A national discussion on the return of courtesy and respect in air travel is being attempted by the US Department of Transportation, with the US Secretary of Transportation, Sean P. Duffy, presenting the campaign “The Golden Age of Travel Starts with You”. This is an initiative which, as he emphasizes, aims to improve the passenger experience but also to strengthen security both on the plane and at the airport.
The need for such action is clearly reflected in official data from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). According to them, the situation in air travel has deteriorated significantly in recent years, with incidents of unruly or violent passengers increasing at an impressive rate.
- Since 2019, there has been a 400% increase in cabin incidents, from reactive behavior to violent actions.
- Since 2021, there have been 13,800 incidents of unruly passengers.
- Reports of such behavior increased sixfold between 2020 and 2021.
- 1 in 5 flight attendants say they were physically assaulted in 2021.
- In 2024, there were twice as many similar incidents compared to 2019.
This picture, according to the ministry, not only affects the comfort of travelers, but also puts the safety of crews, passengers and ground workers at risk.
“Small Acts That Make a Difference”
As part of the campaign, Duffy is urging Americans to consider a series of simple but meaningful questions before and during their travels—especially in the run-up to the holiday season, when traffic peaks:
- Do you help a pregnant woman or an elderly person put their carry-on bag in the overhead locker?
- Do you dress respectfully toward other travelers?
- Do you monitor your children’s behavior and help them navigate the airport?
- Do you say “thank you” to cabin crew?
- Do you use polite expressions like “please” and “thank you” in everyday interactions with staff and fellow passengers?
The campaign’s philosophy, Duffy notes, is a reminder that “we have lost what made travel fun”: anticipation, relaxation and pleasant human contact. At a time when social polarization and stress are pervasive, a return to basic courtesy can – according to the ministry – help relieve general tension and strengthen a sense of unity in the country.
A broader plan to upgrade travel
The decency campaign is just one part of the Ministry of Transport’s overall strategy to improve the travel system. In parallel, the Ministry is:
- upgrading the air traffic control system,
- accelerating the recruitment of air traffic controllers,
- as well as promoting measures that make travel more family-friendly.
The goal, Duffy concludes, is to “inaugurate a new Golden Age of Travel for the American people,” starting with the behaviors of passengers themselves.
The department hopes the campaign will spark a change in mindset, urging Americans to put courtesy and respect back at the heart of travel—both for themselves and for the people who work to get flights safely to their destinations.
