Ditch the pyjamas: American flyers told they need to dress better

Sean Duffy, the US secretary of transportation, doesn't want to punish airlines for cancelling flights or running late; but he does want passengers to dress smarter.

Duffy, you guessed it, is a Donald Trump appointee who clearly favours big business over the Average Joe.

Duffy this week kicked off a new "civility" campaign week that he calls “The Golden Age of Travel Starts With You”. the New York Times reports. 

The campaign came with a 1960s-parody public service announcement that spliced together scenes of the country’s early air travellers, dressed in suits and hats, along with present-day clips of in-flight brawls and airport meltdowns.

In the background, Frank Sinatra sings “Come Fly With Me”.

 
The Transportation Department’s accompanying news release chastised fliers for forgetting to say “please” and “thank you” and for not helping older or pregnant passengers put their bags in the overhead bins.

“Are you dressing with respect?” asks the video. “Are you keeping control of your children?”

Data does back up the feeling that travellers in the US have become more unruly. 

Since 2019, the Federal Aviation Authority has reported a 400% increase of in-flight outbursts - ranging from disruptive behaviour to violence in the air. 

Duffy thinks getting passengers to dress better is one of the keys to reducing incidents. 

 

"Are you helping a pregnant woman or the elderly with placing their bags in the overhead bin?" he asks. "Are you dressing with respect?

"Are you keeping control of your children and helping them through the airport?

"Are you saying thank you to your flight attendants?

"Are you saying please and thank you in general?"

Sound like Americans need classes in how to behave like adult human beings. 

"Bringing civility back, I think, enhances the travel experience for everybody,” Duffy told Fox News. “Let’s maybe go back to an era where we didn’t wear our pajamas to the airport.”

While there is no doubt flying bogans are on the rise it is hard not to see the irony in taking advice on etiquette from a man whose boss likes to grab women "by the pussy", tells reporters to be "Quiet Piggy!" and how thinks his political opponents' opinions are "Punishable by Death".

 

And, unfortunately, the "dress better" initiative came just a few days after a Duffy decision to scrap a proposal that would have required airlines to compensate passengers for significant travel disruptions within carriers’ control. 

So airlines will not be held accountable for improving customer service.

* Sean Duffy is an American politician, attorney, and former television presenter who has been US secretary of transportation since January, 2025. 

Image: Erica Vigilante, Scop.io

New book aims to make Champagne more accessible

 

Champagne connoisseur Sally Hillman wants to challenge some Australian preconceptions about the world's favourite sparkling wine. 

In her debut book, Celebrating Champagne: A Wine for All Seasons (Hardie Grant), Hillman seeks to prove Champagne etiquette isn’t a rigid list of dos and don’ts. 

Set for release on September 16, Hillman’s book devotes a chapter to etiquette, guiding readers through the rituals of France’s most celebrated wine. 

From the language of the bottle and the art of the pour to the sensory reasoning behind traditional serving practices, Hillman says she aims to answer "all burning questions with warmth and wit". 

She also debunks enduring myths, including the old “spoon in the bottle” trick, replacing folklore with practical options. 

The book blends history, cartography, and French culinary culture with recipes paired with Champagne styles. 

“Savouring Champagne is about more than the pop of a cork,” says Victorian Hillman. “It’s about respect for the wine, for the craftsmanship and for the moment you’re in. That’s the real etiquette.”

You can pre-order here for $79.99: https://sallyhillman.com.au/shop/champagne-book/celebrating-champagne-by-sally-hillman/

Useful tips for first-time visitors to Japan

Japan can be an intimidating destination for first-time visitors.

Few westerners speak the language and the custom are very different.

The Japanese are very welcoming, however, and there were 19.8 million overseas visitors between January and October.

Learning a few key common phrases is a good idea, as is learning about local etiquette and expectations.

The experts at JRPass have pulled together some of their top tips to help tourists navigate common etiquette and practices when visiting Japan.

# The customs for greetings in Japan look noticeably different than those in most western countries, and bowing is the most common Japanese greeting, ranging from a nod of the head to a deep bend at the waist. If you aren’t sure what type of bow is required in a given situation, don’t panic. Tourists are not expected to know the intricacies of the bowing customs in Japan.

# Many Japanese restaurants will have traditional seating, consisting of low tables and cushions on the tatami floor. Make sure to take off your shoes before stepping onto the tatami floor and avoid stepping on any cushions other than your own. It is common to wait until everyone has received their food, and then start the meal with the phrase "itadakimasu" ("I gratefully receive"). When eating from a small bowl, it is good manners to pick this up with your hand and bring it closer to your mouth. Slurping is encouraged. Never stab your food with chopsticks and do not place them upright in the bowl (this is a ritual reserved for funerals). Use the opposite end of your chopsticks to serve yourself from a communal dish and don’t point at things (dishes or people) with your chopsticks.

# When it comes to drinks it is customary to serve each other, so you should never pour your own drink (you pour your friends’ drinks, and they return the favour).

# It is important to avoid loitering and blocking the flow of traffic, especially on busy streets. If you must stop, move to an area where you will not be disturbing the flow. This is especially important if you have lots of luggage taking up space. It is considered bad manners to eat or drink while walking in Japan. Instead, stop and take a break whilst you eat; many places (including many convenience stores) have designated places for you to stop and eat. Keeping the streets clean is a point of pride in Japan, and you should hang on to all your rubbish until you find a bin or get home.

# While it may be tempting in today's Insta-obsessed culture, you should not approach Geishas and Maikos for selfies in the street. They are working and often hurrying from one engagement to another, and as such, it is very disrespectful to hold them up for the purposes of getting a photo. Also, do not blow your nose in public as it is seen as very rude.

# When moving around stations, always follow the flow of traffic – don’t worry, there tend to be arrows or signs to help point you in the right direction. If you have to make use of priority seating, you must give up your seat and respect the rules should someone who is elderly, disabled, or pregnant board the train. On all public transport you should keep your phone on silent and avoid taking calls when onboard and keep any noise to a minimum.

 

Haroun Khan, founder and owner at JRPass, says: “Adjusting to a world of new etiquette and customs may seem initially confusing as a visitor to Japan, but it isn’t something that should deter you from visiting this beautiful country.

“Experiencing a different culture to your own is an exciting opportunity and one to jump into. Japan is an incredibly welcoming place, and no visitor is expected to know the ins and outs of every unique custom, however, learning some of the basic etiquette is always an appreciated effort.

“Of course, these are just some of the many common courtesies and rules followed when in Japan, and the country has many other fascinating rules to keep in mind when travelling around there, so we’d encourage you to do your research before you visit.”

Info provided by https://www.jrpass.com/

Images: scop.io and Winsor Dobbin

To recline or not to recline when flying?

Some airline passengers lack even the most basic regard for their fellow passengers.

You know the type. The seatbelt sign is switched off and they slam their seats into full recline mode within seconds.

They have to be told multiple times to bring their seats back up straight during meal service. And then slam it back again, sometimes sending drinks flying.

Surprisingly, a recent survey has found that 54.2% of Australian travellers claim that they wouldn’t recline their own seat, while 41.1% have a problem with the seat in front of them being reclined.

A sizeable 29.2% of travellers say they have no problem reclining their seats - and the real number is probably a lot higher.

Compare the Market surveyed Australians to find out what they think the general rules and considerations are when flying.

Among the key findings: 

# 13.36% of Australian flyers would hold going to the bathroom when flying, while another 29.96% would try to squeeze past other passengers without asking them to stand and be let out.

# In Australia, 18-24-year-olds are the least likely to declare that middle passengers should have both armrests.

# 67.7% of flyers say passengers in the middle seat should get one armrest.

For the full survey results visit: https://www.comparethemarket.com.au/travel-insurance/features/flight-etiquette/

Reaching tipping point

We all know that the hospitality and restaurant industries have been doing it tough over the past couple of years. 

Venues have closed; workers been laid off. 

But there is no excuse for a new scam I have increasingly been seeing on my travels: the tip con. 

It works this way. You pay your bill and a 10% or 15% service charge is included. 

You’d assume that would go to those who have provided “service” - but that is not always the case. 

Instead, many bills and credit card chits now are including a “tip” slot, where they hope the unwary will add another 10 or 15%, not noticing they have already paid a service charge. 

Generous, or stupid, souls could easily end up paying 30% for service that is often not as good as it was pre-Covid. 

Pay attention, or tip in cash to a worthy recipient. 

I have also noticed a sad trend in Patong to ridiculously overcharge foreigners for goods that may well be fake anyway.

I needed a small, soft-sided carry-on luggage bag of the type that costs $12 on EBay and a similar sum at KMart or Big W. 

First up I was quoted 1500 baht (nearly $60 aus). That came down 1000, then 800. 

After twice walking away, I finally negotiated one for 300 baht (around $12). 

I know full well that bartering is an art in Thailand - but if returning tourists are ripped off they will choose another destination next time.  

Caveat emptor.

Entitled arsehats at cellar door

It is just not as much fun being a cellar door operative as it used to be. 

Rather than pouring wines for the crowd milling around the tasting bar and telling a few funny stories, the responsibilities are far greater, and more stressful. 

You have to make sure tasters are signed-in, seated, spaced, and satisfied.

At larger cellar doors you may well be understaffed due to colleagues with Covid, co-workers who won't get vaccinated or casuals who are in isolation. 

In addition you have to wear an uncomfortable mask all the time - and deal with the occasional arsehat into the bargain. Most of the time it is great. There are dozens of jobs far more onerous.

During the recent lockdowns I have been filling in one or two days a week at a local family-owned cellar door. 

It is a lovely setting, open 11am to 4pm with six wines for a seated, educational tasting for an $8 fee, refundable if you make a purchase. Tasting can take between 15 and 30 minutes depending on how quickly you taste and how many questions you have.  

I maybe dealt with a dozen groups today. Some just wanted to taste, others tasted then purchased a few bottles. All were engaged and a pleasure to deal with. Happy to pour an extra taste of the wine you like so you can make up your mind.

Until 3.50pm. The winemaker messaged and said a couple from Brisbane were at a location 15 minutes away and wondered if cellar door could remain open until 4.30pm so they could do a tasting. 

No problem. I removed the whites from the fridge, set up a tasting for two with water glasses etc. And waited.

No sign of them by 4.25pm, so I put everything away again, let the winemaker know and locked up again. No call to say they were lost, or running late.  

Just as I was driving out at 4.32pm, in drove a Toorak tractor. 

The bloke held his hand to his ear and mouthed: "We called." The woman said: "X X said 4.30pm."

Yes, 4.30pm to finish, not arrived. I wonder if they expect Bunnings to stay open late for them if they are running behind schedule, or demand their chemist stays open to fill a prescription? Probably.

I told them to go away.

They are not the first arsehats I've had at cellar door recently. There was the group who had a long-standing tasting booking and wanted to put it back until after 4pm because their members had got uproariously drunk at the previous cellar door they visited.  Err no. 

Then there was the group of women unwilling to wait when we had hit maximum Covid-safety numbers. 

"I have some people leaving very soon, if you could just wait outside," I said. No. They stormed off in high self-important dudgeon. 

Please remember you are not special. And if you want special treatment you are probably entitled. And may well write a negative TripAdvisor review. Try being kind instead. 

Generic image: Pablo Nidam, Scop.io