Rising Incidents of Air Rage Spark Appeals for Polite Travel, While Detractors Highlight Deeper Systemic Issues

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy has initiated a national campaign calling on Americans to bring respect back to air travel, pointing to a notable surge in disruptive passenger conduct and a cultural change he links to more casual attire and eroding social standards. Named "The Golden Age of Travel Starts with You,"

and reports that these incidents have doubled between 2019 and 2024, based on Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) statistics.

Duffy pointed out that these problems are no longer limited to the airplane cabin, as altercations at baggage claim and disputes at boarding gates are also contributing to what he described as a "toxic" travel atmosphere. During an interview with Fox Business, he

, a comment that sparked debate on social media. The campaign further urges passengers to support one another—such as assisting elderly or pregnant travelers with their luggage—and to show appreciation for flight crews and pilots .

Statistics from the Transportation Department highlight the campaign's importance. FAA records indicate there have been 13,800 reports of unruly passengers since 2021, with 20% of flight attendants experiencing physical confrontations during that time. The increase in such events

, which had previously been a major source of conflict on flights. Although the frequency of these reports has dropped somewhat recently, —which is 1.8 times higher than in 2019.

Duffy's comments have faced backlash from travelers, who point to airlines as the source of discomfort due to cramped seating, fewer amenities, and aggressive pricing. that passengers opt for pajamas to cope with discomfort, saying, "We'll dress up again when you stop cramming us in and start offering meals, pillows, and blankets once more." Some also questioned whether the responsibility for civility should fall more on airlines and regulators than on passengers themselves.

The campaign's emphasis on attire has also sparked discussion. Airlines like Spirit and others already have policies against bare feet and inappropriate clothing, and there have been instances where passengers were denied boarding for breaking these rules

. Critics contend that such policies often unfairly impact marginalized travelers and do not address larger issues such as overcrowding and flight delays.

Duffy's call for more respectful behavior comes as the U.S. faces broader challenges in the aviation sector.

civilian pilots to be vigilant near Venezuelan airspace due to increased military activity, highlighting the complex safety landscape of modern air travel. At the same time, industry giants like and are under pressure to manage costs while keeping passengers satisfied in an unpredictable economy.

The Transportation Department's initiative seeks to ignite a national dialogue about bringing "courtesy and class" back to flying, for both travelers and airline employees. A DOT spokesperson mentioned that greater civility could help ease the stress of the busy holiday travel period. Still, the campaign's effectiveness may depend as much on changes in airline policies and regulatory action as on passenger conduct.

: "'Uncivilized': Duffy says there's been a 400%'increase in ..." (WJACTV)

: "Let's maybe go back to an era where we didn ..." (Fortune)

: "Government wants 'civility' back on flights, starting with your ..." (Yahoo)

: "U.S. warns civilian air traffic around Venezuela amid military tensions" (Seeking Alpha)