No more slippers or sweatpants in the terminal, the Tampa International Airport said in a social media post this week.
Really?
No. Of course not.
For Tampa Bay locals familiar with the airport’s often-satirical social media, the post announcing a ban on sleepwear was no surprise. But the message, which urged passengers to “help Tampa International Airport become the world’s first Crocs-free AND pajama-free airport,” quickly drew national attention.
“Today’s post about ‘banning’ pajamas was another playful nod to day-of-travel fashion debates,” read a statement that the airport’s communications team said it sent to roughly 20 national and international media outlets on Thursday.“We encourage our passengers to travel comfortably and appreciate our loyal followers who enjoy the online humor.”
The airport has long joked about a ban on Crocs, writing on X in July, “The TSA will now let you keep your shoes on through security at TPA!!!!! Unless you’re wearing Crocs…you should take those off and throw them away.”
This week’s post came three months after the rollout of a “civility campaign” from U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, asking passengers to say please and thank you to airport staff, keep control of their children and “dress a little better.”
In a November video that spliced grainy footage of suit-clad passengers from decades past with modern-day moments of airport chaos, Duffy said, “Things aren’t what they used to be.” Frank Sinatra’s “Come Fly With Me” played in the background.
According to a news release from the Transportation Department, the Federal Aviation Administration has seen a 400% increase since 2019 of in-flight “outbursts,” from disruptive behavior to violent brawls.
Duffy said “dressing with respect” could encourage better travel behavior.
“Let’s try not to wear slippers and pajamas as we come to the airport,” he said at a news conference last year. “I think that’s positive.”
Emily Nipps, the airport’s communications director, said in an email to the Tampa Bay Times that Thursday’s post “generated tons of engagement and interest on our own social media pages and on those of media outlets that covered it.”
Thousands of people took to the comment sections of Tampa International’s online accounts to debate appropriate airport attire.
There were questions: Are sweatpants considered pajamas? Are flip-flops allowed? Is it OK for children to dress casually, but not adults?
Others shared strong opinions.
“Honestly, as I’ve gotten older, I agree with this,” one commenter on Instagram said of the post. “(I) was in Terminal A this morning and was shocked at the people in pajamas.”
“You’ll have to rip my PJs and Crocs out of my cold, dead hands,” said another.
Even Duffy weighed in.
“Big Pajama right now: 😬,” he commented on the airport’s Instagram.