Additional Coverage:
- Gavin Newsom uses barefoot RFK Jr plane picture in mocking rebuke of Duffy’s travel attire plan (irishstar.com)
California Governor Gavin Newsom recently took a playful jab at Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, who has been championing a “dress with respect” campaign for air travelers. Newsom’s weapon of choice? A 2023 photo of RFK Jr. walking barefoot on a commercial plane.
The image, which quickly made its rounds online, depicts RFK Jr. in casual attire – jeans and a T-shirt – sans shoes, reportedly returning from the restroom. This bare-footed moment flew directly in the face of Duffy’s recent call for passengers to ditch the pajamas and slippers in favor of more “respectful” attire.
Duffy’s “Golden Age of Travel Starts with You” campaign, unveiled at Newark Liberty Airport, aims to curb the rise of unruly passenger incidents and foster a more civil flying experience. “I would encourage people to maybe dress a little better, which encourages us to maybe behave a little better,” Duffy stated, suggesting that a pair of jeans and a decent shirt would be a good start. He even went as far as to say, “It honors our country, it honors our families, it honors our fellow passengers.”
However, the sight of a high-ranking official from Duffy’s own administration seemingly flouting these new guidelines provided ample fodder for critics and social media users alike. Online reactions ranged from outright disgust to amusement. “Oh God, if he just walked out of the Lavatory, I’m gonna be sick,” one user commented, while another quipped, “Bare feet on a commercial flight, even in biz class, is WILD.”
The incident has certainly added an unexpected twist to the ongoing conversation about airplane etiquette, proving that even the most well-intentioned campaigns can hit a few turbulence points along the way.