Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy Urges Travelers to Stop Wearing Pajamas on Planes

NEWARK, N.J. — November 25, 2025 — U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has called on air travelers to stop wearing pajamas on airplanes as part of a broader initiative to restore civility in air travel. Speaking Monday at Newark Airport, Duffy highlighted what he described as a decline in courteous behavior among passengers and launched a “civility campaign” encouraging travelers to show respect and patience, especially during the busy holiday travel season.

Duffy urged passengers to dress with respect, suggesting attire such as jeans and a decent shirt rather than slippers or pajamas. “Let’s try not to wear slippers and pajamas as we come to the airport. I think that’s positive,” he said. He also encouraged travelers to express gratitude to pilots and flight attendants and to assist fellow passengers with overhead luggage as acts of common courtesy.

The campaign comes amid a reported 400% increase in in-flight disturbances since 2019, according to Federal Aviation Administration data. These incidents range from disruptive behavior to violence. Nearly 20% of flight attendants reported experiencing physical incidents in 2021, and reports of unruly passengers in 2024 remained above pre-pandemic levels, according to union and FAA data.

Etiquette expert Diane Gottsman, founder of the Protocol School of Texas, emphasized that the issue of airport attire extends beyond fashion to basic courtesy. She noted that pajamas are appropriate for private spaces like homes or hotel rooms but not public areas such as airports. Gottsman added that it is possible to choose clothing that is both comfortable and suitable for public settings.

The trend of wearing pajamas in airports has become more common, influenced in part by celebrity culture, with some stars photographed in loungewear while traveling. Duffy’s campaign aims to encourage travelers to dress with intention, which he believes can foster better behavior and enhance the overall travel experience for everyone.

“Bringing civility back, I think, enhances the travel experience for everybody,” Duffy said in a previous interview. The initiative seeks to address the challenges posed by increased passenger disruptions and promote a more respectful environment on flights.