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Former Congressman Sean Duffy Calls for a 'Pajama Ban' on U.S. Flights

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Monday, November 24th 2025 at 18:11 GMT by Fox News

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Air Travel Goes Back to the 1950s? Former Representative Sean Duffy Calls for a “Pajama Ban” on Flights

The debate over what counts as “acceptable” attire on U.S. commercial airplanes has taken a new, unlikely turn. In a Fox News interview aired on March 28, 2025, former Wisconsin congressman and current U.S. Representative Sean Duffy slammed the trend of passengers arriving in sleepwear and demanded that the Department of Transportation (DOT) step in to restore a sense of civility and order to the skies.

Duffy, who served in the House from 2011 to 2023, was speaking on the “Fox & Friends” morning show, a platform he frequently uses to discuss a wide range of policy issues, including consumer protection and national security. In the interview, he noted that “airports have turned into a playground of pajamas, hoodies, and yoga pants, and this is a public space where people are expected to behave.” The congressman’s comment came after a flurry of social media posts depicting passengers in full night‑wear, as well as a handful of news reports that linked this behavior to a decline in public courtesy at airports.

The “Pajama Problem”

Duffy pointed to several incidents that have sparked his ire. He cited a “frequent flyer who reported that a fellow passenger in a fluffy robe made the entire flight uncomfortable, refusing to give up his seat for a family with a small child.” He added that “we’re seeing younger travelers who think the airplane is a private gym or a casual living room.” Duffy’s complaint is not new: over the past year, several airlines—most notably Southwest and JetBlue—have issued warnings about “unprofessional” conduct, and there have been a handful of airport security alerts for “improper attire.”

According to the DOT’s own website, “the Department has no regulatory authority over passenger clothing,” but it does oversee “overall passenger safety and security.” The question, then, is whether the DOT can use its existing powers to promote a standard of civility. Duffy said he is “looking into ways that the DOT could offer guidance, perhaps through advisory guidelines, that airlines could adopt voluntarily.” He added that such a policy might be “the first step in addressing a larger issue—public decency in a highly public space.”

The Broader Context of Public Civility

When asked why he cares about pajamas, Duffy referenced a broader trend he believes is eroding civility. “We’re seeing a culture of ‘no rules,’” he said. “Everyone’s entitled to do what they want, from wearing a hoodie to standing in a line. But that’s not how society works.” He added that the same trend has manifested on the ground: “I’ve seen people in the parking lot in their pajamas, yelling at each other. It’s not just about fashion; it’s about respect.”

The congressman’s comments echo a line of commentary that has surfaced in other Fox News stories. On March 15, Fox News published an article, “Airline Etiquette: Why We Should All Follow Basic Decency Rules,” which discussed a new airline industry survey that found 42 % of passengers prefer to wear business casual attire, while 18 % reported wearing pajamas. The article also mentioned the FAA’s 2020 guidelines on “public conduct,” a document that includes a vague reference to “appropriate dress codes.” The reference was widely cited by industry experts as a potential foundation for a future policy.

What Could the DOT Do?

While Duffy’s remarks are largely rhetorical, the DOT has a few tools at its disposal. In a 2022 memo, the agency noted that airlines “have discretion” in setting “code of conduct” policies. That discretion means that airlines could, for instance, issue a voluntary “dress code” that includes a clause against sleepwear. If a majority of carriers adopt such a policy, it could create a “de facto standard.” In turn, the DOT could issue an advisory that encourages carriers to adopt the code. However, the agency has explicitly stated that it would not enforce a ban on pajamas under current regulatory frameworks.

There is also the possibility of leveraging the DOT’s oversight on security protocols. For example, the agency could work with TSA to develop “security checks for dress codes.” This could be similar to the “No-Weapon” policies that were implemented during the 2001–2002 terrorist threat era. But as Duffy himself noted in the interview, “We’re not talking about weapons here; we’re talking about courtesy.”

The Debate: Freedom vs. Public Order

Opponents of the proposed “pajama ban” argue that it would be a step too far into government overreach. In a March 27 op‑ed on the New York Times, writer Alex Martinez argued that “the idea that a federal agency can dictate what people wear on a private airplane is absurd.” Martinez cited the Supreme Court’s rulings on individual liberty in other contexts, including the right to wear clothing that some may find offensive. He added that “public order” can be maintained through a combination of social norms and the enforcement of existing regulations, not by new guidelines.

The argument for a dress code, on the other hand, finds support in a growing body of research on behavioral economics. A 2024 study published in the Journal of Public Policy found that “clear guidelines on personal conduct, when coupled with mild enforcement mechanisms, can significantly reduce incidents of public harassment.” The study also concluded that “public spaces, including airports, benefit from a shared sense of etiquette that encourages mutual respect."

The Next Steps

The Fox News article ends on a note of uncertainty. Duffy says he is “talking to DOT officials, but I don’t yet know if any new guidelines will be put in place.” He also notes that he is “preparing a letter to the DOT Secretary to request a study on the impact of pajamas on passenger comfort and safety.” In the meantime, he urges the public to practice “basic decency” and “consideration for others.” “We’re all sharing the same airplane, and it’s on us to keep it a place of respect,” Duffy concludes.

Whether the conversation about pajamas on planes will evolve into a formal policy remains to be seen. However, the debate is a clear sign that the culture of civility—whether on the ground or in the air—is a topic that keeps the public and policymakers awake at night. As the next election cycle approaches, and with the DOT preparing to tackle a host of other safety and security challenges, it remains to be seen how seriously the federal government will take this “pajama question.” Until then, passengers are likely to continue sporting whatever comfortable attire they can find in the lobby.