Rising Air Rage Prompts Call for Courteous Travel, But Critics Point to Systemic Flaws

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy has launched a public campaign urging Americans to restore civility to air travel, citing a sharp rise in unruly behavior and a cultural shift he attributes to relaxed dress codes and declining social norms. The initiative, dubbed "The Golden Age of Travel Starts with You," highlights a 400% increase in in-flight outbursts since 2019 and a doubling of such incidents between 2019 and 2024, according to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) data.

Duffy emphasized that disruptions now extend beyond the cabin, with fights at baggage claim and arguments at gates contributing to a "toxic" travel environment. In a Fox Business interview, he humorously advised travelers to "go back to an era where we didn't wear our pajamas to the airport", sparking mixed reactions online. The campaign also encourages passengers to assist others-such as helping pregnant women or the elderly with overhead bins-and to prioritize gratitude toward flight attendants and pilots according to DOT.

The Transportation Department's statistics underscore the urgency of the campaign. FAA data shows 13,800 unruly passenger incidents since 2021, with one in five flight attendants experiencing physical altercations during that period. The spike in incidents aligns with the post-pandemic relaxation of mask mandates, which had previously driven tensions on flights. While the number of reports has declined slightly in recent years, 2024 still saw 1,431 incidents-1.8 times the 2019 level.

Duffy's remarks have drawn criticism from travelers, who blame airlines for cramped seating, reduced amenities, and aggressive pricing strategies. Commenters on Fortune's coverage argued that passengers wear pajamas to offset discomfort, stating, "Tell ya what, we'll go back to wearing nice clothes when you don't pack us in like sardines and go back to providing us with meals, pillows, and blankets again". Others questioned whether airlines and regulators should bear more responsibility for fostering civility than individual passengers.

The campaign's focus on dress codes has also raised eyebrows. Spirit Airlines and other carriers already enforce rules against bare feet and "offensive attire," with past incidents involving passengers being denied boarding for violating these policies according to Yahoo. Critics argue that such measures disproportionately target marginalized groups and fail to address systemic issues like overcrowding and delayed flights.

Duffy's push for civility comes as the U.S. grapples with broader challenges in air travel. A separate FAA notice this month warned civilian operators to exercise caution near Venezuelan airspace due to heightened military activity, underscoring the complexity of modern aviation safety concerns. Meanwhile, industry leaders like Delta Air Lines and American Airlines face pressure to balance cost-cutting with passenger satisfaction amid a volatile economic climate.

The Transportation Department's campaign aims to spark a nationwide conversation about restoring "courtesy and class" to air travel, not only for passengers but also for airline staff. A DOT spokeswoman noted that civility could help mitigate stress during an already tense holiday travel season. However, the success of the initiative will likely depend on addressing root causes-such as airline practices and regulatory oversight-as much as changing passenger behavior.

According to WJACTV: "Uncivilized': Duffy says there's been a 400%'increase in ..." (WJACTV)

According to Fortune: "Let's maybe go back to an era where we didn ..." (Fortune)

According to Yahoo: "Government wants 'civility' back on flights, starting with your ..." (Yahoo)

According to Seeking Alpha: "U.S. warns civilian air traffic around Venezuela amid military tensions" (Seeking Alpha)