US Transportation Dept Launches Civility Campaign Urging Better Flight Attire

The U.S. Department of Transportation has unveiled a civility campaign that includes an appeal to air travellers to “dress with respect” during flights, a move that has drawn mixed reactions from industry observers and passengers alike.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the initiative, titled “The Golden Age of Travel Starts With You,” as part of broader efforts to address rising reports of unruly passenger behaviour and improve the overall flying experience. The campaign encourages flyers to avoid attire such as pajamas and slippers on flights and instead opt for clothes perceived as more respectful, even if that simply means jeans and a decent shirt.

The message reflects a belief among some policymakers that passenger conduct, including how people present themselves, could influence overall behaviour on board and in airport terminals. Duffy has urged travellers to consider their attire as part of a broader approach to courtesy, alongside common-sense gestures like saying “please” and “thank you” to airline crew and helping fellow passengers with overhead luggage.

Critics argue that dressing norms are unlikely to address the root causes of flight disruptions or behavioural challenges. They note that comfort remains a priority for many passengers, especially in economy cabins where seating can be tight and travel times long. Modern air travel conditions contrast sharply with the more formal era of the mid-20th century, when flying was considered a luxury and stylish attire was the norm.

Airline dress code policies already exist within many contracts of carriage, primarily aimed at ensuring that passengers’ clothing is not offensive, obscene, or in violation of broad standards of decency. Some carriers explicitly state they may refuse boarding to travellers whose attire is deemed inappropriate, such as those who are barefoot, overly revealing, or presenting offensive imagery.

Travel behaviour specialists and fashion observers have expressed scepticism that a public campaign focused on attire will shift entrenched norms. They suggest that broader issues — including stressors like flight delays, dense seating, and longer travel distances — have a greater influence on passenger behaviour than wardrobe choices.

The civility initiative also comes amid efforts by the Federal Aviation Administration and airlines to stem disruptive incidents on flights, which surged in the early 2020s before trending downwards in recent years. While the campaign’s emphasis on respectful attire has drawn attention, many stakeholders view it as symbolic rather than transformative.

For airline operators, airports, and regulators, the discussion highlights ongoing tension between passenger expectations, comfort, and shared public space. As travel volumes continue to grow, finding effective ways to promote courteous behaviour remains a priority — though whether dress codes will play a meaningful role is an open question.