TikTok filming in six seemingly innocent airport spots could get you banned or fined

TikTok's latest could spell disaster for your holiday plans. Users are often seen recording their journey from check-in to landing, but these seemingly harmless videos can lead to hefty fines, intense questioning, or even bans from airport areas.

guru Dawn Morwood has flagged up six seemingly innocent trends and spots in airports that you should steer clear of to avoid trouble. She warned: "If you're tempted to recreate a trending video for your followers, you might want to think twice."

One such fad is the 'airport tray aesthetic' at security checkpoints, where travellers arrange their items in trays to create an Instagram-worthy snapshot. However, this can be perceived as suspicious behaviour in a high-security zone, potentially leading to detention for questioning - or at least annoying other passengers by delaying the queue.

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Another no-go area is passport control, where filming can be seen as a breach of . Morwood told : "Passport control areas are heavily monitored, and recording here can be interpreted as an attempt to capture sensitive information."

The Cheap Deals Away co-founder added: "Border officers may delete your footage, confiscate your phone, or detain you for questioning. These areas usually have signs prohibiting filming or photos, so you have no excuse for recording."

Airport tray aesthetic

A popular trend at the security checkpoint is for travellers to rearrange their carry-on belongings in the trays before passing through the X-ray machines. These carefully curated shots usually feature a colour-coordinated display, with every item perfectly arranged to create a visually pleasing effect.

The travel expert noted this can be seen as suspicious in a high-security area, which could result in being detained for interrogation. At the very least it's going to cause frustration by holding up the queue.

Lounge bragging rights

Showing off their access to exclusive VIP lounges has become a staple for many travel influencers. Unfortunately, this trend has escalated to the point where some lounges now impose a blanket ban on social media filming.

Respecting guests' privacy is also crucial in these lounges, and breaching this policy by filming others could result in removal or even blacklisting.

Passport control

Filming here could raise serious national security concerns and there's "no excuse" for it, Morwood warned: "Passport control areas are heavily monitored, and recording here can be interpreted as an attempt to capture sensitive information.

"Border officers may delete your footage, confiscate your phone, or detain you for questioning. These areas usually have signs prohibiting filming or photos, so you have no excuse for recording."

Duty-free haul

Filming your duty-free shopping spree might seem like a great idea for content, but it can raise suspicions, especially if you're rearranging items for aesthetic purposes without actually purchasing anything.

Security officers may intervene, and if you continue to film, you could even be banned from the store, the expert cautioned.

Baggage claim safety

When it comes to baggage claim, the stakes are more about personal safety. As Morwood notes: "While it might seem harmless to film yourself waiting for your suitcase, baggage claim areas are a prime spot for theft. Posting a video showcasing your expensive luggage or travel gear can make you an easy target."

Boarding gate etiquette

One of the most popular shots on travel involves the journey through the boarding gates, however, if this interferes with boarding procedures, it could lead to flight delays or even actions against you.

Dawn explained: "Some airlines have specific policies against recording their employees or operations, and violating them could result in denied boarding or a formal complaint being lodged against you."