Archive · 26 Nov 2025
US Urges Respectful Dress at Airports
The US government is asking people to dress nicely and be respectful when they travel by air.
They say that more people have been acting badly on planes and in airports, especially since the pandemic.
The government wants travelers to be kind to pilots and flight attendants, especially during busy times like Thanksgiving.
There's no official rule about what to wear, but they hope people will take this advice seriously.
Some people online think the seats on planes are too small and uncomfortable, and that's why they might not dress up.
The government is not punishing anyone for not following this advice, but they hope people will do it on their own.
The campaign called 'The Golden Age of Travel Starts with You' was launched to encourage passengers to dress properly and act politely while traveling.
US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy urges passengers to dress respectfully and avoid pajamas and slippers on flights.
Statistics show a 400% increase in in-flight outbursts and a doubling of unruly passenger events since 2019.
Pandemic-era mask mandates contributed to increased passenger pushback and disruptions.
Duffy emphasizes better treatment for pilots and flight attendants, encouraging passengers to say 'please' and 'thank you'.
No formal dress code or penalties have been imposed; the government's message is a soft nudge on travel etiquette.
- Who
- US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and air travelers
- What
- Government urging passengers to dress respectfully and treat airline staff better
- When
- Recent, with statistics comparing 2019 to 2024
- Where
- US airports and airplanes
- Why
- To reduce unruly behavior and improve travel etiquette
Government and Airline Staff
Passengers and Critics
Dress Code Importance
Government and Airline Staff
Dressing respectfully encourages better behavior and improves the travel experience for everyone.
Passengers and Critics
Comfort should be prioritized over formal dress, especially given the cramped conditions on flights.
In-Flight Behavior
Government and Airline Staff
Passengers should be more courteous and helpful, such as assisting with luggage, to maintain a positive environment.
Passengers and Critics
The increase in unruly behavior is partly due to stress and discomfort, not just a lack of respect.
- In-flight outbursts increase
- 400% since 2019
- Unruly passenger events
- Doubled between 2019 and 2024
- Pandemic impact
- Mask mandates led to passenger pushback
- Government stance
- Soft nudge on travel etiquette, no formal dress code
- Social media reactions
- Criticism of seat comfort and cost
- Campaign title
- The Golden Age of Travel Starts with You
- Campaign launch date
- November 19, 2025
Sources
‘Don’t wear pajamas to airport’: US govt tells travellers after ‘dress with respect’ request
'Bring Civility Back': US Transport Secretary Tells Flyers To Stop Wearing 'Pajamas & Slippers'
Wear Jeans, Not Pajamas: US Transport Secretary Calls For 'Air Civility'
