NEWARK, NJ– If you’re going to be traveling during the holidays this year, don’t be surprised if your flights out of Newark, JFK, LaGuardia, or other regional airports seem a little more tense than usual.
Air travel has become noticeably more chaotic in recent years, and federal officials say the numbers back it up.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Wednesday that passenger behavior in the skies has sharply deteriorated since before the pandemic.
According to data shared by Duffy, unruly passenger incidents have surged 400 percent since 2019.
One in five flight attendants has reported a physical altercation with passengers during flights, and overall disturbances have doubled since 2019.
Duffy, in a post on social media platform X, said the spike reflects a troubling decline in civility but stressed that improvement is possible.
Officials urge travelers to restore civility
The secretary called on travelers to “bring back manners” as the busy holiday season approaches, saying the so-called “Golden Age of Travel” can only return if passengers take responsibility for their behavior.
Federal Aviation Administration records show that most in-flight outbursts stem from intoxication, seat disputes, or refusal to follow crew instructions.
The agency continues to pursue a zero-tolerance policy for assaults and threats aboard aircraft, with violators facing fines and potential prosecution.
Duffy’s remarks come as airlines prepare for one of the busiest Thanksgiving travel periods in years, with passenger volumes expected to surpass pre-pandemic levels.
Key Points
- Secretary Sean Duffy says air travel behavior has worsened dramatically since 2019
- Outbursts on planes are up 400%, and 1 in 5 flight attendants report physical incidents
- Officials urge passengers to restore civility as holiday travel ramps up