Transportation Secretary Encourages Travelers to Dress Better During Busiest Thanksgiving
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has asked travelers to show “decency” and, perhaps, “dress a little better” when navigating airports and planes, especially as officials expect this Thanksgiving travel week to be the busiest on record.
During a press briefing at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, Duffy highlighted concerns about “airport congestion” and anticipated lengthy lines at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) ahead of the holidays.
“But I think we need to consider, ‘How can we do a better job?'” he remarked, suggesting that small gestures of gratitude towards pilots and flight attendants could go a long way.
Duffy proposed that a more polished appearance might lead to improved passenger behavior. “I would probably call this dressing respectfully,” he noted. “Wearing jeans or a nice shirt could help us act a bit better, too.” He added that wearing slippers or pajamas to the airport should be avoided, describing such choices as not positive.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which is a part of Duffy’s Department of Transportation, recently forecasted this year’s Thanksgiving travel period will be the busiest in 15 years. Interestingly, Tuesday is projected to be a peak travel day, with over 52,000 flights scheduled.
His remarks align with the Department of Transportation’s recently launched “Golden Age of Travel” campaign, which calls out poor conduct at airports and on flights while promoting respect among travelers.
Since 2019, the FAA has noted a staggering 400 percent rise in onboard incidents of abuse, ranging from minor disruptions to severe violence, as cited in the campaign’s recent release.
The initiative aims to revive the American travel experience while simultaneously overhauling the air traffic control system and improving family-friendly travel options, according to the Department of Transportation.
Left-leaning commentators have criticized the DOT’s campaign. For instance, Sunny Hostin from The View expressed her longing for former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
Duffy’s DOT faced accusations of neglecting passenger protections and holding airlines accountable for enhancing customer services. In response, spokesperson Dana Almeida emphasized other ongoing DOT projects, asserting that the current administration is committed to rejuvenating family travel in the U.S.
Almeida mentioned that Duffy has secured $12.5 billion to upgrade various aspects of the air traffic control system, highlighting this as a substantial step toward modernizing the “totally outdated” system. She also critiqued the Biden administration for its lack of action regarding the air traffic controller shortage, an issue Duffy has purportedly tackled.
She noted that starting salaries for air traffic controllers have been increased by 30%, and the FAA’s hiring process is being expedited without compromising safety standards. Almeida highlighted that USDOT had met its hiring goals for air traffic control ahead of schedule under Duffy’s leadership.
In an effort to engage the public, Duffy’s civility campaign is designed to encourage travelers to take small actions, like expressing gratitude to airline staff, which can enhance the overall travel experience. “Little gestures on a travel day could lift everyone’s spirits,” he asserted.
Following comments by Fox News’ Trace Gallagher, social media erupted with various opinions. Questions arose about whether travelers would embrace Duffy’s suggestion to abandon pajamas for their flights.
One user was nostalgic, reminiscing about how flying used to be a cherished experience during childhood. Another commented on the importance of dressing appropriately for the airport, rejecting the growing trend of wearing pajamas in public.
Another individual even suggested that unless you’re flying to a Walmart, it’s preferable to opt for something a bit more stylish, stressing the importance of taking pride in one’s appearance.
