A British traveler’s social-media clip showing an almost-empty Delta Air Lines flight from London Heathrow (LHR) to New York’s JFK Airport has gone viral amid growing global conversation about travel to the United States.

In a short video clip posted to TikTok, the cabin of a Delta flight departing on January 13, 2026 appeared sparsely occupied, prompting the caption: “Oh so we really are boycotting travel to the U.S. right now.” It was followed by: “Weirdest flight ever.”

Megan, from London, England, told Newsweek: “I was delighted the flight was empty as no one sat next to me. I thought maybe the flight was empty because it’s January, when NYC is so cold, and didn’t think much more of it.”

“While a rare sight, we hope our customers enjoyed the flight. New York to London remains one of the most-transited international markets in the world,” a Delta Air Lines spokesperson told Newsweek.

Growing International Concern Over US Entry Rules

January traditionally sees lower leisure travel following the New Year holiday period, but some viewers pointed to growing public anxiety over U.S. entry policies and foreign travel advisories.

Earlier this year, the United Kingdom updated its official travel guidance for citizens planning to visit the United States, warning that travelers “may be liable to arrest or detention if they break the rules” at U.S. entry points—language not commonly highlighted in previous advisories and tied to stricter immigration enforcement.

That advisory comes amid heightened scrutiny of international travelers by U.S. border officials, particularly under policies prioritizing immigration enforcement.

European nations including Germany, Finland and Denmark have also revised their travel guidance in recent months, emphasizing that a visa or travel authorization does not guarantee entry and that travelers should be prepared for increased screening when entering the U.S. 

In addition, the Trump administration has proposed requiring tourists—including those from visa-waiver countries such as the U. K.—to disclose up to five years of social-media history as part of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) application process.

Since President Donald Trump took office, there have been multiple reports of travelers being denied entry to the U.S. based on social-media posts and messages found on their personal devices.

Internet Reacts

Responses on social media and in comment threads reflect a mix of humor, concern and genuine apprehension about visiting the United States.

“Why would I pay the journey just to get my social media checked and get sent back?” said one commenter.

“My social media history prohibits me from visiting the US. Proud,” another viewer wrote. 

One TikTok user said: “We’ve cancelled our trip. It’s a war zone out there. Why risk it?”

“It’s simply too dangerous for tourists,” said another viewer. A third commenter said: “Honestly, boycott aside, why would you want to go???”

UPDATE 01/16/26 09:01 a.m.: This article was updated with additional comment from Delta Air Lines.