The "request" you are hearing about is not a new law or official FAA rule. It is part of a public awareness campaign launched this week (November 2025) by U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.
You can still wear pajamas to the airport without being fined or denied boarding, but the government is officially asking you not to.
Here is the breakdown of what is happening:
1. What is the request?
Secretary Duffy and the Department of Transportation (DOT) launched a campaign called "The Golden Age of Travel Starts With You." As part of this, they are asking passengers to:
* "Dress with respect" (i.e., avoid pajamas, slippers, and sweatpants).
* Use "please" and "thank you" with flight crews.
* Help fellow passengers (like helping with overhead bins).
2. Why are they asking this?
The Secretary's theory is psychological: "If you dress better, you behave better."
The campaign aims to reduce the number of "unruly passenger" incidents (fights, arguments with crew, etc.) by trying to restore a sense of "civility" and "class" to the flying experience. They are comparing it to the "Golden Age" of flying (1950s/60s) when people wore suits and dresses on planes.
3. Will you get in trouble?
No. There is no dress code enforcement at the security checkpoint.
* TSA: Will not stop you for wearing pajamas.
* Airlines: Still have their standard contracts of carriage, which generally only ban clothing that is lewd, offensive, or obscene (e.g., offensive language on a t-shirt or swimwear). Standard pajamas are perfectly legal.
Summary Table: Rule vs. Recommendation
| Feature | The New "Request" | Actual Rules |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy | FAA / TSA / Airlines |
| Status | Voluntary Recommendation | Mandatory |
| Consequence | None (just a "soft nudge") | Denied boarding / Fines |
| Goal | Improve behavior & civility | Flight Safety & Security |
Actionable Tip: While you don't need to wear a suit, many flight attendants do suggest wearing layers (like joggers and a hoodie) rather than thin pajamas, mostly for hygiene and warmth on the plane, regardless of this new government campaign.
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