Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy Advocates for Dress Code on Airplanes
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has launched a campaign to promote civility in air travel by encouraging passengers to stop wearing pajamas and slippers on airplanes. Speaking at Newark Airport in New Jersey, Duffy highlighted the need for a ‘civility campaign’ to address a perceived ‘degradation in civility’ among air travelers during the peak of holiday travel.
‘You know, whether it’s a pair of jeans and a decent shirt, I would encourage people to maybe dress a little bit better, which encourages us to maybe behave a little better,’ he said. ‘Let’s try not to wear slippers and pajamas as we come to the airport.’ The initiative follows a 400% surge in in-flight disturbances since 2019, with reports from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) indicating a rise in disruptive behavior and violence. Duffy urged travelers to dress ‘with some respect’ and to maintain courtesy, emphasizing the importance of how passengers present themselves in public spaces.
Duffy also encouraged passengers to help other passengers who are struggling to put their bags in the overhead bins ‘as a common courtesy and civility.’ He previously stated during an exclusive interview with FOX Business that ‘bringing civility back, I think, enhances the travel experience for everybody.’
Ethique experts, including Diane Gottsman and Jacqueline Whitmore, have endorsed the push for more mindful dressing. Gottsman, an etiquette expert and founder of the Protocol School of Texas, noted that while comfort is important, it’s possible to select clothing that is both comfortable and appropriate for public spaces. Whitmore further explained that the way people dress influences how they feel, behave, and are perceived by others, suggesting that intentional dressing can lead to more confident and respectful interactions.
The campaign has also sparked discussions about the role of celebrity culture in shaping airport attire, with stars like Ed Sheeran and Rihanna being photographed in loungewear. Experts argue that the return to a more formal approach to travel, reminiscent of its ‘golden age,’ could help restore a sense of respect and consideration among travelers. Both experts stressed that dressing for travel is not about status but about expressing respect for oneself and others, thereby contributing to a more civilized travel environment.
Additionally, the initiative follows a 400% surge in in-flight disturbances since 2019, with a notable increase in violent incidents and disruptive behavior. According to the FAA data, nearly one in five flight attendants reported experiencing a physical incident in 2021. Reports of unruly passengers in 2024 remained above pre-pandemic levels, indicating a growing concern about in-flight conduct despite the return to normalcy post-pandemic.
While the campaign has drawn support from etiquette experts, critics have raised questions about the regulation of personal attire and the potential for such guidelines to be perceived as overly prescriptive. The debate has sparked discussions about the balance between personal freedom and the collective responsibility to maintain a respectful and courteous environment within public spaces on airplanes.
Overall, the push for more mindful dressing and courteous behavior during air travel is seen as an effort to enhance the overall travel experience and restore a sense of civility in an increasingly busy and crowded environment. As the campaign gains momentum, it remains to be seen how effectively these initiatives can translate into tangible improvements in the air travel experience for all passengers.