Sean Duffy Urges Travelers to Dress Better for Holiday Air Travel
UPDATE: Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has just announced a call for travelers to elevate their behavior and attire ahead of the upcoming holiday travel rush. Duffy’s remarks, made during a live interview on Fox Business on Wednesday, emphasize that dressing appropriately and maintaining a positive attitude can significantly enhance the air travel experience during this busy season.
With Thanksgiving approaching, Duffy stresses the importance of civility in airports and on flights. He remarked, “If you just watch social media, you have brawls at the baggage claim, you have passengers berating gate agents.” This alarming trend is compounded by the fact that the FAA has recorded a staggering 400% increase in in-flight incidents since 2019, which include everything from disruptive behavior to outright violence.
Duffy’s comments come at a critical time as air travel ramps up following the recent government shutdown, which has now been lifted. Airlines are gearing up for peak travel, with many increasing their flight schedules to pre-shutdown levels. “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 urged.
The Transportation Secretary’s call for action extends to the way passengers prepare for their journeys. He noted that many travelers tend to wear pajamas or overly casual attire, which he feels does not promote a respectful travel environment. “People dress up like they’re going to bed when they fly,” he stated.
Duffy also highlighted the challenges faced by travelers, including issues with luggage. With checked bag fees starting at $35 for most major U.S. airlines, many are opting to maximize carry-on capacity, leading to difficulties when stowing bags in overhead compartments.
In response to increasing concerns, some airlines, like Spirit Airlines, have updated their clothing policies, warning that passengers deemed “inadequately clothed” could be barred from boarding. This adds another layer of urgency to Duffy’s message, underscoring that passengers should reconsider their travel attire.
As we enter this peak travel season, Duffy’s emphasis on dressing better and being courteous is not just a matter of personal preference—it’s a call for collective responsibility among travelers. The upcoming days will reveal whether travelers heed this advice as they navigate crowded airports and flights filled to capacity.
Stay tuned for further updates as the holiday travel period unfolds.
