What are you wearing? Transportation Secretary suggests people dress up for flights

CHARLOTTE — The U.S. Secretary of Transportation is asking passengers to consider dressing a little nicer at airports this holiday season. Back in the day, flying used to be a formal affair. Secretary Sean Duffy believes swapping PJs for slacks may help usher back in a golden era of travel.

“I call this, just maybe dressing with some respect,” he said. “Whether it’s a pair of jeans and a decent shirt, I would encourage people to maybe dress a little better, which encourages us to maybe behave a little better. Let’s try not to wear slippers and pajamas as we come to the airport,” he said.

Duffy’s dress code suggestions are being met with mixed reviews from passengers.

Duffy’s dress code suggestions are being met with mixed reviews from passengers.

Juan Carlos Arias told Channel 9 he didn’t get the memo.

“Bad time to wear Crocs for the first time,” he said.

But he understands the sentiment.

“My dad is kind of the same,” he said.

Secretary Duffy hopes if people dress nicer, they’ll act nicer. Dressing to impress used to be pretty common. Today, you’ll see anything from pajamas to collared shirts on any given day at Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

But It’s all about personal preference

“I like to dress comfortable on the plane,” passenger Julia De Almendia said.

And it may just depend on the type of plane.

“If I had a (Gulfstream) G5 then maybe I would,” passenger Vernard Jackson said. “I’m flying coach so I am going to dress coach.”

In addition to dressing up, Secretary Duffy is encouraging people to help a stranger out and be in a good mood. This is all part of what he hopes will usher in a new golden age of travel.

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