The U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy, has initiated a nationwide campaign to "revive civility" in air travel. He calls on citizens to return to dressing "stylishly" when heading to the airport, maintain a positive attitude, assist fellow passengers, and show appreciation to airline staff.
This initiative, named "The Golden Age of Travel Begins with You," was unveiled on social media through posts on Instagram and X. Duffy emphasized that the significant rise in disruptive behavior on flights—up by 400% since 2019 according to the Department of Transportation itself—necessitates a cultural response.
The Secretary advocates for travelers to embrace "class and good manners" once more, suggesting that solutions can start with simple acts such as "dressing well for the airport," "keeping a cheerful demeanor," and helping strangers with their luggage. However, the Department of Transportation has yet to clarify what precisely "dressing respectfully" entails.
In a campaign video, scenes from past flights alternate with recent clips of disputes on planes, people with bare feet on open seats, arguments in baggage claim areas, and conflicts with airport staff. The narrative concludes with Duffy gazing into the camera, declaring, "Good manners shouldn't stop at the door."
From Morality to Penalties: Reports of Fines and Warnings
Contrary to the friendly tone of Duffy's posts, the British tabloid The Sun reported that the Trump administration's campaign might lead to fines or even flight bans for those not "dressing respectfully," a measure introduced as part of holiday travel regulations. The outlet cited data showing 1,431 incidents of misconduct in 2025, resulting in $2.1 million in fines.
Meanwhile, Duffy continues to stress his civility message. In a nostalgic interview, he urged passengers to avoid "dressing as if they're going to bed." He also called for assistance to pregnant women and the elderly, parental control over children, and for everyone to use "please" and "thank you."
Critics Question the Campaign's Effectiveness
Despite the government's push for a "golden age" rooted in manners and attire, experts, consumer advocates, and travelers express skepticism about the message's effectiveness. Analysts consulted by CBS News argue that urging people to dress "respectfully" won't address the root causes: stress, poorly designed flights, overcrowding, and deteriorating air service.
Chris Elliott, a consumer rights specialist, pointed out that this nostalgic vision overlooks a crucial difference: "Economy class used to be genuinely enjoyable. Now, everyone's crammed into planes."
For millions of passengers, dressing elegantly won't alleviate the discomfort of long journeys in increasingly cramped seats. Others highlight that when most people dressed well in the 1960s and 70s, flying was a privilege reserved almost exclusively for the wealthy. Scott Keyes, founder of Going.com, noted that the supposed "golden age" was worse than today in many respects. "Flights took longer, had no Wi-Fi, and tobacco smoke filled the cabins," he explained.
A Moral Message Amidst Controversial Management
While advocating courtesy, Duffy faces criticism for his recent tenure as the transport official. During his leadership, he oversaw reduced flight schedules and thousands of cancellations during the government shutdown, in an already overburdened system. Additionally, just months earlier, the Trump administration revoked a rule requiring airlines to compensate passengers for delays and cancellations caused by the airlines themselves, a decision seen as regressive for consumers.
Critics argue that asking for elegance in attire while removing passenger protections equates to focusing on appearances while ignoring the structural issues causing chaos.
Courtesy or a Distraction?
Although the campaign is marketed as an effort to raise behavioral standards, experts consulted by the U.S. press insist it will have no practical impact and warn that it could serve as a symbolic cover for a transportation management that has failed to ensure better infrastructure or rights for travelers. As Daniel Green, co-founder of Faye Travel Insurance, summarized: "It's just a well-intentioned campaign about public behavior, likely with no real implications for people."
Meanwhile, airlines remain overcrowded, seats continue to shrink, and consumer protection regulations have been weakened...
According to Duffy, the "golden age of travel" begins with the passenger. For many, it should start with the government that regulates the industry.
FAQs on Passenger Dress Code and Air Travel Civility
What is the purpose of the U.S. campaign for respectful dressing on flights?
The campaign aims to revive civility in air travel by encouraging passengers to dress stylishly, maintain a positive attitude, and show appreciation to airline staff.
How has passenger behavior changed since 2019 according to the Department of Transportation?
According to the Department of Transportation, disruptive behavior on flights has increased by 400% since 2019, prompting the need for a cultural response.
What criticisms have been made against the campaign?
Critics argue that the campaign's focus on appearances overlooks deeper issues such as stress, flight design, overcrowding, and declining air service quality.