Encouraging Better Behavior Among Travelers
The Department of Transportation is calling on air travelers to enhance their attire and behavior this holiday season. They are encouraging passengers to be more courteous and assist those in need, particularly with luggage.
Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy introduced the campaign titled “The Golden Age of Travel Starts with You.” This initiative urges passengers to help elderly and pregnant individuals with their luggage, express gratitude to flight attendants, keep children in check, and dress more appropriately for flights.
Federal transportation officials have highlighted a concerning 400% increase in disruptive or violent incidents during flights since 2019. In fact, there were twice as many unruly passenger events reported in 2024 compared to 2019, totaling approximately 13,800 incidents since 2021.
The period during the pandemic saw a significant spike; reports of unruly passengers surged by 600% between 2020 and 2021. Additionally, around 20% of flight attendants reported experiencing physical confrontations in 2021.
Duffy remarked on the troubling behavior observed at airports: “You have brawls at the baggage claim, you have passengers berating gate agents; we have unruly passengers on airplanes. People dress up like they’re going to bed when they fly!” he stated during an interview.
While the Department of Transportation has made these requests clear, neither Duffy nor the department specified what types of clothing should be avoided or recommended for travel.
The campaign aims to spark a nationwide dialogue about restoring courtesy and class in air travel. The Department of Transportation believes that improving traveler behavior will not only enhance the flying experience but also ensure safety for all involved—passengers, gate workers, flight attendants, and pilots alike.
