US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is setting his sights on the humble aeroplane snack, urging carriers to ditch unhealthy options as part of a wider push to overhaul American travel.
A Call for Healthier Skies
In a recent interview with Blaze News, Duffy expressed his desire for more wholesome food choices during flights. He specifically called for airlines to remove salty pretzels and calorie-laden cookies from their onboard offerings.
"I would love some better snacks. I would love a little healthier snack on the aeroplane," Duffy stated. He argued it would be a significant improvement "if I didn't get the really fattening cookie full of butter, sugar and crap. Or that little snack pack of pretzels."
The Civility Campaign and Wider Reforms
This focus on refreshments comes hot on the heels of a new campaign Duffy launched last week, which encourages passengers to act and dress more appropriately for air travel. The initiative asks travellers to avoid wearing pyjamas and slippers to the airport and reminds them, "Don't take your shoes off and put your feet on the chair ahead of you."
The US Department of Transportation said the campaign aims to "jumpstart a nationwide conversation around how we can all restore courtesy and class to air travel," adding that it would also enhance safety for everyone involved.
Beyond passenger behaviour and snacks, Duffy is overseeing a $12.5 billion overhaul of the nation's air traffic control system and is working to address a persistent shortage of air traffic controllers. He is seeking an additional $19 billion from Congress to complete this critical work.
Controversy Over Passenger Compensation
Duffy's tenure has not been without controversy. He recently faced criticism after the USDOT withdrew a plan, created by his predecessor, that would have required airlines to pay passengers cash compensation for flight disruptions caused by the carriers themselves.
Defending the decision, Duffy told Fox News he was adopting a more "common-sense approach." He argued that the compensation plan would have led to higher ticket prices for consumers. "We just want to have the right balance between the airlines and the passengers," Duffy said.
It is important to note that while US airlines must refund passengers for cancelled flights, they are not required to provide cash compensation for delays. This contrasts with regulations in the UK, European Union, Canada, and Brazil, which all have mandatory delay compensation rules for travellers.
Currently, no major US airline guarantees cash payouts for disruptions, though many may offer hotel rooms, meals, or cover other out-of-pocket costs if they are responsible for a delay.
The trade group Airlines for America, which represents carriers like American Airlines, Delta, and United, declined to comment on the secretary's latest remarks regarding onboard snacks.
