New York, November 28, 2025
US Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy has launched a nationwide civility campaign titled “The Golden Age of Travel Starts with You,” aimed at reducing unruly passenger incidents and restoring courtesy during air travel ahead of the 2025 holiday season. The initiative responds to a rise in disruptive behavior threatening the safety and comfort of travelers and airline staff.
Campaign Goals and Context
The campaign, announced in late November 2025, addresses a significant increase in unruly passenger behavior on commercial flights. In 2024, reports of such incidents doubled compared to 2019, with flight attendants highlighting safety concerns—one in five reported experiencing physical altercations as of 2021. Against this backdrop, Duffy’s campaign seeks to encourage politeness, respect, and consideration among passengers nationwide, particularly as holiday travel peaks.
Key Messages and Passenger Responsibilities
Central to the campaign is a set of self-reflective prompts urging travelers to assess their conduct. Passengers are encouraged to assist vulnerable individuals, including pregnant women and the elderly, maintain respectful dress codes, control children’s behavior, and express basic courtesies like saying “please” and “thank you” to airline staff. These measures aim to foster a safer and more pleasant environment for all involved.
Public and Industry Response
Reactions to the campaign have been mixed. Many travelers and airline employees welcome the initiative, hoping it will contribute to a reduction in conflicts and improve overall travel experiences. However, critics argue that emphasizing individual civility oversimplifies the complexities of the issue. They point to factors such as overcrowded flights, understaffed crews, and airline policies that exacerbate passenger stress and contribute to volatile situations.
Broader Aviation Industry Challenges
The initiative underscores persistent challenges in the aviation sector, including operational pressures and workforce shortages that complicate efforts to manage passenger behavior. It also reflects wider societal concerns about declining civility and how stress affects public interactions. Experts emphasize that while individual responsibility is important, addressing systemic problems—such as infrastructure constraints and staffing levels—is critical for sustainable improvements.
Secretary Duffy’s campaign brings attention to a pressing issue but also highlights the ongoing debate about balancing personal accountability with the need for broader reforms in air travel operations and policies.