U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has launched a campaign to restore civility in air travel, urging passengers to avoid wearing pajamas and slippers on flights. Speaking at Newark Airport in New Jersey, Duffy emphasized the need for passengers to dress with respect and behave courteously during the busy holiday travel season. The initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance the overall travel experience by promoting a more considerate and respectful environment for all travelers.
The campaign comes in response to a significant rise in in-flight disturbances since 2019, with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) data showing a 400% surge in such incidents. These disturbances range from disruptive behavior to more serious forms of violence, according to recent reports. Duffy’s call for greater civility is also supported by data from union and FAA sources, which indicate that nearly one in five flight attendants reported experiencing a physical incident in 2021, with reports of unruly passengers in 2024 remaining above pre-pandemic levels.
Ethics experts such as Diane Gottsman, founder of the Protocol School of Texas, have weighed in on the issue, stating that dressing appropriately is not merely about fashion but also reflects a standard of courtesy and respect. Gottsman highlighted that while comfort is important, passengers can still select clothing that is both comfortable and appropriate for public spaces. This idea is further supported by psychological concepts such as enclothed cognition, which suggests that our clothing can influence our behavior and how others perceive us.
Both Duffy and other professionals in the field argue that the return to a more formal and respectful approach to travel is not about social status but rather about showing respect for oneself, the travel experience, and others. The campaign is seen as a step towards reviving the ‘golden age of travel,’ a time when formal attire and a more refined experience were the norm. While the campaign has its critics, the overall sentiment is one of support, with many seeing the initiative as a positive step towards improving the quality of air travel for everyone.