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JOHANNESBURG – Social media is full of seemingly genius travel hacks. With a few swipes through #TravelTok, you’ll find how-tos on scoring business class seats for economy prices, sneaky ways to bypass baggage fees and “little-known” booking tricks that promise to save hundreds.
But while some of these tips might work for casual travellers or gap year backpackers, experts say tapping into TikTok’s travel advice can be risky.
“Social media has dramatically changed how people approach travel, but not all content is created with business needs in mind,” explains Herman Heunes, GM at Corporate Traveller. We reviewed some of TikTok’s most viral travel trends and asked Heunes whether they’re viable for business travellers.
The “Airport Theory”: Just Arrive 15 Minutes Before Departure
Originally intended as a poetic commentary on goodbyes, “Airport Theory” has taken on a life of its own. The revised trend advises arriving at the airport as close as possible to your flight departure to avoid lingering and “wasting time”.
In reality, cutting it that close introduces stress and the very real possibility of missing your flight – particularly if you’re travelling through busy hubs or unfamiliar airports.
“This strategy may appeal emotionally, but practically, it puts business travellers at risk,” says Heunes. “Even a minor disruption – traffic, a long security queue, or a gate change – can completely unwind your entire itinerary. Building in buffer time doesn’t waste your day, it protects it,” Heunes explains.
What to do instead:
- For domestic flights, arrive at least 90 minutes before departure. For international routes, allow 2 to 3 hours.
- Use airport time to prepare for meetings, review documents, or respond to emails.
Skiplagging: Exit at the Layover to Save Money
Skiplagging – booking a connecting flight but exiting during the first layover – has been praised by TikTok users as a loophole for accessing cheaper fares. But using this method as a business traveller could lead to cancelled remainder tickets, lost loyalty points, or even being banned by major carriers.
“Skiplagging violates airline terms and introduces unpredictability,” says Heunes. “On top of risking invalidated returns, it compromises your duty-of-care if your company needs to locate or reschedule your travel.”
What to do instead:
- If lower fares are a goal, use a trusted travel management company (TMC) to identify savings.
- Consider loyalty programmes and corporate fare agreements that offer long-term value.
Buying Points to Save on Business Class
TikTokers often point out that you can buy airline miles outright. In the right circumstances, that could mean scoring business seats for half the equivalent worth of points. Heunes agrees there is some truth here, but only for travellers who know how to navigate route-based pricing models and loyalty programme fine print.
“This approach requires research and timing, and is not always consistent across airlines,” he says. “But when done right, it can certainly reduce costs for travellers.”
What to do:
- Sign up for airline loyalty schemes and air miles credit cards where relevant.
- Monitor deal forums and official airline promotions for discounts on points.
Hiding Extra Baggage in a Pillowcase
Some TikTok users suggest disguising clothing in pillowcases or shopping bags to bypass strict carry-on policies, especially on low-cost airlines. Others recommend techniques like faking a shopping spree at duty-free stores to avoid charges. While it may technically work in some cases, Heunes argues it’s not a viable solution for professionals.
“This method can create awkward interactions at the gate,” he says. “It’s not worth saving a few rands if it risks creating logistical problems.”
What to do:
- Maximise your existing baggage allowance with smart packing and compression tools.
- Check if your corporate policy includes waivers or added benefits with preferred airlines.
Booking Flights on Tuesdays at Midnight
One of the most persistent myths is that airline fares drop significantly on Tuesday nights or Wednesday mornings. While flight prices do fluctuate, the impact of booking on a specific day tends to vary depending on route, seasonality and airline behaviour.
“There’s no universal rule, but there is merit to timing your bookings strategically,” Heunes explains.
What to do:
- Aim to book flights 4 to 6 weeks in advance to secure consistent pricing.
- Use fare alert tools, or work with a travel advisor who can flag discounts as they appear.
“Some of these strategies are harmless; others can completely derail a work trip,” says Heunes. “The most valuable travel hack of all? Planning ahead and relying on real-world travel expertise.
**ends**
About Corporate Traveller
Corporate Traveller is a division of the Flight Centre Travel Group, dedicated to saving businesses across Southern Africa time and money. Corporate Traveller has the benefit of being part of the world’s third-largest travel retailer, leveraging its global negotiating strength. It has access to over 50 of the world’s leading airlines and deals with more than 100 000 hotels around the world to guarantee savings for clients. Corporate Traveller provides clear, consolidated reporting of all its clients’ travel activities, helping them to control travel spend and identify opportunities to save costs.
Issued by:
Big Ambitions
Lori Cohen
lori@bigambitions.co.za
