Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy's recent suggestion that people dress up for their flights could be the solution to the 400% increase in in-flight outbursts since 2019, according to him. Duffy believes that "civility and class" are key to a smoother travel experience.
To illustrate his point, the Transportation Department released a public service announcement (PSA) set to Frank Sinatra's classic song "Come Fly With Me." The PSA features vintage footage of travelers in suits and dresses walking through airport terminals. In contrast, more recent clips show flyers settling into their seats with bare feet. Duffy said, "I think - again, I call this - just maybe dressing with some respect, you know, whether it's a pair of jeans and a decent shirt... And I would encourage people, maybe dress a little better, which encourages us to maybe behave all a little better."
However, not everyone agrees that dressing up is the main issue. Many point out that issues like frequent flight cancellations, air traffic controller shortages, and disappearing consumer protections are more significant hurdles to smooth travel.
To explore how airport fashion has changed over time, the Transportation Department combed through Temple University's special collections for images of people on the tarmac and terminals at Philadelphia International Airport from the 1950s to the 1970s. The pictures reveal a range of styles, including heels, ties, skirts, sneakers, and bell bottoms.
The archives show that airport fashion was more formal in the past, but still reflected the era's cultural trends. For example, in 1964, fans greeted the Vesper Boat Club, returning from their Olympic victory with signs reading "Welcome Home Vesper Olympic Champions." In other images, a boy showed his parents Welsh currency after returning from a trip abroad, while women received navigation lessons at the airport.
These historical images suggest that while dressing up was indeed part of air travel culture in the past, it's not the sole reason for improved behavior on planes. The complexities of modern air travel demand a more nuanced approach to addressing issues like outbursts and disruptions.
To illustrate his point, the Transportation Department released a public service announcement (PSA) set to Frank Sinatra's classic song "Come Fly With Me." The PSA features vintage footage of travelers in suits and dresses walking through airport terminals. In contrast, more recent clips show flyers settling into their seats with bare feet. Duffy said, "I think - again, I call this - just maybe dressing with some respect, you know, whether it's a pair of jeans and a decent shirt... And I would encourage people, maybe dress a little better, which encourages us to maybe behave all a little better."
However, not everyone agrees that dressing up is the main issue. Many point out that issues like frequent flight cancellations, air traffic controller shortages, and disappearing consumer protections are more significant hurdles to smooth travel.
To explore how airport fashion has changed over time, the Transportation Department combed through Temple University's special collections for images of people on the tarmac and terminals at Philadelphia International Airport from the 1950s to the 1970s. The pictures reveal a range of styles, including heels, ties, skirts, sneakers, and bell bottoms.
The archives show that airport fashion was more formal in the past, but still reflected the era's cultural trends. For example, in 1964, fans greeted the Vesper Boat Club, returning from their Olympic victory with signs reading "Welcome Home Vesper Olympic Champions." In other images, a boy showed his parents Welsh currency after returning from a trip abroad, while women received navigation lessons at the airport.
These historical images suggest that while dressing up was indeed part of air travel culture in the past, it's not the sole reason for improved behavior on planes. The complexities of modern air travel demand a more nuanced approach to addressing issues like outbursts and disruptions.
. Dressing up won't magically solve all our flight drama problems! Like, have you ever tried to deal with a screaming baby on a plane or a rowdy passenger who thinks they own the sky? 
It's about more than just what we're wearing - it's about staffing, policies, and actual accountability. The gov't needs to focus on fixing those issues before we start dressing up for our flights 
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At least with fancy outfits, people might feel more civilized 
, I'm kinda surprised by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy's solution to reducing in-flight outbursts - dressing up! I mean, don't get me wrong, looking sharp and feeling confident can be a great way to reduce stress, but is it really the root of the problem? In my opinion, it's not that simple 
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. So while dressing up might be a nice touch, it's just not the magic solution Duffy thinks it is 
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! Like, come on, Sean Duffy, I get where you're coming from, but it's not that simple. Air travel is so chaotic with flight cancellations and whatnot... it's gotta be more than just a fancy outfit to keep people civil 
. And have you seen those archives? It's like, airport fashion was super formal back in the day, but there were still fights and drama 
. I mean, dressing up might make a difference but we gotta address the real issues here like airline staff shortages and lack of consumer protection 
. It's not that hard to put on some decent clothes and behave yourself, right? 
But if it's gonna be a problem for some people then maybe they need to find ways to relax better while they're waiting at the airport... Like a spa day or something 
. The 50s & 60s pics are so cool btw!
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Can't we get some more modern examples or messages that resonate with younger travelers?
I'd love to see some concrete data on how this "dressing up" initiative would impact behavior on planes... or maybe just admit that there's no easy solution to these complex problems 
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And let's talk numbers - did you know that in 2020 alone, there were over 4.5 million reported delays and cancellations? 
That's a whole lotta frustration! 
Not exactly. It's all about context and complexity, folks! We need a multifaceted approach to tackle these issues. 
Maybe it's time we got real about the root causes of these outbursts... and not just throw fashion advice at 'em like Duffy suggested 
. But for real, it's not just about dressing up or down; it's about treating each other with respect on that plane. We need to address the root issues, like how airlines can improve their customer service and support staff better. 
Who knew airport fashion used to be so formal? But let's not romanticize the past... we need solutions for now. How about addressing those systemic issues instead of just telling people to dress up 
. I mean, have you ever been stuck in a cramped seat or dealing with a flight delay? In those moments, who wants to look fancy when they're just trying to survive?! It's all about attitude and self-control, right? Dressing up doesn't necessarily make you a better person. Sometimes it's the little things like kindness and empathy that can really make a difference in someone else's day... or week 
. We need to focus on fixing the real issues that affect our travel experiences – not just dressing up for the sake of looking good 
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