Transportation Secretary’s Dress Code Directive Sparks Mixed Reactions

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stirred up some conversation—perhaps even discomfort—by advising air travelers in the U.S. to dress better when flying. His comments generated goodwill among some passengers at airports around New York.

Traveler Tamaya Garcia, 48, shared her thoughts: “I think this is great advice, because when you’re happy with the way you look, you treat yourself better and people treat you better.” She was landing at JFK Airport in a fashionable tan wool coat, a white bodysuit, and tan cashmere pants paired with Nike sneakers.

For many, comfort seems key when it comes to air travel attire. However, some, like the character Don Draper, clearly miss the era of dressing up for flights. Garcia, a San Francisco resident in New York for Thanksgiving, emphasized her commitment to looking put together. “I always wear makeup, pretty clothes, and make sure my hair is clean,” she noted. She even recounted a moment when her 16-year-old daughter refused to board a flight because she wasn’t satisfied with her appearance.

Garcia recalled, “She wanted to go to the airport in literal pajama pants. And I said, ‘No, absolutely not!'”

Melanie Cox, a 21-year-old University of Toledo student flying into Newark from Michigan, also resonated with Duffy’s sentiment. “People should dress up to go to the airport. It’s fun. I like to get up early and look put together,” she explained, showcasing a matching outfit from White Fox.

Traveling with her young daughters, Kim Scarpati echoed similar feelings about dressing well. From Monmouth County, New Jersey, she and her kids wore matching pink outfits. “I’m a girly girl,” she admitted, stating she’d prefer a dress to “tactical gear” for traveling with children.

Another passenger, identified as Elizabeth, wore white pants and a tan sweater for her journey to Florida. “I always dress like this. My dad was never seen in anything less than a jacket when flying,” she shared, emphasizing her dislike for pajamas in public. “I try to look good and stay coordinated,” she added.

Gillian Carter, 32, traveling from JFK to Atlanta, noted, “My mom taught me it’s important to look your best at the airport.” Dressed in black with silver sneakers, she remarked about the chance encounters you might have. “Comfort is my favorite thing. It never hurts to put a little effort into it.”

However, not everyone agreed with Duffy’s dress code suggestions. Mashenka “Dip” Clapp, 28, criticized the comment, stating that Duffy should focus on making air travel more convenient for everyone. “If people are going to be sleeping the whole time on a long flight, wouldn’t wearing pajamas make sense?” she questioned.

Prince Green, on his way to the Dominican Republic, donned a relaxed outfit of a black T-shirt and sweatpants. He shrugged off Duffy’s comments, saying, “I respect his opinion, but this is how I always travel—simple and light.”

Garcia, while agreeing with Duffy’s points about appearance, also recognized the hurdles people face when choosing airport attire. “I think we should be polite on our own terms,” she said, adding that a little thoughtfulness regarding travel wardrobe could bring unexpected benefits. She even quipped, “I told my daughter, ‘I’m a single mom. Maybe I’ll meet my husband on the plane,'” laughing at the thought.