Why overhead storage space on airplanes is not guaranteed
Airlines do not guarantee overhead bin space unless you pay extra or board early. Here’s what travelers need to know:
- The Department for Transport has launched a new campaign to promote civility in air travel.
- Since 2021, 13,800 fraudulent passenger incidents have been reported.
- DOT encourages travelers to dress respectfully and be helpful to other passengers.
The Department of Transport is asking you to start dressing up again when you fly.
The Department for Transport has announced a new campaign aimed at encouraging civility on air travel, citing an undeniable rise in bad manners on planes.
“The Golden Age of Travel Starts with You” campaign aims to “stimulate a national conversation about how to restore civility and dignity to air travel,” according to the DOT.
In announcing the campaign, the ministry cited worrying trends that have been worsening among travelers for years, including 13,800 incidents of unruly passengers since 2021, a 400% increase in in-flight abuse since 2019, and one in five flight attendants experiencing a “physical incident” in 2021.
“There is no question that we have lost sight of the joys of travel: excitement, relaxation, and heartfelt conversation,” the DOT statement said. “Americans are already feeling divided and stressed. We can all do our part to restore civility, manners, and common sense. If we can unite around our common values, we will feel more connected as a nation.”
Here’s what Transport Secretary Sean Duffy wants travelers to ask themselves the next time they fly.
- Are you helping a pregnant woman or elderly person put their belongings into the overhead bin?
- Do you dress respectfully?
- Do you have good control over your children and help them around the airport?
- Do you appreciate your flight attendants?
- Do we generally say “please” or “thank you”?
Zach Wichter is a travel reporter and writes the Cruising Altitude column for USA TODAY. He is based in New York and can be reached at zwichter@usatoday.com.
