UAE: Arriving 15 Mins Before Flight? What Travellers Think Of Viral 'Airport Theory'

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times)

Dubai resident Mansoor Ali has been to 60 countries and there is one thing he absolutely dislikes about travelling - getting to the airport three hours prior to check-in.

The 50-year-old has often arrived at the check-in gate of airports across the world, sometimes with just 30 minutes to spare before the flight's departure and still made it to the plane on time. He claims to be one of the early adopters of a new viral trend on social media called airport theory.

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The theory, which has been trending worldwide, argues that travellers can get through airport security to their boarding gate in just 15-30 minutes and that there is no need to arrive at the airport three hours ahead, as usually recommended. There are thousands of videos on several social media platforms of travellers testing out the theory at various airports.

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“I have had security officers jog with me to the door of the plane so that I could catch my flight,” said Mansoor.“I just think it is unnecessary to arrive hours early to the airport. I usually check in online and carry only my hand luggage. Sometimes, I travel alone, but mostly it is with my wife and three children. Despite arriving so late, I have only missed two flights in the last 10 years of my travel."

"Nowadays, I arrive a little early just so that I can enjoy some time in the lounge. Otherwise, I still believe you need minimal time to get through the airport. However, it also depends upon how much rush there in the airport, especially in holiday season.”

On Tuesday, Dubai Airports (DXB) issued a cheeky video about the trend. Why risk a missed flight when you can enjoy a matcha at the gate instead, it asked. Last week too, Emirates Airlines had issued an advisory asking people to arrive three hours early during peak travel times to factor in traffic and huge crowds.

Over the last few weeks, the region has seen multiple delayed and cancelled flights due to various reasons and travel agents have advised flyers to check flight statuses beforehand and arrive early to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Trying it out

Dubai-based Tiktoker Suwaj Giri said he inadvertently tested the theory when he was returning from his home country of Nepal to the UAE earlier this year.“I was early, but at the check-in counter I was informed that boarding was about to close,” he recalled.“I ran through the airport and got to the gate in less than 15 minutes.”

He said he wants to try it out when he travels again later this year, but everything depends on the airport.“For example, if you are travelling out of Terminal 2, it will be a breeze to get to the gate in 15 minutes,” he said.“But if you are flying from Terminal 3, you may need as much as 45 minutes to just navigate the airport. I am curious about the trend though and will see if I can try it out when I travel next.”

Risky behaviour

The sentiment is not one shared by all. Some Gen-Z travellers are refusing to buy into the trend. Emirati Hind Hassan says she likes to arrive at the airport much ahead of schedule, sometimes even four hours prior to departure.

“I have always arrived at the airport extra early in case of unforeseen incidents that may cause delays,” she said.“Arriving early calms me down and I love sitting in the airport waiting lounge, watching people pass by and airplanes take off and land. Why would anyone want to arrive 20 minutes before boarding just to rush and stress for no reason?”

The 22-year-old said the trend was“a risky practice” and she could not understand why people would do it.“It encourages people to arrive a mere few minutes before boarding. No one can predict what can happen during those moments prior to arriving at the airport, and any delay can cost you a missed flight, and a lot of money.”

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