The U.S. government has issued a call for travelers to “dress with respect” when flying, urging passengers to leave behind pajamas, slippers, and overly casual attire.
At a press conference held at Newark Liberty International Airport, Sean Duffy, U.S. Secretary of Transportation, launched a new civility campaign ahead of the holiday travel season. He argued that dressing more appropriately — for example, in jeans and a clean shirt rather than sleepwear — could promote more courteous behavior during flights.
The push comes amid worrying trends: according to officials, in-flight disturbances have surged, with reports of unruly passenger events having increased by 400% since 2019. Duffy also decried behavior such as passengers taking off shoes and propping their feet on the seat in front — habits he said fail to “honor” fellow travelers or the aviation experience.
The campaign does not impose formal dress-code regulations or penalties: it represents a “soft nudge” toward personal responsibility and travel etiquette. Nevertheless, Duffy and supporters argue that the gesture reflects a broader aim to restore courtesy, civility, and a measure of decorum to air travel, especially at a time when airports are expected to see record volumes of passengers.
As travelers prepare for the holiday rush, the message from U.S. authorities is clear: comfort need not come at the expense of respect — and small choices like clothing and manners may contribute to a safer, more civil flying experience.
