Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy ruffled some feathers when he pleaded with US air travelers to smarten up their wardrobes when flying the friendly skies, but he also found some kindred spirits among passengers at New York-area airports.
“I think it’s great advice, because when you feel good about how you look, you’re treated better and you treat people better,” traveler Tamaya Garcia, 48, said, agreeing with Duffy who begged travelers on Monday from Newark Liberty International Airport, “Let’s try not to wear slippers and pajamas as we come here.”
Garcia got the memo — she was decked out in a stylish wool tan coat, white body suit, tan cashmere pants and Nike sneakers while jetting into of JFK Airport in Queens.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy asked passengers to wear nicer clothes to the airport. Fox News
San Francisco resident Tamaya Garcia wore a stylish outfit at JFK Airport in Queens on Nov. 25, 2025. Gregory P. Mango
For many passengers, throwing on the comfiest clothes in their wardrobe is a must for modern-day plane travel. But others still long for the bygone days of jet-setting around dressed to the nines like Don Draper.
“I always have my makeup on, always have a cute outfit on. I always make sure my hair is clean and done,” said Garcia, a San Francisco resident who traveled to New York to spend Thanksgiving with her 20-year-old college student son.
She even said she refused to let her 16-year-old daughter get on a plane back home to California looking sloppy.
Casually-dressed people seen at JFK Airport on Nov. 25, 2025. Gregory P. Mango
A child seen wearing pajamas and holding a teddy bear while waiting at JFK. Gregory P. Mango
“She wanted to go to the airport without her hair washed, no make-up, literal pajama pants, and a hooded pullover. And I said, ‘No, absolutely not!’”
Duffy also found a sartorial ally in Melanie Cox, 21, a senior at the University of Toledo who flew into Newark Liberty International Airport from Michigan to celebrate the holidays with her Big Apple friends.
“People should dress up for the airport, it’s fun. I like waking up early, getting myself ready. It’s a long day and I like to feel put together — and you really never know who you’re going to meet,” she said, sporting a matching set from White Fox.
University of Toledo student Melanie Cox agrees with Duffy on dressing up for the airport. Gabriella Bass for NY Post
Kim and Tommy Scarpati from Monmouth County, New Jersey, had their two young daughters, Nia and Evie, in tow for their voyage, mom and kids wearing matching hot-pink attire with their initials ironed onto their sweatshirts.
Kim also agreed with Duffy’s sentiment on slovenly flyers, saying, “You’re not moving into the airport,” and even going so far as to say she would be wearing a dress if not for the “tactical clothing” needed for traveling with youngsters.
“I’m a girly girl,” she told The Post, adding she likes to feel “feminine and pretty” on her flights.
Kim and Tommy Scarpati wore matching sweaters to Newark Airport with their daughters Nia (right) and Evie. Gabriella Bass
Elizabeth told The Post she always dresses well for her flight. Gregory P. Mango
The matching neon clothing has the additional benefit of making her kids easy to spot in a crowd, allowing for “safety and ease” on travel days.
Another traveler, who gave her name only as Elizabeth, had on white pants and a tan sweater as she was about take off to Florida with her family for Thanksgiving.
“I always dress like this. My father used to only fly with a jacket,” she said.
A pair of well-dressed men walking through JFK on Tuesday. Gregory P. Mango
A family wearing comfortable clothing at JFK Airport. Gregory P. Mango
She agreed when asked whether her father’s high-flying fashion choices rubbed off on her, but added, “I like not to leave the house looking like I’m in my pajamas.”
Even during a long and uncomfortable flight, she said, “I still make an effort to look good and be coordinated.”
Jillian Carter, 32, from Brooklyn, was dressed in all black on her way from JFK to Atlanta to see family for Thanksgiving, clad in dress pants, a blouse and leather jacket — and even silver-colored sneakers.
“My mom told me it’s important to look your best when you’re out and about, especially at the airport,” she said.
Brooklyn woman Jilian Carter wore a matching black outfit and silver sneakers for her flight to Atlanta at JFK. Gregory P. Mango
“You never know who you’re gonna see, who you’re gonna meet — comfy is my go-to, it doesn’t hurt to put a little effort into it.”
Other passengers, however, strongly disagreed with Duffy’s call to make air travel spiffy again.
Mashenka “Dip” Clapp, 28, said the secretary needs to “touch grass” and that he’s “lost the plot” with his suggestion.
“He needs to mind his own business and let people be comfortable and find their own right way to do things that work for them and their lifestyle,” she said, adding that, “If people have long international flights where they’re going to be sleeping the whole time, wouldn’t it be logical to be wearing PJs?”
Mashenka “Dipp” Clapp urged the Transportation Secretary to “touch grass” because of his remarks on air travel style. gabriella bass
Clapp was especially grateful for her comfortable choice of wardrobe after missing her Tuesday morning flight on her way back from New York to Savannah, Georgia, saying she’s planning to “bum it out” at Newark Airport for the rest of the day and night.
“Plus, who cares? Who are you trying to impress? The guards? The other travelers? The person who gives your boarding pass? They don’t care.”
Prince Green, on his way to the Dominican Republic where he runs a coffee shop, was wearing a black t-shirt, a maroon-colored hoodie, gray sweatpants and black socks and slippers. He said he had no hang-ups whatsoever about his clothing choices.
Prince Green opted for a simple outfit at JFK for his flight to the Dominican Republic. Gregory P. Mango
“I’m happy with the way I look. It’s super comfortable. I don’t have to take my belt off, untie my shoes — it’s vey quick and comfortable,” he said, describing himself as a “simple guy.”
As for Duffy’s entreaty, he said, “he has his opinion on how things should be, and I respect that. But I have mine, too. This is how I usually travel, simple and light — got some shorts, some t-shirts,” he said as he walked off with his backpack slung over one shoulder.
Even though Garcia agreed with Duffy’s point, she said it’s unfortunate that looking put together at the airport doesn’t come naturally to many.
“I think we should be civil on our own accord. We shouldn’t have someone tell us that. I think that’s just basic respect and cleanliness,” she said, but conceded that putting some extra thought into her traveling wardrobe could pay unexpected dividends.
“I told my daughter, ‘I’m a single mom. I might meet my husband on a plane,” she said with a laugh.