The Decline of Airport Fashion and the Call for Civility

In a refreshingly candid appeal to the American public, US Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy has addressed what many of us have quietly observed but few have dared to mention: the dramatic decline in how people dress when traveling by air. Gone are the days when boarding a plane was considered a special occasion worthy of your Sunday best. Today, our nation’s airports have become virtual runways for pajama pants, bedroom slippers, and attire that would make our grandparents blush with embarrassment. Duffy’s recently introduced “civility campaign” aims to restore what he calls a “golden age of travel” – not by imposing strict dress codes, but by gently reminding Americans that how we present ourselves in public spaces matters. As we approach the busy Thanksgiving travel season, his call to “dress with respect” invites us to consider that perhaps our collective appearance reflects something deeper about our social fabric.

The visual contrast between air travelers of yesteryear and today tells a compelling story about cultural shifts. Black-and-white photographs from the mid-20th century show passengers in tailored suits, elegant dresses, and carefully coordinated accessories descending airplane steps with dignity and poise. Compare this with today’s common airport scenes: passengers shuffling through terminals in stained loungewear, dragging pillows and blankets, wearing clothing that barely contains or covers what it should. The change isn’t merely aesthetic – it signals a broader casualization of American life that has accelerated dramatically in recent decades. While no one reasonably expects a return to the formal attire of the 1960s, Duffy’s modest proposal suggests there should be some meaningful distinction between how we dress in the privacy of our homes versus in public spaces shared with hundreds of strangers.

The Secretary’s campaign extends beyond clothing to encompass overall travel etiquette. He encourages passengers to be considerate toward fellow travelers, assist those who might need help (like pregnant women), express gratitude to airline staff, and – perhaps most importantly – refrain from turning cabins into impromptu boxing rings that produce viral videos of passenger confrontations. The underlying philosophy is simple but profound: when we elevate our appearance, we often elevate our behavior. “I would encourage people to maybe dress a little bit better, which encourages us to maybe behave a little better,” Duffy explains in his video address. This connection between outward presentation and inner conduct isn’t merely theoretical; it speaks to how self-respect can foster respect for others in shared spaces where tension and discomfort already run high due to the inherent stresses of modern air travel.

Of course, the airlines themselves bear some responsibility for the deteriorating conditions of air travel. Passengers are increasingly squeezed into ever-smaller seats, charged for previously complimentary services, and treated more like cargo than valued customers. When the flying experience itself lacks dignity, it’s perhaps unsurprising that passengers respond by prioritizing comfort above all else. However, this chicken-and-egg situation presents an opportunity: What if passengers collectively decided to raise standards despite industry conditions? The campaign doesn’t advocate for uncomfortable formal wear but suggests that a pair of decent jeans and a clean shirt represents a reasonable compromise between the stuffiness of past eras and today’s anything-goes approach. Finding this middle ground acknowledges both the reality of long flights in cramped quarters and the social contract we enter when sharing public spaces.

This conversation about airport attire connects to broader social movements that recognize the psychological power of presentation. Take the “quarter-zip movement” gaining traction on TikTok, where young Black men are swapping baggy, casual clothing for more tailored trousers and neat quarter-zip tops. Participants report not just a change in appearance but transformations in how they feel about themselves and how others perceive them in daily interactions. “A game changer,” as the movement’s advocates describe it. This phenomenon illustrates what psychologists have long understood: our clothing choices can function as a form of non-verbal communication that shapes both self-perception and social reception. When we make the effort to present ourselves thoughtfully, we often experience corresponding shifts in confidence, behavior, and the responses we elicit from others.

The gradual casualization of American dress didn’t happen overnight – it emerged from legitimate desires for comfort, self-expression, and breaking free from rigid social constraints. But as with many cultural pendulum swings, we may have overcompensated. What began as liberating “casual Fridays” evolved into what the article colorfully describes as riding “off a sartorial cliff straight into the gutter.” Duffy’s civility campaign offers a timely opportunity to recalibrate our collective approach to public presentation without returning to the restrictive standards of earlier generations. It invites us to consider that personal dignity, respect for shared spaces, and thoughtful self-presentation aren’t outdated concepts but rather timeless values worth preserving. As we pack our bags for holiday travel this season, perhaps we might ask ourselves not just “Will this be comfortable?” but also “Does this reflect how I wish to present myself to the world?” The answer might just lead to a more pleasant journey for everyone involved.