Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced $1 billion in federal funding for airport improvements, but stated that he does not have a plan to reduce costs for airline travelers. Instead, he emphasized the need for “family-friendly resources” and exercise equipment like pull-up bars in airport terminals.

During a press conference at Reagan National Airport, Duffy stated that the grants for airport improvements are open to a variety of requests, such as expanding play areas for kids or providing nursing pods for mothers. He also suggested the addition of workout areas where travelers can do pull-ups or step-ups while waiting for their flights.

Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. also spoke at the press conference, calling for healthier dining options at airports. He criticized the current food options, stating that they are often deep-fried, high in sugar, and ultra-processed, which can negatively impact travelers’ health.

To further promote their message, Duffy and Kennedy performed some pull-ups in front of the media. This press conference is part of the Transportation Secretary’s “Make Travel Family Friendly Again” campaign, which aims to improve the overall experience for travelers in airport terminals.

This campaign follows Duffy’s previous initiative, “Golden Age of Travel,” which encouraged travelers to dress more professionally and “with respect” when flying. Both campaigns focus on creating a less stressful environment for travelers who spend long hours in airports.

However, these campaigns do not address the rising costs associated with air travel. The New York Times reported that proposed rule changes by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey could result in a 7. 5% increase in prices for airport shops and restaurants. Additionally, while airfares have decreased by 6. 1% over the past 10 years, they were up by 3. 2% in September 2025 compared to the previous year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

When asked about the increasing costs of air travel, Duffy stated that it is simply supply and demand. He acknowledged that there are limited options for travelers and that his focus is on providing healthier options for them.

In conclusion, while the Transportation Secretary’s new initiatives aim to make air travel more enjoyable for families and promote healthier options, they do not address the issue of rising costs for airline travelers.