U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has taken a public stance on airline etiquette, launching a ‘civility campaign’ that urges travelers to avoid wearing pajamas and slippers during air travel. Speaking at Newark Airport in New Jersey, Duffy highlighted the growing issue of in-flight disturbances, noting a 400% increase since 2019, and called for improved manners and respect for airline staff. The campaign emphasizes dressing with ‘some respect’ to promote a more considerate atmosphere for all passengers.
Duffy’s remarks come amid a surge in passenger misconduct, with nearly one in five flight attendants reporting physical incidents in 2021 and reports of unruly passengers remaining above pre-pandemic levels in 2024. Union and FAA data underscore the severity of the issue, prompting Duffy to advocate for a return to ‘civility’ on flights. The initiative is part of a broader push to restore order and respect to public spaces, particularly during the holiday travel season.
Etiquette experts like Diane Gottsman argue that attire influences behavior and respect for others, emphasizing that ‘pajamas should be reserved for the privacy of one’s own home or hotel room.’ The campaign also reflects changing cultural norms, as celebrities like Ed Sheeran and Rihanna have been seen in loungewear, blurring the line between private and public conduct. Both experts agree that dressing for travel is not about formality but about showing respect for oneself and others.
Jacqueline Whitmore of the Protocol School of Palm Beach adds that ‘dressing with intention’ can shape one’s self-perception and behavior, aligning with the concept of ‘enclothed cognition’ — the psychological idea that what we wear affects how we act. While the focus is not on social status, the message is clear: public spaces require a level of respect that is often absent in casual attire. The campaign has sparked debate, with some viewing it as a return to the ‘golden age of travel,’ where formal attire and propriety were the norm.
Duffy’s initiative marks a significant shift in public discourse on travel etiquette, aiming to balance comfort with courtesy in an environment where many feel the lines have blurred. As the airline industry grapples with this issue, the movement to restore civility may have long-term implications for both passenger behavior and the culture of air travel itself.