US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has launched a new campaign urging air travelers to dress more respectfully. The initiative, titled 'The Golden Age of Travel Starts with You,' aims to promote civility in the skies, but it has quickly drawn skepticism from many passengers and aviation experts.
The campaign comes as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) anticipates one of the busiest Thanksgiving travel periods in over 15 years. Secretary Duffy suggests that appropriate attire can help foster a more pleasant travel experience for everyone.
Key Takeaways
- US Transport Secretary Sean Duffy advocates for more formal attire in air travel.
- The campaign cites a rise in unruly passenger incidents since 2021.
- Critics argue the focus should be on systemic issues like delays and crowded cabins.
- Airlines globally are moving towards more relaxed uniform policies for their staff.
- Historical data suggests the 'golden age' of air travel was not without its own significant challenges.
Secretary Duffy's 'Golden Age' Vision
Secretary Duffy's campaign video contrasts images of orderly 1950s and 60s airport terminals with recent footage showing passenger altercations and disruptive behavior. He directly addresses travelers, asking, "Are you dressing with respect?"
Speaking at Newark Airport, Duffy specifically advised against wearing "slippers and pyjamas" when flying. The Department of Transportation (DOT) states that the campaign seeks to reduce violence and disruptive incidents both in terminals and on aircraft.
Unruly Incidents on the Rise
The DOT has documented approximately 13,800 unruly passenger incidents since 2021. Furthermore, one in five flight attendants has reported experiencing physical confrontations during this period. Global figures from IATA indicate an incident occurred on one in every 395 flights in 2024.
Passenger Backlash and Systemic Issues
The campaign has generated significant debate on social media platforms. Many travelers express that the secretary's focus on clothing misses the core problems affecting modern air travel. They point to issues such as long security lines, frequent delays, rising costs, and increasingly crowded cabins as primary sources of stress.
"This isn’t the 50s when it was actually very pleasant to fly. Now we are squeezed in like cattle and it’s almost as bad as taking the bus," a user named Terri De wrote on Bluesky.
Another Bluesky user commented, "As long as there’s a reasonable chance I’m sleeping on the airport floor because of flight delays, I’ll wear whatever I want." These comments highlight a common sentiment that the travel experience itself has deteriorated, making formal dress feel irrelevant.
The Reality of Air Travel Then and Now
While the campaign evokes a nostalgic 'golden age,' aviation historians suggest that comparisons to earlier decades require context. In the 1950s, air travel was significantly more expensive, limiting access to a smaller, wealthier demographic. Cabins also permitted smoking, and hijackings were more common than they are today.
Historical Context of Air Travel
Despite the romanticized view of early air travel, the era had its own challenges. Fatal accident rates were much higher; Airbus data shows a rate of 10 fatal accidents per million flights in 1961, a stark contrast to nearly zero today. Flight attendants also faced strict, appearance-based employment rules, which have largely been relaxed.
Therefore, what Secretary Duffy envisions as a "golden age" may not align with the historical realities of aviation safety, accessibility, or passenger comfort.
Airlines Embrace Casual Attire for Staff
Secretary Duffy's call for more formal passenger attire also comes at a time when many airlines are moving in the opposite direction regarding their own staff uniforms. This shift reflects a broader trend towards comfort and modernity in the aviation industry.
- Bonza, an Australian low-cost carrier, eliminated formal uniforms in 2022. Their cabin crew and pilots can wear branded T-shirts, shorts, and dresses, with visible tattoos and optional makeup.
- Alaska Airlines updated its appearance code in 2022, introducing gender-neutral options and permitting makeup, nail polish, two earrings per ear, and nose piercings for all staff.
- United Airlines now allows some visible tattoos and long hair for all genders.
- Virgin Atlantic removed makeup mandates for female crew in 2019 and relaxed its tattoo rules in 2022.
In the Maldives, Trans Maldivian Airways pilots sometimes fly barefoot or in flip-flops, illustrating the extent of this casual shift in some parts of the world.
Civility or Misdirection?
While some travelers support the call for increased politeness and courtesy, many critics argue that focusing on dress codes distracts from the underlying structural problems in air travel. These issues include overcrowded cabins, overworked crews, budget airline pricing models, and airports operating at or beyond capacity.
"Air travel at one time was an enjoyable experience. Today, not so much. Airlines treat passengers like a commodity," a Reddit user commented, suggesting that expanding domestic railroad networks could offer alternative options.
Ultimately, the debate over dress code versus systemic issues highlights a fundamental disagreement about the root causes of disruptive behavior in air travel. Many believe that addressing the stress factors inherent in modern flying, rather than passenger attire, will lead to a more civil and pleasant experience for everyone.
