As the United States braces for its busiest Thanksgiving travel season in 15 years, US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has launched a campaign urging air travelers to embrace civility and dress more respectfully. Titled ‘The Golden Age of Travel Starts with You,’ the initiative draws inspiration from the 1950s and 60s, aiming to restore decorum in modern air travel. However, the campaign has sparked widespread criticism, with many arguing that it overlooks the root causes of passenger frustration, such as flight delays, cramped seating, and stressful airport experiences. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) predicts over 52,000 flights on November 25 alone, underscoring the challenges travelers face. Aviation experts and social media users alike have questioned the efficacy of Duffy’s message, pointing out that declining travel conditions, rather than passenger behavior, are the primary issue. Since 2019, in-flight outbursts have surged by 400%, with 13,800 unruly passenger incidents recorded since 2021. Despite these statistics, experts argue that air travel today is safer and more accessible than in previous decades, though improvements in comfort and efficiency are still needed. While some have praised Duffy’s call for kindness, others emphasize that airlines and regulatory bodies must address systemic issues to truly enhance the travel experience.
US transportation secretary wants more civility in air travel. Not everyone is on board
