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US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has stirred a nationwide conversation after publicly urging travellers to stop showing up at airports in pyjamas and slippers, saying the trend reflects a “decline in travel etiquette” during one of the busiest holiday seasons of the year.

Speaking on Fox Business and later at a press conference at Newark Liberty International Airport, Duffy said travellers should “bring civility back” to the skies by dressing with “a little more respect” before boarding flights. His remarks quickly triggered a flood of online reactions—ranging from agreement to sharp criticism.

Not Show Up At Airports In Slippers And Pyjamas: Duffy

Duffy stressed that he was not asking travellers to dress formally but to avoid attire that looks “like they’re going to bed.”“Let’s not show up at the airport in slippers and pyjamas, it’s time we bring civility back,” he said. “People dress up like they’re going to sleep when they fly. We want to help people be in a good mood, especially in a busy travel season.”

Duffy, dressed in a navy blue suit, added that even simple choices, such as wearing jeans and a decent shirt, could elevate the overall travel atmosphere. “I call this ‘dressing with some respect’. If you dress a little better, maybe all of us behave a little better.”

The transportation secretary also addressed rising unruly behaviour at airports in recent years. He highlighted concerns related to security lines, flight delays, crowded cabins, and poor in-flight discipline.“Don’t take your shoes off and put your feet on the chair ahead of you,” he cautioned. “It honours our country and honours the people who work in aviation.”He said pilots and flight attendants deserve more courtesy during the holiday rush. “Maybe this Thanksgiving, we remember to say a ‘please’ and a ‘thank you’ to our pilots and flight attendants.”

Debate Over Comfort Vs Courtesy

The comments triggered an immediate reaction on X, where users began mocking, defending and debating the secretary’s stance.

Some supported Duffy’s remarks. One user wrote, “He’s not telling you to wear a suit. He’s telling you not to wear your pyjamas. And he’s right.”Another added, “I always dress for flying. It makes you feel better. I never understood the pyjama thing.”Others pushed back sharply, arguing that airlines, not passengers, should be criticised.

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One user said, “People are trying to be comfortable in an uncomfortable situation created by the airline industry. Don’t blame travellers.”Another wrote, “Huge lines, tiny seats, no legroom, barely edible food… but sure, the problem is wearing comfortable clothes.”Some called it government overreach. “This administration is anti-liberty. I’ll dress exactly how I want,” a user posted.

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Thus, Duffy’s remarks have reopened an old debate, Should air travel be a place for comfort, or should it reflect a certain standard of public decorum? With holiday travel expected to break records, the debate is likely to continue as travellers weigh comfort against courtesy in crowded airports.

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