This week, the Department of Transportation launched a new public-service campaign called “The Golden Age of Travel Starts with You.” Its goal? To remind all of us — travelers, crews, airport teams — that a little kindness and a little courtesy can go a long way toward making flying a better experience for everyone.
And as someone who has spent years both on board as a flight attendant and on the ground as a travel advisor, I genuinely welcome the conversation. Air travel today is faster, busier, and more stressful than ever before. A reset in the way we treat each other isn’t just nice — it’s overdue.
Have Unruly Passenger Incidents Really Increased?
Yes — and no.
During the pandemic years, especially around 2021, unruly-passenger incidents exploded to record levels. Mask disputes, full planes, rapidly changing policies — it all created a perfect storm. Those numbers have since declined, but they haven’t returned to the lower baseline we knew before 2020.
So while the worst days are behind us, the everyday level of tension on airplanes is still higher than it used to be. That’s why a civility campaign now makes sense. We don’t want to wait until the next holiday rush to remind everyone what respect looks like at 30,000 feet.
What the Campaign Gets Right
The DOT’s message focuses on simple, everyday behavior:
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Help someone with their bag.
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Keep children under control.
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Say “please” and “thank you.”
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Be patient.
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Treat staff like human beings.
These aren’t groundbreaking ideas — but they are powerful. Anyone who has flown frequently knows that the mood of a single passenger can influence an entire cabin. A small act of kindness sets the tone for the whole flight.
And from a travel-advisor perspective, I see how this matters long after takeoff. A calm, respectful cabin reduces delays, improves service, and enhances the entire travel experience. When people feel safe and respected, they travel more confidently — and that benefits every traveler and every business in the industry.
Where We Need More Consistency
That said, civility is a two-way street. It doesn’t just start in Row 22 — it starts at the top.
If we’re asking travelers to treat each other with respect, we need that message reflected consistently across the travel ecosystem: from policymakers, to airlines, to airports, to crews, and yes — to public leaders as well. Tone matters. And when the national tone includes insults or name-calling, even in high-profile moments, it becomes harder to expect passengers to rise above it.
This isn’t about politics — it’s about leadership. Civility campaigns work best when they’re matched by a culture that models the same values.
So What Can Travelers Do?
The truth is, air travel works best when we each take ownership of the experience. Here are a few things I always recommend:
1. Pack patience.
Flights run late. Gates move. Weather happens. Starting your trip with a flexible mindset changes everything.
2. Be the helper.
If someone is struggling to lift a bag or manage a stroller, a simple assist keeps the boarding process moving — and reduces everyone’s stress.
3. Acknowledge the crew.
A “thank you” is free, takes one second, and has a bigger impact than most people realize. Flight attendants deal with more than the average traveler will ever see.
4. Assume good intentions.
Most people aren’t trying to be rude — they’re just overwhelmed. Grace goes a long way.
Travel Should Bring Out the Best in Us
I believe that travel is one of the greatest things we can do for ourselves. It expands our world, introduces us to new people, and reminds us that we’re all far more connected than we think.
A more civil, respectful mindset isn’t just good for safety or operations — it’s good for humanity.
If the DOT’s new campaign inspires even a small shift in how we treat one another in airports and on airplanes, that’s a win. And if it opens up a larger conversation about the tone we set as a nation — even better.
Let’s bring a little more kindness to the skies. The “golden age” of travel doesn’t have to be a thing of the past. It can start right now, with us.
