UPDATE: The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has just launched an urgent campaign aimed at promoting civility among air travelers as the busy Thanksgiving holiday approaches. Dubbed “The Golden Age of Travel Starts with You,” this initiative seeks to address the alarming rise in disruptive behavior on flights.
As millions prepare to take to the skies, Secretary Sean Duffy emphasizes the importance of good manners during air travel. The campaign’s announcement comes just in time for what the FAA predicts will be the busiest Thanksgiving travel period in 15 years, with an estimated 6 million people expected to fly in the U.S. alone.
The DOT’s initiative includes a striking video that juxtaposes nostalgic footage of air travel from decades past, set to the classic tune “Come Fly With Me,” with jarring clips of recent in-flight disturbances. These scenes highlight the growing concern over passenger behavior, with the agency reporting a staggering 13,800 incidents of unruly passengers since 2021.
In a bid to foster a more respectful flying experience, Duffy poses five questions for travelers to consider this holiday season. These include inquiries about assisting fellow passengers, dressing appropriately, and expressing gratitude to flight crews. “This campaign is intended to jumpstart a nationwide conversation around how we can all restore courtesy and class to air travel,” the DOT stated in a press release.
The urgency of this campaign is underscored by data from the FAA, which shows a 400% increase in in-flight outbursts since 2019. While incidents have decreased from pandemic highs, nearly 2,000 cases were reported in 2023, highlighting the ongoing need for improved passenger behavior.
As travelers prepare for the peak travel days, particularly this Tuesday, the DOT is calling on everyone to contribute to a safer and more pleasant environment at airports and on flights.
Travelers are encouraged to share the campaign’s message and participate actively in restoring respect and civility in air travel. This holiday season, let’s all do our part to ensure that air travel can return to its golden age, enhancing the experience for everyone involved.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Thanksgiving travel rush unfolds.
