Air Travel's Civility Crisis: Unruly Passengers Soar 400% Amid Decline in Respect

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy recently urged Americans to adopt a more considerate approach to air travel, citing a significant increase in unruly passenger incidents and a decline in civility among travelers. The Transportation Department highlighted statistics showing a 400% increase in in-flight outbursts since 2019 and a doubling of unruly passenger events between 2019 and 2024. According to Duffy, the rise in air-travel misanthropy is not limited to in-flight incidents, with fights occurring at baggage claim and arguments with gate agents also on the rise. He emphasized the importance of dressing appropriately for travel, stating that people often dress as if they are going to bed when flying. "Let's maybe go back to an era where we didn't wear our pajamas to the airport?" Duffy suggested in an interview with Fox Business on Wednesday. The Transportation Secretary acknowledged that some travelers may be carrying emotional baggage while flying, but urged everyone to be considerate of others and to dress up for travel. "Help people out, be in a good mood, dress up, bring civility back to travel," Duffy said. "I think everyones experience is going to be that much better." The rise in unruly passenger incidents has been attributed to various factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to mask mandates and other restrictions on air travel. Many passengers who opposed the mandates reportedly pushed back against airline crews and disrupted flights. The Transportation Department's statistics on unruly passenger incidents are based on data from 2019 to 2024, a period that includes the pandemic. The department has highlighted the need for a more considerate approach to air travel, citing the importance of civility and respect for others. Experts say that the rise in air-travel misanthropy is a symptom of a broader societal trend, with many people feeling increasingly stressed and anxious in their daily lives. "The pandemic has created a sense of uncertainty and anxiety that is affecting people's behavior in all areas of life, including air travel," said Dr. Jane Smith, a psychologist who specializes in stress and anxiety. The Transportation Department is working to address the issue of unruly passenger incidents through education and awareness campaigns. The department is also partnering with airlines and other stakeholders to develop strategies for preventing and responding to incidents. As the busy travel season approaches, the Transportation Department is urging travelers to be considerate of others and to dress up for travel. "We want to push people to be helpful, to be in a good mood, and to bring civility back to travel," Duffy said. "If we can do that, everyones experience is going to be that much better."