The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is launching a “civility campaign” aimed at encouraging good behavior among air passengers as the holiday travel season kicks off. Named “The Golden Age of Travel Starts with You,” the campaign was announced in a press release last week in anticipation of increased air traffic during the busy Thanksgiving period.
Accompanying the campaign, the DOT released a minute-and-a-half video that juxtaposes nostalgic footage of travelers from past decades with more recent, distressing scenes of disruptive behavior in the air. Set to the classic song “Come Fly With Me” by Frank Sinatra, the video serves to highlight the stark contrast in air travel experiences over the years.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasizes the campaign’s goal to foster a national dialogue about restoring courtesy and respect in air travel. He poses five questions for passengers to consider, such as whether they’re assisting fellow travelers and dressing appropriately for the flight. The DOT believes that promoting good manners will not only enhance the overall travel experience but also contribute to the safety of everyone involved, including passengers, crew members, and airport staff.
The call for civility comes in response to a notable rise in unruly behavior on flights, with the DOT reporting approximately 13,800 incidents involving disruptive passengers since 2021. A staggering 400% increase in in-flight altercations has been noted since 2019, though the number of incidents in 2023 has dropped significantly from pandemic levels when disputes often arose over mask mandates.
This Thanksgiving holiday is expected to mark the busiest air travel season in 15 years, with the Transportation Department anticipating that Tuesday will witness a peak in air travel. The American Automobile Association (AAA) estimates that around 6 million people will take to the skies in the U.S. for the holiday, underscoring the importance of maintaining civility during such a busy time.
By fostering a culture of respect and consideration among travelers, the campaign aims to not only enhance the flying experience but also create a more harmonious environment for all who travel during this festive season.