U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has launched an initiative urging travelers to cease wearing pajamas on airplanes, citing the need to restore civility in air travel. Speaking at Newark Airport in New Jersey, Duffy addressed the ‘degradation in civility’ among air travelers and outlined a ‘civility campaign’ aimed at fostering courtesy and patience, especially during the holiday travel season. His call for more formal attire over pajamas and slippers is part of broader efforts to address rising tensions in the skies.
Duffy emphasized that the initiative is part of broader efforts to combat a 400% surge in in-flight disturbances since 2019, which have included everything from disruptive behavior to violence, according to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) data. The rise in such incidents has created a growing concern for airlines and passengers alike, prompting leaders to take action to improve the in-flight experience. He also urged passengers to assist one another with overhead bins, suggesting that communal civility is essential in crowded airspace.
Etiquette experts like Diane Gottsman and Jacqueline Whitmore have supported Duffy’s campaign, linking attire to behavior and respect. Gottsman argued that wearing pajamas in public spaces like airports is inappropriate, as they are meant for private settings. She emphasized that dressing with intention can boost confidence and self-respect, which in turn fosters more considerate behavior. Whitmore, a former flight attendant, suggested that while children may get more leniency, adults should opt for practical yet respectful attire, such as flip-flops and shorts over pajamas.
Both experts noted that dressing for travel isn’t about formality or status but rather about showing respect for oneself and others. Gottsman underscored that it’s about respect for all passengers, while Whitmore welcomed the return to the ‘golden age of travel,’ where formal attire and thoughtful behavior were the norm. Although the campaign is not aimed at regulating passenger appearance, it reflects a broader cultural and societal shift toward valuing civility and respect in public spaces.