Politics

Transportation Secretary's Call for Formal Attire Sparks Public Response

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Dec 14, 2025

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Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has prompted a public response after making comments encouraging air travelers to "dress up" for flights and avoid wearing pajamas. The remarks have led to a reaction from some travelers, which has been described as a "pajama resistance."

According to one account, the Secretary's request is part of a broader campaign to restore civility to air travel. The same account noted a claim of a 400% increase in in-flight incidents since 2019 as context for the civility push. A promotional video for the campaign was reportedly taken down due to a music copyright issue.

In response, commentator Faith Salie was cited as questioning the focus on passenger clothing. Salie reportedly argued that travelers are more concerned with issues like on-time flights, safety, and baggage fees. She was also said to have linked the desire for comfortable attire to a recent Department of Transportation decision which she claimed removed a requirement for airlines to reimburse travelers for major delays.

Salie reportedly requested that Secretary Duffy reverse the recent decision on reimbursements. One report indicated that in response to the Secretary's comments, some travelers began wearing pajamas on airplanes as a visible protest.

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• Critics question the administration's focus on passenger clothing. Commentator Faith Salie was cited as challenging the Secretary's emphasis on what people wear, suggesting the focus is misplaced. In response to the comments, some travelers have reportedly begun wearing pajamas on airplanes as a form of protest described as a "pajama resistance."

• Travelers are said to be more concerned with practical flight issues. Salie reportedly argued that passengers are more focused on core service issues like on-time flights, safety, and baggage fees. This suggests that the administration's priorities are not aligned with what matters most to the traveling public.

• The desire for comfortable attire is linked to a recent DOT policy change. Salie was also said to have connected the preference for comfortable clothing to a recent Department of Transportation decision. She claimed this decision removed a requirement for airlines to reimburse travelers for major delays and requested that Secretary Duffy reverse the policy.

How it may affect me

As a U.S. reader:

• You may not be reimbursed by airlines for major delays due to a recent DOT policy change, which critics are publicly asking the government to reverse.

• The debate over traveler dress codes may shift focus toward passenger rights and airline service issues like on-time performance, safety, and baggage fees.

• The civility campaign, prompted by a reported rise in in-flight incidents, could lead to changes in passenger conduct expectations or protocols on future flights.

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