U.S. Transportation Department Requests Travelers to Dress Respectfully—Not Everyone Agrees

The U.S. Department of Transportation has issued a new advisory urging travelers to be mindful of their attire when flying, but some passengers are skeptical about the initiative.

In an effort to promote civility, the Department launched a campaign last month encouraging passengers to "restore courtesy and class to air travel" ahead of the busy holiday season. The initiative includes a key question from Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy: "Are you dressing with respect?"

The Department explained that the campaign's goal is to ignite a nationwide conversation on improving the flying experience. They stated, This isnt just about making travel more pleasant for passengersits about enhancing the safety and comfort of everyone involved, from passengers to crew members. They also noted, "Travel used to evoke excitement and relaxation, but somewhere along the way, weve lost that spirit."

To further promote the message, the Department shared a video on social media, posted by Duffy himself. The video contrasts clips of passengers dressed in retro, stylish outfits boarding flights in the past with more recent footage of onboard altercations. Duffy reflected, "Things arent like they used to be. Some might call it the golden age of air travel. Let's bring back civility and manners."

However, many travelers were quick to voice their concerns online. One user commented under Duffys video, How many more seats have they added to planes since 2019? If airlines treated passengers with dignity, maybe thered be more respect in return. Another criticized the idea of a golden age of travel, pointing out that modern planes are far from comfortable.

Other passengers suggested airlines return to older standards, such as larger seats, complimentary food, and reimbursement for service disruptions. "Bring back things like not being charged for seats or bags," one commenter wrote, while another called for a return of the more spacious and comfortable seating of the past.

On Reddit, opinions were divided on whether dressing up for air travel is necessary. One traveler reflected, "Flying used to be a much more formal experience, but it was also far more expensive and mainly reserved for the wealthy." Another noted, "I dress for comfort on long flights." Yet, some expressed a preference for a more polished appearance from fellow passengers. One user wrote, "I wish people would stop wearing yoga clothes on planes," while another requested, "Please cover your feet (no flip flops), and lets keep some decorum. Theres a difference between 'comfortable' and 'offensively casual'."

In addition to encouraging better attire, the Department emphasized the importance of politeness and courtesy during air travel. Passengers were advised to assist elderly and pregnant travelers with their luggage, manage their childrens behavior, and always show appreciation to flight attendants by saying "please" and "thank you."

Author: Benjamin Carter