U.S. Transportation Chief Urges Passengers to Skip Pajamas and Bring Back Politeness on Planes
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy advises travelers to dress formally and leave their pajamas at home. As the nation prepares for peak travel season, Duffy believes that small changes in behavior—from dressing to treating others—could make travel more joyful.
The DOT campaign “The Golden Age of Travel Starts With You” featured Duffy’s message. DOT and FAA data show a 400% spike in airplane misbehavior since 2019.
Duffy lamented on Fox Business that travelers dress for bed rather than the airport. He said “help people out, be in a good mood, dress up, bring civility back to travel.” He emphasizes etiquette—helping someone put their bag in an overhead bin, keeping kids under control, and saying “please” and “thank you” to flight attendants and pilots.
Riders should ponder on five simple civility-check questions from the DOT: Is my help needed? Is my attire respectful? Management of my kids? Are crew members thanked? Do I have fundamental manners? Even though the campaign does not define “dressing with respect”, a DOT representative told NBC that passengers should wear shoes and socks on flights.
The advice of Duffy is not universally embraced. Detractors argue his focus on looks ignores air travel realities like crew shortages, aircraft delays, and limited seats. Travel experts call his method a “soft nudge,” emphasizing that comfort trumps style on long, tight flights.
Elizabeth Warren blasted the government for prioritizing civility over consumer rights. A bigger issue for travelers is that the Trump administration abolished a provision requiring airlines to pay passengers for canceled or delayed flights.
Duffy advocates for civilized travel. This commercial video contrasts well-dressed flyers from the past with chaotic images of mid-flight squabbles to urge courtesy.
It is uncertain if this will curb traveler misconduct. Duffy emphasizes that passengers can improve air travel and systems.
Sources:
– CBS News report on DOT civility campaign
– NBC coverage of the “dress with respect” push
– Boston Globe on rise in unruly passenger incidents
– Benzinga story on Elizabeth Warren’s response
– Fortune interview with Duffy on airport dress code
