The U.S. Department of Transportation recently kicked off a campaign called “The Golden Age of Travel Starts with You.” The goal? To encourage better behavior among travelers at airports and on flights. Disruptive incidents have risen significantly since the pandemic, raising concerns for both safety and civility in flying.
The statistics are eye-opening. Disruptive incidents involving passengers doubled from 2019 to 2024. What’s more, in-flight disturbances jumped by an astonishing 400% in the same timeframe. The Department aims to foster a culture of courtesy and respect, urging travelers to be mindful of their behavior.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy took to video to promote the campaign, highlighting simple actions like offering help to pregnant women or the elderly, and remembering to say “please” and “thank you.” He also encourages travelers to dress appropriately, especially as the holiday season approaches.
During the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, around 82 million Americans are expected to hit the road, with 6 million taking to the skies—a 2% rise from last year, according to the American Automobile Association. This spike in travelers comes as international tourism also rebounds, with nearly 690 million passengers globally in the first half of 2025, a 5% increase compared to the previous year.
The U.S. isn’t alone in tackling this issue. The United Kingdom launched the “One Too Many” campaign in 2018 to address alcohol-related incidents in air travel. Similarly, the European Union has been raising awareness through an initiative focused on unruly behavior, noting that aggressive incidents occur approximately every three hours. China even established a passenger blacklist in 2015 for those causing disruptions.
Despite these efforts, the problem persists. Reports indicate over 53,000 incidents were logged worldwide in 2024, or roughly one for every 395 flights, according to the International Air Transport Association.
As we prepare for the busy travel season, it’s crucial for everyone to play their part in ensuring a safe and pleasant journey. A little courtesy can go a long way, making the skies friendlier for all.
For more insights, check out the International Air Transport Association.
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