Johannesburg – Social media is full of seemingly genius travel hacks. Swipe a few #Traveltok and you'll find business class seats for economic price scoring, despicable ways to bypass baggage charges, and some “less-known” booking tricks that promise to save hundreds.
But while some of these tips may be useful for casual travelers and gap year backpackers, experts say that using Tiktok's travel advice can be dangerous.
“Social media has dramatically changed the way people approach travel, but not all content is created with business needs in mind,” explains Herman Heunes, GM, corporate traveler. We reviewed some of Tiktok's most viral travel trends and asked Heunes if it was viable for business travelers.
“Airport theory”: You will only arrive 15 minutes before departure
Originally intended as a poetic commentary on goodbye, “Airport Theory” took its own life. The revised trend is that by arriving at the airport, you arrive as close as possible to the departure of your flight to avoid prolonging and “waste of time.”
In fact, cutting it can cause stress and you're very likely to miss a flight, especially if you're traveling to busy hubs or unfamiliar airports.
“This strategy may appeal emotionally, but in reality it puts business travelers at risk,” says Heunes. “Even the slightest confusion (traffic, long security queues, or gate changes) can completely unlock the entire itinerary. Buildings in buffer time don't waste a day.
What should I do instead:
For domestic flights, you will arrive at least 90 minutes before departure. For international routes, it takes 2-3 hours. Use airport time to prepare for meetings, review documents, or respond to emails.
Skiplagging: Ends with a layover to save money
Skiplagging – Connected flight booking leaves during the first layover – has been praised by Tiktok users as a loophole to access cheap fares. However, if you use this method as a business traveler, you may be cancelled with remaining tickets, lost loyalty points, or have been banned by major airlines.
“Skiplagging violates the terms of the airline and introduces unpredictability,” says Heunes. “In addition to risking invalid returns, if your company needs to find or reschedule a trip, it undermines your obligations of care.”
What should I do instead:
If your target is lower fares, use a trusted travel management company (TMC) to identify your savings. Consider loyalty programs and corporate fare contracts that offer long-term value.
Buy points to save business class
Tiktokers often point out that you can buy airline miles entirely. In the right situation, it could mean scoring the business sheet at half the points of the equivalent. Heunes agrees that there are some truths here, but only travelers who know how to navigate the fine print of route-based pricing models and loyalty programs.
“This approach requires research and timing and is not always consistent across the airline,” he says. “But when done correctly, it certainly reduces traveller costs.”
What to do:
Sign up for the relevant airline loyalty scheme and Air Miles credit card. For points discounts, we will monitor trading forums and official airline promotions.
Some Tiktok users have suggested disguising their clothing into pillowcases or shopping bags, particularly on low-cost airlines, to bypass strict carry-on policies. Others recommend techniques like shopping at duty-free shops to avoid fees. It may work technically, but Heunes argues that it is not a viable solution for experts.
“This method can create nasty interactions at the gate,” he says. “It's not worth saving a few rands if there's a risk of logistical issues.”
What to do:
Maximize your existing baggage allowance with smart packing and compression tools. Please check if your preferred airline includes exemptions or additional benefits in your company's policy.
Book a midnight flight on Tuesday
One of the most enduring myths is that airline fares drop significantly on Tuesday night or Wednesday morning. Flight prices fluctuate, but the impact of bookings on a given day tends to vary depending on route, seasonality and airline behavior.
“There are no universal rules, but there is the benefit of strategic timing of bookings,” explains Heunes.
What to do:
We aim to book flights 4-6 weeks in advance to ensure consistent pricing. Use Fare Alert Tools or work with a travel advisor who can flag discounts while they are displayed.
“Some of these strategies are harmless. Other strategies can completely derail work trips,” says Heunes. “The most valuable travel hack of all? Plan ahead and rely on real-world travel expertise.
