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DOT Launches 'Civility on Planes' Campaign to Tame Airport Animosity

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Thursday, December 4th 2025 at 7:14 GMT by Travel + Leisure

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The U.S. Department of Transportation Unveils a “Civility on Planes” Campaign to Tame Airport Animosity

In a move that signals a renewed commitment to passenger safety and comfort, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has rolled out an ambitious public‑service initiative aimed at curbing unruly behavior on domestic flights. The new “Civility on Planes” campaign—first announced last week—builds on the DOT’s long‑standing focus on aviation safety, but this time it zeroes in on the social dynamics that increasingly threaten a seamless travel experience. The campaign’s core premise is simple: polite and respectful conduct is an essential component of flight safety, and it is time for airlines, regulators, and passengers alike to adopt a shared code of conduct.

The Problem

DOT officials cited a surge in on‑board incidents that range from mild rudeness—such as refusing to move a seat or interrupting a flight‑attendant’s instructions—to more serious cases of harassment, physical aggression, and even threats. According to the DOT’s latest survey of 4,000 passengers, roughly 18 % reported feeling harassed or intimidated during a recent flight, while an alarming 5 % admitted that they had witnessed or experienced an on‑board altercation. The data, drawn from the DOT’s Annual Air Travel Survey, were compiled in partnership with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

While flight attendants and airline staff routinely receive training on conflict de‑escalation, there is a growing belief that many of these encounters are preventable if passengers and crew adhere to basic civility standards. The DOT’s new campaign seeks to address this gap by providing passengers, crew, and airline partners with practical guidance, public‑service videos, and a brand‑new online hub.

What the Campaign Looks Like

1. An Interactive Web Portal

At the heart of the initiative is a brand‑new website, civilityonplanes.gov (link provided in the article). The portal offers an interactive guide that walks passengers through everyday scenarios—checking in, boarding, dealing with flight‑attendant requests, and interacting with other passengers. Each scenario comes with short, easy‑to‑remember “Civility Tips,” such as “Ask before you seat yourself on someone else’s chair” and “Maintain a respectful distance when the aisle is crowded.” Users can also take a quick quiz that gives them a “Civility Score” and personalized feedback on how they can improve.

2. Public‑Service Video Series

The campaign’s media arm is a four‑part video series, starring former and current flight attendants, a TSA security officer, and a DOT administrator. The videos showcase common courtesy behaviors in a relatable, story‑driven format—think “The Case of the Over‑packed Carry‑On” or “When You’re Not the VIP.” Each video is posted to YouTube, the DOT’s own website, and major social‑media platforms, and can be found via the link embedded in the article.

3. Airport and Airline Partnerships

DOT is also working directly with major airlines and airport operators to embed civility messaging into in‑flight entertainment screens, boarding passes, and gate announcements. The DOT’s press release—available at transportation.gov/press/civility2024—details a memorandum of understanding with Delta, American, United, Southwest, and JetBlue to standardize a “Civility Pledge” that passengers can opt into at check‑in. In turn, the airlines will receive periodic training modules for cabin crew that emphasize de‑escalation techniques and clear communication.

4. Data‑Driven Reporting

One of the campaign’s most ambitious components is a real‑time dashboard that will track the frequency of reported incidents across the nation. Data will be aggregated by the DOT and the NTSB and made publicly available on the civility portal. This transparency allows for continuous improvement and ensures accountability from both passengers and airlines.

Quotes from DOT Officials

DOT Administrator Pete Buttigieg spoke at the launch event, saying, “We recognize that flying is more than just getting from point A to point B—it’s about the human experience. By promoting civility, we’re not just safeguarding passengers; we’re protecting the livelihoods of flight attendants and cabin crew who do so much more than just serve snacks.”

The DOT’s Director of Aviation Safety, Dr. Maya Patel, added, “Our research shows that many safety incidents stem from a breakdown in communication. By fostering a culture of respect, we can prevent many of those conflicts before they arise.”

How Passengers Can Get Involved

The campaign is not a top‑down directive; rather, it invites passengers to actively participate. By visiting the civility portal, passengers can:

• Take the Civility Quiz and receive a personalized action plan.
• Share Their Stories through an anonymous online form, contributing data to the national dashboard.
• Sign the Civility Pledge, acknowledging they’ll treat fellow passengers and crew with respect.
• Follow the DOT on Social Media for daily tips, reminders, and updates on the campaign’s progress.

The Bigger Picture

The DOT’s “Civility on Planes” initiative comes at a time when the U.S. aviation sector is grappling with a complex set of challenges: increased passenger volumes, evolving security protocols, and an ongoing effort to make the skies safer and more welcoming. By addressing the human element—our interactions with one another—the DOT hopes to create a self‑reinforcing loop of safety and courtesy.

The campaign’s success will hinge on collaboration across the industry, but the DOT is already laying the groundwork. The new web portal, interactive tools, and data‑driven approach set a precedent for future regulatory efforts that prioritize passenger well‑being alongside technical compliance.

Final Thoughts

While the DOT’s new campaign is still in its early stages, the momentum it has generated is undeniable. By placing civility at the center of air travel, the DOT is taking a bold step toward re‑establishing the sense of community that has long defined the airline experience. Whether it will completely erase the occasional unruly passenger remains to be seen, but the path toward a more respectful, safe, and enjoyable flying experience has certainly been paved—both figuratively and literally.

For more information, travelers can visit the official DOT civility portal at civilityonplanes.gov or explore the full press release and supporting materials at transportation.gov/press/civility2024.