Transport Secretary Advocates Respectful Dress Code; Critics Cite Other Issues
The request for a more respectful dress code in air travel has sparked considerable debate. US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy recently launched a campaign titled “The Golden Age of Travel Starts with You,” urging travelers to dress more appropriately when flying. This initiative coincides with predictions from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that Thanksgiving travel will be the busiest in 15 years.
Duffy’s Campaign and Public Response
In a video, Duffy juxtaposes images of orderly airports from the 1950s with chaotic recent footage of air travel. He asserts, “Manners don’t stop at the gate,” and questions whether passengers are dressing with respect. These remarks were made during a speech at Newark Airport, where he criticized travelers for wearing pajamas and slippers.
Public Criticism
The campaign has met with skepticism from many travelers. Critics argue that the real issues in air travel include overcrowding, high costs, delays, and lengthy security checks. One user on Bluesky expressed frustration, stating, “This isn’t the 50s when it was actually very pleasant to fly.” Another user emphasized comfort over formal attire, particularly in light of frequent flight delays.
Rising Incidents of Unruly Behavior
The Department of Transportation (DOT) aims to address violence and disruptive incidents in airports and on flights. Since 2021, there have been 13,800 reported unruly passenger incidents in the United States. According to recent IATA figures, there was one incident for every 395 flights in 2024, reflecting a global trend of increasing disruptive behavior. However, aviation historians caution against directly comparing these figures to the past.
Context of Travel Today
In the 1950s, air travel came with different challenges, including smoking in cabins and higher fares that limited access. Airbus data shows that the rate of fatal accidents has dramatically decreased from 10 per million flights in 1961 to nearly zero today. This highlights that the so-called “golden age” of travel may not be as idyllic as it seems.
Casual Trends in Airline Uniforms
Interestingly, Duffy’s advocacy for a formal dress code contrasts with a move toward casual attire among airlines. For instance, the Australian low-cost carrier Bonza eliminated formal uniforms altogether in 2022. American Airlines like Alaska and United have also relaxed their uniform policies, allowing more personal expression among staff.
Civil Behavior vs. Structural Issues
While some support Duffy’s call for a civil atmosphere, others feel it overlooks deeper issues in air travel. Critics point to overcrowded cabins, pressured flight crews, and ultra-low-cost pricing as contributing factors to the stress of flying. One user highlighted the need for expanded domestic rail networks as an alternative to short flights.
Ultimately, many agree that passenger stress is the primary driver of disruptive behavior on flights. Without addressing the systemic issues facing air travel, some critics argue that focusing on dress code may distract from more significant challenges that need to be resolved.
