The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is starting a new campaign aimed at improving behavior during flights and at airports. This initiative is called “The Golden Age of Travel Starts with You.” It comes just as the holiday travel season begins.
The DOT released a video featuring images of travelers from past decades. It begins softly with the classic song “Come Fly With Me” by Frank Sinatra but quickly shifts to show unsettling scenes of bad behavior on flights. The message is clear: we need to raise the bar for how we treat each other while traveling.
Secretary Sean Duffy highlighted five questions travelers should think about this holiday season. For example, are you helping fellow passengers? Are you respectful in your attire? Simple gestures like saying thank you can go a long way.
The campaign aims to spark a nationwide discussion on restoring courtesy in air travel. The press release emphasizes that respectful behavior not only improves the experience for passengers but also ensures safety for everyone involved — from travelers to crew members.
Statistics paint a concerning picture. The DOT reported around 13,800 incidents involving unruly passengers since 2021. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) noted a staggering 400% increase in in-flight disruptions since 2019. Fortunately, in 2023, the FAA recorded nearly 2,000 incidents — a sharp decline compared to the peak pandemic period when mask mandates led to many disputes.
Looking ahead, the FAA anticipates this Thanksgiving holiday will see the busiest travel since 2008. On a single day, the Tuesday before Thanksgiving is expected to have the highest number of travelers. Predictions by AAA are that about 6 million people will fly within the U.S. during this holiday season.
In a time when travel can sometimes be overwhelming, small acts of kindness and consideration can significantly enhance the flying experience. It’s a reminder to treat one another with respect, reigniting the spirit of travel shared in earlier days.
For more insights and data on soaring air travel this holiday season, you can visit the U.S. Department of Transportation for updates.
