US Transportation Secretary Launches "Air Civility" Campaign: Encouraging Better Dress Code and Behavior for Safer Air Travel

US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has launched an initiative encouraging travelers to dress more formally while flying, suggesting this could improve behavior at airports.

During his appearance at Newark Airport in New Jersey on Monday, Duffy advocated for passengers to dress "with some respect" when traveling.

"Whether it's a pair of jeans and a decent shirt, I would encourage people to maybe dress a little better, which encourages us to maybe behave a little better. Let's try not to wear slippers and pajamas as we come to the airport. I think that's positive," Duffy stated, according to Fox News.

In previous comments, Duffy remarked that "people dress up like they're going to bed when they fly," highlighting his concerns about declining standards in air travel etiquette.

The Transportation Secretary has introduced a "civility campaign" in response to what he describes as a "degradation" in passenger conduct. He also encouraged travelers to assist fellow passengers who struggle with placing luggage in overhead compartments, describing it as "a common courtesy and civility."

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) data reveals a troubling 400 percent increase in in-flight disturbances involving disruptive behavior and violence since 2019.

The initiative, titled "The Golden Age of Travel Starts with You," was officially launched on November 19. It aims to promote proper attire and polite conduct among air travelers.

According to the Department of Transportation, "The campaign is intended to jumpstart a nationwide conversation around how we can all restore courtesy and class to air travel. This won't just make the travel experience better for the flying public - it will ensure the safety of passengers, gate workers, flight attendants, and pilots."

The department noted that many Americans feel "divided and stressed," and suggested that uniting around "shared values" could help people "feel more connected as a country."

"We can all do our part to bring back civility, manners, and common sense," the press release added.

The FAA anticipates that this Thanksgiving holiday will mark the busiest period for air travel in 15 years.