A surprising call to action has come from the U.S. Transportation Secretary: a plea for passengers to ditch the pajamas on planes. Secretary Duffy recently voiced concerns about a noticeable decline in civility among air travelers, launching a campaign aimed at restoring courtesy during the busy holiday season.
The message isn’t about strict rules, but a return to basic respect. Duffy encouraged travelers to remember simple politeness – “please” and “thank you” to pilots and flight attendants – and to consider the impact of their attire. He suggested choosing clothing that reflects a level of consideration for fellow passengers.
He specifically mentioned a preference for jeans and a shirt over slippers and pajamas, believing that how we dress can subtly influence our behavior. It’s a notion that extends beyond mere fashion, tapping into a deeper sense of shared space and mutual respect.
This initiative arrives amidst a startling surge in disruptive behavior onboard flights. The Federal Aviation Administration reports a 400% increase in in-flight disturbances since 2019, ranging from unruly conduct to outright violence. Nearly one in five flight attendants experienced a physical incident in 2021, and the problem persists.
Etiquette experts agree that the choice of travel attire isn’t trivial. Diane Gottsman, founder of the Protocol School of Texas, emphasizes that pajamas are best reserved for private spaces, not public transit. Comfort doesn’t have to come at the expense of consideration.
The trend of celebrities normalizing airport loungewear – images of stars like Ed Sheeran and Rihanna traveling in sleepwear – may have inadvertently contributed to the shift. But experts believe the issue goes deeper than simply following a trend.
Jacqueline Whitmore, a former flight attendant and founder of the Protocol School of Palm Beach, explains that our clothing choices impact our mindset and behavior. This concept, known as enclothed cognition, suggests that what we wear shapes how we perceive ourselves and how others perceive us.
Whitmore’s experience has shown a correlation between effort in appearance and effort in behavior. When we intentionally present ourselves well, we’re more likely to act with confidence and respect. It’s about a mindful approach to the travel experience.
While children are granted some leeway, particularly on long flights, the core message remains consistent: dressing for travel isn’t about formality or status. It’s a demonstration of respect – for oneself, for the journey, and for everyone sharing the experience.
The hope is to recapture a “golden age of travel,” where consideration and courtesy were hallmarks of the journey. It’s a call to remember that even small choices, like what we wear, can contribute to a more pleasant and respectful environment for all.
