Will The U.S. Department Of Transportation’s New Initiative Succeed In Making Air Travel More Respectful And Comfortable For Every Traveler

Published on November 22, 2025

The U.S. Department of Transportation has launched a groundbreaking campaign to restore civility in air travel, as the rise in unruly passenger incidents continues to disrupt the flying experience. With escalating cases of disrespect and misconduct on flights, the initiative aims to address this growing issue by promoting courtesy and respect. By encouraging travelers to dress “with respect” and embrace basic manners, the campaign seeks to improve the overall atmosphere in airports and on planes, ensuring a more pleasant and civil experience for all passengers.

U.S. Department of Transportation Unveils Civility Campaign to Improve Air Travel Experience

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has launched a new initiative aimed at improving the passenger experience by promoting civility and respect within air travel. The campaign, called “The Golden Age of Travel Starts With You,” encourages travelers to dress “with respect” and embrace basic courtesies such as saying “please” and “thank you” to flight attendants. However, many travel experts are skeptical that the campaign will lead to meaningful changes in how passengers behave.

Purpose of the Campaign

The DOT’s civility campaign was rolled out in response to a significant rise in unruly passenger incidents, including altercations between passengers and airline staff. Data from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) shows that while these incidents peaked in 2021, the number of reported incidents has remained about double the pre-pandemic levels. The campaign aims to restore civility to air travel by encouraging passengers to exhibit better manners and more respectful behavior during their journeys.

The campaign also promotes the idea of passengers helping others, particularly pregnant women and the elderly, and dressing with respect when going to the airport. While the department has not clearly defined what “dressing with respect” entails, it has encouraged travelers to reflect on their actions before heading to the airport, aiming to create a more considerate environment for all.

Emphasis on Basic Courtesy

As part of the campaign, the DOT has introduced five questions designed to encourage travelers to adopt civil behavior:

1. Are you assisting those who need help with their luggage?
2. Are you dressing appropriately for air travel?
3. Are you controlling your children and guiding them through the airport?
4. Are you expressing gratitude to your flight attendants?
5. Are you using polite language such as saying “please” and “thank you”?

Despite the department’s efforts to raise awareness, many industry observers believe the call to “dress up” for air travel may not have a significant impact on passenger behavior.

Criticism of the Campaign

Critics of the campaign argue that asking travelers to “dress up” is an outdated and unrealistic suggestion. Given the challenges of modern air travel, including cramped seating in economy class and frequent delays, passengers prioritize comfort over formality. With long lines at check-in counters, overcrowded airports, and the stress of security checks, many travelers are unlikely to consider changing their attire for the sake of civility.

Experts argue that the DOT’s focus on dress codes may be disconnected from the reality of air travel. While some may appreciate a more polite atmosphere, passengers are more likely to embrace comfortable clothing to deal with the physical strain of flying, especially in tight spaces. Given these circumstances, the suggestion that passengers should “dress up” seems impractical and unlikely to resonate with the majority of travelers.

The ‘Golden Age’ Debate

The campaign also refers to a time in the past when air travel was considered a luxury, and passengers typically dressed up before boarding flights. However, many industry professionals argue that the “golden age” of air travel is not a fair comparison to today’s travel experience. In the past, airfares were prohibitively expensive, limiting travel to the wealthy. Today, flying is more affordable and accessible to a broader range of people, making air travel a more democratic experience.

Critics suggest that the term “golden age” is nostalgic for a time when air travel was only for the elite. Back then, flights were longer, often less comfortable, and lacked amenities such as Wi-Fi or modern in-flight entertainment. Furthermore, the cabins were often filled with cigarette smoke, making the experience less than glamorous. Comparing the present-day flying experience to a time when air travel was reserved for a select few may overlook the broader benefits that come with more affordable flights.

Focus on Practical Solutions for Air Travel

Beyond civility, the rise in unruly behavior among passengers is attributed to several factors, including alcohol consumption, mental health challenges, and stress caused by overcrowded airports and flight delays. Experts suggest that addressing these underlying issues would do more to improve the air travel experience than a focus on how passengers dress.

Some travel experts argue that other changes, such as better seating arrangements in economy class, reducing security delays, and improving the overall comfort of passengers, should take precedence over efforts to enforce a dress code. With many passengers already frustrated by long delays, cramped spaces, and the complexity of air travel, addressing these more immediate concerns may have a greater impact on passenger satisfaction.

The Long-Term Impact of the Civility Campaign

While the campaign encourages better manners, it remains unclear whether it will lead to lasting changes in passenger behavior. Experts believe that while polite behavior is important, it will take more than a focus on dressing better to address the challenges of modern air travel.

The push for civility is likely to serve as a gentle reminder, but without addressing the core issues of comfort, convenience, and stress management, it is unlikely to transform the travel experience significantly. Travelers will continue to prioritize comfort as long as flying remains a physically demanding and often stressful activity.

The Future of Air Travel Civility

Ultimately, the success of the campaign will depend on whether the aviation industry can find practical solutions that enhance the overall passenger experience. While encouraging politeness and civility is important, addressing the practical realities of flying, such as seat comfort, flight delays, and the challenges of crowded airports, should be a greater focus.

While the campaign’s efforts to promote civility are commendable, it is unlikely to bring about significant changes in how passengers behave. The focus on improving air travel will need to evolve beyond polite manners and dress codes and instead address the real concerns of today’s travelers. Only then can the industry hope to restore the passenger experience to something truly enjoyable and stress-free.