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DOT Launches Civility Initiative to Reclaim Golden Age of Air Travel

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  //automotive-transportation.news-articles.net/co .. tiative-to-reclaim-golden-age-of-air-travel.html
  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Friday, November 21st 2025 at 13:22 GMT by CBS News

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Re‑claiming the Golden Age of Air Travel: How the Department of Transportation is Turning the Tide on Harassment

In an era when flying has become as routine as taking a taxi, the Department of Transportation (DOT) has launched an ambitious “Civility Initiative” aimed at restoring the respectful atmosphere that once defined the skies. The initiative, unveiled in a recent CBS News feature, comes in the wake of a growing number of complaints about harassment, intimidation, and even violence on U.S. flights. Representative Sean Duffy—chair of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee—stepped up as one of the initiative’s vocal champions, calling for a return to the “golden age” of air travel when strangers shared a plane and left each other with a nod of courtesy.

The Problem

The article opens with a stark anecdote: a passenger on a 2023 flight from Chicago to Los Angeles was allegedly shoved by a fellow traveler, who shouted racial slurs before the crew could intervene. Incidents like these have not been isolated. A 2022 study from the FAA’s Office of Aviation Consumer Protection recorded 1,500 complaints of harassment across domestic airlines in the prior year alone. More than 70 % of these involved verbal abuse, and a smaller but still alarming portion involved physical aggression or the threat of violence.

The DOT’s own internal audit revealed a similar uptick in “unacceptable conduct” over the past three years. “The data are clear: a small percentage of passengers are causing the majority of the problem, but the damage to the industry’s reputation is massive,” said DOT spokesperson Amanda McPherson. “We need a comprehensive, industry‑wide approach that starts with education and ends with accountability.”

The Civility Initiative

At the heart of the DOT’s response is the Civility Initiative, a multi‑layered plan that incorporates regulatory action, industry partnership, and public outreach. The initiative’s main pillars are:

Representative Duffy highlighted the charter’s importance in his speech, noting that “a voluntary commitment can have a stronger, more lasting effect than regulation alone.” He also underscored the role of airline CEOs in setting the tone for the crew, “It’s their leadership that will determine whether civility becomes an expectation or an afterthought.”

Implementation and Partnerships

The initiative is not an isolated DOT effort. The FAA’s Passenger Safety Advisory Board and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) have both expressed support, citing the importance of a unified global standard. Several major carriers—including Delta, United, and Southwest—have already signed preliminary memoranda of understanding to adopt the training modules and reporting system.

In addition to the federal partnership, the DOT is working with the “Civility in Aviation Alliance,” a coalition that includes consumer groups, airline trade associations, and civil‑rights organizations. The alliance will serve as an advisory body, ensuring that the initiative’s policies are informed by frontline experience and passenger perspectives.

The Role of Congress

While the DOT spearheads the operational aspects, Congress plays a critical oversight and funding role. Representative Duffy’s Committee has drafted a bill that would allocate $15 million for the initiative’s first two years and mandate a full congressional review every two years. “We want to make sure that every dollar is used efficiently and that the policy actually improves the passenger experience,” Duffy said.

Public Response and Skepticism

The initiative has not been without criticism. Some industry analysts argue that the additional training and reporting requirements will strain airline budgets, especially smaller carriers. Others contend that the focus should shift to policing violent incidents rather than addressing minor harassment. Nevertheless, most stakeholders agree that the long‑term benefits—increased customer satisfaction, reduced liability, and enhanced brand loyalty—outweigh the costs.

Looking Ahead

The DOT has set a target of a 30 % reduction in reported harassment incidents within five years. To track progress, the DOT will release an annual “Civility in Air Travel” report that includes data on incident frequency, resolution time, and airline performance metrics. Representative Duffy stated that the initiative is “a marathon, not a sprint,” and emphasized the need for sustained commitment from all parties.

In closing, the CBS News article reminds readers that civility is not just a courtesy but a cornerstone of trust in air travel. “We can’t let the golden age of the skies be remembered only for its history; we must reclaim it for the future,” Duffy concluded. The Department of Transportation’s Civility Initiative signals a decisive step toward that vision—though the road ahead will require cooperation, vigilance, and, above all, a shared commitment to treating every passenger with respect.