US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is urging air travellers to dress better and be more civil - and it's touching a nerve at a time when many Americans consider air travel more frustrating than ever. Ahead of what's expected to be the busiest Thanksgiving travel season in 15 years, Duffy launched a campaign last week titled 'The Golden Age of Travel Starts with You', in which he harkened back to the 1950s and 60s to call for a return to civility and class in air travel. But as air traffic controllers remain short-staffed and customers face frequent flight delays, both social media users and aviation experts say Duffy is missing the point.
A video ad for the Department of Transportation's campaign juxtaposes old footage of smiling airport staff and orderly passengers with modern social media videos of people starting fights on planes, putting their bare feet up on seats and engaging in other disruptive behaviour. Manners don't stop at the gate. Things aren't what they used to be, Duffy chimes in. Let's bring civility and manners back. Ask yourself, are you helping a pregnant woman put her bag in the overhead bin? Are you dressing with respect?
The Federal Aviation Administration predicts this week will be the busiest Thanksgiving travel season in 15 years - with more than 52,000 flights on 25 November alone. Aviation experts say Duffy's message won't have much effect on the flying atmosphere. Scott Keyes, a flight expert and founder of the flight deals site Going.com, pointed out that while challenging the public to behave better is admirable, it fails to acknowledge the systemic issues contributing to passenger frustration. With a substantial rise in disruptive incidents, many argue that improving operational conditions is a necessary step to foster better travel experiences.
Despite the ongoing debate, some people still appreciate Duffy's core message of respect. The situation at airports this holiday season remains tense, leaving everyone to wonder how civility can take root in the chaotic world of air travel.
A video ad for the Department of Transportation's campaign juxtaposes old footage of smiling airport staff and orderly passengers with modern social media videos of people starting fights on planes, putting their bare feet up on seats and engaging in other disruptive behaviour. Manners don't stop at the gate. Things aren't what they used to be, Duffy chimes in. Let's bring civility and manners back. Ask yourself, are you helping a pregnant woman put her bag in the overhead bin? Are you dressing with respect?
The Federal Aviation Administration predicts this week will be the busiest Thanksgiving travel season in 15 years - with more than 52,000 flights on 25 November alone. Aviation experts say Duffy's message won't have much effect on the flying atmosphere. Scott Keyes, a flight expert and founder of the flight deals site Going.com, pointed out that while challenging the public to behave better is admirable, it fails to acknowledge the systemic issues contributing to passenger frustration. With a substantial rise in disruptive incidents, many argue that improving operational conditions is a necessary step to foster better travel experiences.
Despite the ongoing debate, some people still appreciate Duffy's core message of respect. The situation at airports this holiday season remains tense, leaving everyone to wonder how civility can take root in the chaotic world of air travel.
