Dressing Appropriately for Air Travel: Tips from the US Secretary of Transportation
As air travel becomes increasingly accessible and affordable, the number of passengers on flights has also risen. With that, comes a rise in unruly behavior and conflicts on flights. In response, United States Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy has been advocating for dressing better when flying. According to Duffy, dressing well can have a positive impact on behavior while traveling.
The Importance of Dressing Well
In a recent interview on NewsNation’s Katie Pavlich Tonight, Duffy emphasized the correlation between dressing well and behaving well. He stated, “I can’t mandate you dress up, but don’t wear pajamas and slippers to the airport. I think if you dress a little better, you behave a little better. ” Duffy’s belief is that dressing better can lead to a more courteous and respectful travel experience for all passengers.
Duffy’s Campaign for a “Golden Age of Travel”
Duffy’s message about dressing appropriately for air travel is part of the U. S. Department of Transportation’s “Golden Age of Travel” campaign. This initiative aims to promote a return to civility and curb the record surge in unruly passengers. Duffy encourages travelers to show common courtesy by dressing appropriately and practicing gratitude during their travels.
Airport Fitness Hubs
In addition to dressing well, Duffy also advocates for airports to have mini fitness hubs. He suggests that these areas could include equipment for travelers to do a few push-ups or pull-ups before their flights. Duffy believes that this could help passengers burn energy and improve their mood before a flight. He clarifies that he is not proposing intense workouts, but rather brief exercises to get the blood flowing.
A Familiar Message from Duffy
This is not the first time Duffy has promoted dressing well for air travel. In November 2025, ahead of Thanksgiving travel, he urged passengers to avoid wearing slippers and pajamas to the airport. He stated, “I would encourage people to dress a little better, which encourages us to maybe behave a little better. ” This message was reiterated in December of that year during a news conference for his “Make Travel Family Friendly Again” initiative.
Taking Action
Duffy has also put his words into action by participating in a pull-up contest with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. during a news conference. This event featured a mini fitness hub with bars installed for the occasion. Kennedy, 72, completed 20 pull-ups, while Duffy managed 10.
In conclusion, while there is no official dress code for air travel, Duffy’s message is clear: dressing well can have a positive impact on behavior while flying. In addition, he encourages airports to provide fitness hubs for travelers to improve their overall travel experience. By following these tips, we can all work towards a more pleasant and respectful travel experience.