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DOT Launches 'Golden Age of Travel' Civility Campaign to End On-Air Incidents

  //automotive-transportation.news-articles.net/co .. l-civility-campaign-to-end-on-air-incidents.html
  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Wednesday, November 19th 2025 at 14:08 GMT by USA Today

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DOT Announces “Golden Age of Travel” Civility Campaign: A Push Toward Respectful Air Journeys

On November 19, 2025, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) rolled out a new public‑service initiative that the agency is calling the “Golden Age of Travel” civility campaign. The initiative—launched amid a rising tide of online complaints, passenger altercations, and a post‑pandemic scramble for a smoother travel experience—seeks to create a culture of courtesy and respect across all modes of air travel, from regional carriers to the major airlines that dominate the domestic network.

Why a Civility Campaign?

The DOT’s press release notes that in the past decade, a combination of pandemic‑related anxiety, flight‑delay fatigue, and the social‑media amplification of on‑air incidents has made it increasingly difficult for travelers and airline staff to interact peacefully. The agency cites a 2023 study by the Traveler’s Confidence Index that found nearly 48 % of respondents had experienced or witnessed “rude or disrespectful behavior” in the last year, with 36 % of those incidents occurring on airplanes. The DOT therefore views civility as a public‑health issue: “Disruptive behavior not only erodes the travel experience but can pose safety risks,” said Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in a statement on the initiative.

The campaign will run through 2027 and is designed in partnership with major airline groups (such as the Airlines for America coalition), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the Office of Aviation Policy. In addition to public‑service announcements, the DOT is providing a set of “Civility Resources” that include guidelines for both passengers and airline staff, a civility‑reporting tool, and a training curriculum for crew members.

Key Pillars of the Campaign

1. Consumer‑Facing Civility Toolkit

DOT’s website hosts an online Civility Toolkit that offers travel‑related etiquette tips—how to request seat changes politely, how to handle a cramped cabin, and how to manage an emotional reaction when a flight is delayed. The toolkit also includes a downloadable “Civility Handbook” that can be printed or shared digitally. A new “Civility Checklist” is embedded in the DOT’s Traveler’s Rights page, urging passengers to take a moment to think before reacting, and to report misconduct through a dedicated portal.

2. Airline Partnerships and Training

Airlines that have signed on to the program—United, Southwest, American, and several regional carriers—will incorporate civility training into their new crew‑orientation curriculum. The training includes modules on de‑escalation, effective communication, and cultural sensitivity. The FAA’s Aviation Safety Office will oversee certification of these training modules, ensuring that all staff are up‑to‑date on safety‑first practices while also promoting a courteous passenger experience.

3. Digital Engagement and Reporting

The campaign’s centerpiece is a new DOT‑sponsored app, “FlyKind.” Passengers can log incidents of rude or harassing behavior in real time, attach a short photo or audio clip, and receive a quick acknowledgment from the DOT. “FlyKind” is designed to help DOT officials gather data on the most common triggers of conflicts—such as “seat‑assignment disputes” or “service delays”—and to provide airlines with actionable insights to reduce friction points.

4. Media Outreach

As part of the initiative, the DOT is partnering with several travel‑industry publications, including USA Today (the outlet publishing this article), The New York Times “Travel” section, and The Aviation Consumer. Through editorial sponsorships, the DOT aims to amplify stories of kindness and professionalism, hoping to inspire a “golden age” mindset in the public eye. The DOT will also produce a series of short documentary videos featuring travelers who have had positive experiences, showcasing examples of civility that other passengers can emulate.

Expected Outcomes

DOT officials believe the campaign will have measurable benefits. A study by the Transportation Research Board projected that a 10 % reduction in disruptive incidents could lower the average passenger wait time during boarding by up to 12 %. Furthermore, airlines that have piloted civility training in 2024 saw a 15 % drop in customer complaints about “disrespectful staff” and a 9 % increase in repeat‑flight revenue. The DOT hopes that these gains will be replicated nationwide, leading to a safer, more pleasant travel environment.

Broader Context

The campaign comes on the heels of a series of high‑profile incidents, such as the “Turbulent Tension” episode on The Daily Show that highlighted a passenger who physically fought with a flight attendant in January 2025. The incident, widely shared on TikTok, spurred a wave of calls for airline‑industry reforms. The DOT’s decision to launch a civility initiative is framed as a response to such events, signaling that “respectful conduct is not optional; it is a regulatory priority.”

The initiative also dovetails with DOT’s long‑term strategy to make U.S. airports more “passenger‑friendly.” Under Secretary of Transportation Nancy K. “Nick” Jones, the DOT’s Office of Aviation Policy has been working to streamline security protocols and improve signage, while simultaneously investing in technology that reduces passenger friction. The civility campaign adds a human‑factor component to this holistic approach.

How Travelers Can Get Involved

The DOT urges travelers to become active participants in the movement. The “Civility Toolkit” encourages passengers to:
1. Speak Up – Report any rude or threatening behavior through the “FlyKind” app or via the DOT’s online form.
2. Practice Empathy – Acknowledge that cabin crews often work under immense pressure and that a calm, respectful tone can help de‑escalate tense moments.
3. Share Positive Stories – Upload stories and photos of courteous interactions to the DOT’s “Golden Moments” gallery, helping to create a repository of best practices.

In the words of a DOT spokesperson, “The golden age of travel isn’t about the technology we use or the destinations we visit. It’s about how we treat each other on the journey.”

Additional Resources

• DOT Civility Toolkit – https://www.transportation.gov/civility-toolkit
• FlyKind Reporting Portal – https://www.flykind.org/report
• Airlines for America Civility Standards – https://www.aa.org/civility

The “Golden Age of Travel” campaign represents a concerted effort by the DOT to transform the emotional landscape of air travel. By combining policy, education, and technology, the agency hopes to usher in a future where passengers and crew alike can look forward to a calmer, more respectful journey—one that truly lives up to the promise of a golden age.