Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has launched a ‘civility campaign’ as part of his effort to address the growing issue of in-flight disturbances and promote a more respectful air travel environment. Speaking at Newark Airport in New Jersey, Duffy called on passengers to avoid wearing pajamas or slippers on flights, stating that such attire ‘should stay in the bedroom.’ He encouraged travelers to dress ‘with some respect’ and to ‘say please and thank you’ to pilots and flight attendants, emphasizing that dressing appropriately can encourage better behavior. The campaign follows a 400% surge in in-flight disruptions since 2019, including incidents ranging from disruptive behavior to violence, according to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) data. Duffy also highlighted the importance of common courtesy, urging passengers to help others with overhead bin storage, stating that ‘bringing civility back’ enhances the travel experience for everyone.
Duffy’s comments come amid a worrying trend of increased unruly passenger behavior, with nearly one in five flight attendants reporting incidents of physical confrontation in 2021, and reports of such incidents remaining above pre-pandemic levels in 2024. The Transportation Secretary’s call for civility follows recent events, including a controversial incident where a passenger was seen getting too comfortable on a plane, sparking an etiquette debate. Experts such as Diane Gottsman, an etiquette specialist and founder of the Protocol School of Texas, and Jacqueline Whitmore, a former flight attendant and founder of the Protocol School of Palm Beach, supported the initiative. Gottsman explained that while comfort is important, passengers should avoid wearing pajamas or slippers in public spaces, as these are ‘reserved for the privacy of one’s own home or hotel room.’ Whitmore added that the way we dress influences our behavior and that ‘people who make the effort to present themselves well often demonstrate the same level of care in their behavior.’
The campaign also touches on the growing influence of celebrity culture, with stars like Ed Sheeran and Rihanna often photographed in loungewear at airports, setting a trend that some argue has led to a decline in formal attire. While Duffy’s campaign does not target celebrities explicitly, it aims to encourage a broader shift in how passengers dress and behave in public spaces. Whitmore noted that while children are given more grace, especially during overnight flights, the general public is being urged to adopt more respectful attire and behavior. Both experts emphasized that the campaign is not about social status, but rather about fostering respect for oneself and others. ‘Dressing well isn’t about being uncomfortable or impressing others,’ Whitmore concluded. ‘It’s about expressing respect – respect for yourself, for the experience and for those around you.’