"Of course, that span includes the pandemic, when airlines enforced mask mandates, prompting many passengers who thought COVID was a hoax to push back against crews and disrupt flights. In an interview with Fox Business on Wednesday, Duffy noted that today's air-travel misanthropy doesn't just happen onboard planes, pointing to fights occurring at baggage claim and arguments with gate agents. He added that "people dress up like they're going to bed when they fly.""
"So we wanna push people, as we come into a really bad busy travel season. Help people out, be in a good mood, dress up, bring civility back to travel," Duffy said. "And i think everyone's experience is going to be that much better." He acknowledged that some travelers may be carrying some emotional baggage while flying but urged everyone to "set that aside and be good partners.""
"That could include acts of kindness toward fellow travelers like helping someone put their luggage in the overhead bin if they're having trouble. Airlines, their staff, and airport workers will be happier for it too, Duffy said. "And you, as you get in your plane, are going to feel that much better because everyone is channeling the same positive energy of having a great experience," he explained."
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy urged Americans to create a golden age of travel centered on helpfulness, manners, and dressing better. The Department highlighted a 400% increase in in-flight outbursts since 2019 and a doubling of unruly passenger events between 2019 and 2024. Pandemic mask mandates contributed to confrontations when some passengers pushed back against crews. Incidents now occur beyond cabins, including baggage claim and gate-area disputes. Travelers were encouraged to set emotional baggage aside, perform small acts of kindness like helping with overhead bins, and adopt civility to improve experiences for fellow passengers and airport workers. Online backlash followed fashion-related comments.
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