’t have to waste time fishing for one in your carry-on.

Skechers Walk Flex hands-free slip-on shoes

Finally, we recommend stepping into a pair of supportive slip-on shoes before attempting this challenge. Not only will they cut down on the time it takes you to get dressed for your flight, but if you have to make a mad dash for your gate, you’ll be able to run there comfortably. These Skechers Walk Flex Slip-ins, with a continuous lace, are a solid choice. They’ve got heel cushions to prevent blisters, flexible traction outsoles, and cooling memory foam insoles to help you cool off on the plane (after successfully completing the airport theory challenge, of course).

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