Tampa International Airport has announced a 'ban' on passengers wearing pyjamas, but the move is purely satirical. In a social media post, the airport said it had 'seen enough' and declared it was time to ban pyjamas at the airport, following a previous joke about banning Crocs footwear.
The airport clarified that the post was lighthearted and not a real ban. 'Tampa International Airport regularly shares satirical social media content as part of our ongoing effort to engage with our followers,' a spokesperson told The Independent. 'We encourage our passengers to travel comfortably.'
The joke comes amid ongoing debates about air travel comfort. Since airline deregulation in 1978, seat space has declined, with average legroom dropping from 35 to 31 inches. Airlines now fly at 80-85% capacity, compared to 70% in the 1990s, making cabins more cramped.
In November, the US Transportation Department launched an initiative urging travellers to dress better, with Secretary Sean Duffy writing on social media: 'Dress up to go to the airport, help a stranger out, and be in a good mood.' However, many travellers argue that airlines should improve service before dictating dress codes.
Responses to the airport's post were mixed. Some supported the idea, while others pointed out that passengers often endure long delays and poor service. One user replied: 'My last two flights I spent the night on the dirty floor at Buffalo Intl Airport because of cancelled flights... we should be wearing pyjamas until the airlines' crap service is improved!'
