Sean Duffy Advocates for Civility in Air Travel: Why Some Passengers Are Resistant to Change

US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy wants air travelers to be better dressed and more polite, especially as we head into one of the busiest Thanksgiving travel seasons in 15 years. His new campaign, “The Golden Age of Travel Starts with You,” is a throwback to the 1950s and 60s, emphasizing civility in air travel.

But many people, including aviation experts and social media users, think he’s missing the bigger picture. Right now, travel frustrations are soaring due to frequent delays, overcrowded planes, and short-staffed air traffic controllers.

Duffy’s campaign features a video comparing images of smiling travelers from the past with chaotic scenes from today. He urges passengers to help one another and dress respectfully. Yet, experts argue that simply asking for better behavior won’t solve the fundamental issues causing stress in airports.

Scott Keyes, founder of Going.com, points out that asking people to be kinder is noble, but it’s not very effective. When frustration boils over, people are unlikely to remember Duffy’s plea for civility. He suggests that anger and agitation are growing problems, not just on planes, but in broader society.

Social media reactions to Duffy’s message have been mixed. Some users agree with him but believe that the current airline experience—tight seating and long security lines—contributes to the stress. Comments like “If you want respect, stop treating us like cattle” highlight this sentiment.

Henry Harteveldt, a travel analyst, agrees that while Duffy’s push for kindness is important, it won’t change behavior. He emphasizes that how travelers dress doesn’t dictate their kindness. A well-dressed person can still be rude, while someone in sweatpants can be very considerate.

Recent statistics show a troubling trend. The Federal Aviation Administration reports a 400% increase in in-flight incidents since 2019. Between 2021 and now, there have been 13,800 unruly passenger incidents, with one in five flight attendants experiencing physical confrontations. These numbers highlight a growing concern about safety and respect in the air.

Dan Bubb, an aviation historian, argues that despite these issues, the situation isn’t as dire as it seems. The number of flights and travelers has increased significantly compared to the past. He questions the comparison, stating that more passengers today means more opportunities for incidents, but doesn’t necessarily indicate a decline in overall travel quality.

Keyes points out that air travel today is much safer than it used to be. In the past, dangerous hijackings and frequent crashes were common. Moreover, passengers dealt with cramped smoking sections and stringent requirements for flight attendants.

Experts suggest actionable changes. If airlines focused on reducing delays, providing more space, and improving meal services, they could alleviate passenger stress. A better experience could naturally lead to kinder behavior among travelers.

Despite differences in opinion on Duffy’s campaign, many agree that fostering a culture of respect is essential. Making travel more comfortable can only help. The conversation around civility in the air is just the beginning of a broader discussion about improving the travel experience for everyone.



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