Sean Duffy says people can make air travel better for the holidays if they don’t wear PJs
In a recent interview with Fox Business, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasized the need for civility and improved behavior among air travelers, particularly as the busy holiday travel season approaches. Duffy’s remarks come in the context of increasing in-flight incidents and unruly passenger behavior, which have surged by 400% since 2019, according to statistics from the Department of Transportation (DOT). He pointed out that the current state of air travel is marred by confrontations at baggage claims and disrespectful interactions with airline staff, stating, “If you just watch social media, you have brawls at the baggage claim, you have passengers berating gate agents.” To combat this trend, Duffy urged travelers to arrive at the airport in a positive mindset and to dress more appropriately, suggesting that a more civilized approach could enhance the overall travel experience for everyone involved.
Duffy’s comments also touched on practical issues travelers face, such as the challenge of fitting oversized carry-on luggage into overhead bins, a problem exacerbated by airlines’ checked bag fees starting at $35. This fee structure encourages many passengers to maximize their carry-on capacity, leading to overcrowded bins and frustration during boarding. He noted that as the country prepares for Thanksgiving travel, airlines are ramping up their flight schedules back to pre-shutdown levels, making it all the more important for travelers to contribute to a smoother travel experience. In light of this, Duffy called for a collective effort to restore civility and decorum in air travel, encouraging passengers to “help people out, be in a good mood, dress up, [and] bring civility back to travel.”
As the holiday season approaches, Duffy’s message resonates with the urgency for travelers to adopt a more respectful and considerate attitude, fostering an environment that benefits both passengers and airline staff alike. With the increase in air travel and the potential for crowded airports, the Secretary’s call for civility is a timely reminder that each traveler plays a crucial role in creating a positive flying experience. Whether through better attire or simply maintaining a courteous demeanor, Duffy’s appeal highlights the importance of personal responsibility in the shared space of air travel.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAKXtGToCyc
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said some air traffic controllers who called in sick during the shutdown may face action.
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Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy says people need to be more civilized while flying.
That means dressing better and being nicer at the airport over the holiday season, Duffy said.
Getting to the airport in a “good mood” will make the experience better for fliers and staff alike, he said.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy
says he wants to improve holiday travel, and people can help by dressing up and being courteous.
Duffy spoke to Fox Business on Wednesday about the importance of good behavior.
“Donald Trump talks about the golden age of transportation, the golden age of America. But the golden age in transportation truly begins with you, the traveler,” Duffy said.
“If you just watch social media, you have brawls at the baggage claim, you have passengers berating gate agents,” Duffy said. “We have unruly passengers on airplanes. People dress up like they’re going to bed when they fly.”
Duffy added that some people are “having a hard time” fitting heavy luggage into the overhead bins. Checked bag
fees start at $35
for most major US airlines, which motivates some travelers to maximize their carry-on capacity.
“And so we want to push people, as we come into a really busy travel season: Help people out, be in a good mood, dress up, bring civility back to travel,” he said.
Airlines’ clothing policies vary. Earlier this year, Spirit Airlines
updated its rules
for travelers’ clothing, saying passengers could be barred from boarding if they are “inadequately clothed,” including if they are barefoot.
The US is hurtling toward a
peak travel season
as people rush to get
home for Thanksgiving
. After the government shutdown, airlines have been cleared to
ramp flights up
to their pre-shutdown frequency.
Duffy’s comments also come at a time when in-flight incidents are reaching a new high.
According to November 19 statistics from the DOT, the FAA has seen a 400% increase in “in-flight outbursts” since 2019, which the department defines as “ranging from disruptive behavior to outright violence.”
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