Backlash over a pajama ban post erupted Thursday after Tampa International Airport posted a tongue-in-cheek message declaring, “It’s time to ban pajamas at Tampa International Airport.” Backlash quickly spread across social media, with travelers debating dress codes, civility, and comfort.
The airport’s X account escalated the joke, writing, “We’ve seen enough. We’ve had enough. It’s time to ban pajamas at Tampa International Airport.” The post added, “Pajamas. At. The. Airport. In the middle of the day.” It even called on followers to “Help Tampa International Airport become the world’s first Crocs-free AND pajama-free airport. DO YOUR PART. SAY NO TO PAJAMAS AT TPA.”
Travelers responded immediately. “What kind of authoritarian bulls— is this?” one user wrote. Another asked, “How are you even classifying clothing as pajamas to begin with?” Others supported the sentiment. “I love this! Let’s go back to the way it was in the ‘50s, ’60s and ’70s!” one woman posted.
The airport later clarified the controversy. “Tampa International Airport regularly shares lighthearted, satirical social media content as part of our ongoing effort to engage with our followers,” officials said. “Today’s post about ‘banning’ pajamas was another playful nod to day-of-travel fashion debates.” The statement added, “We encourage our passengers to travel comfortably and appreciate our loyal followers who enjoy the online humor.”
The debate mirrors broader concerns about public decorum. In November, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy cited “a degradation in civility” among air travelers. He encouraged passengers to “say please and thank you to our pilots and to our flight attendants” and to dress “with some respect.” Duffy added, “Let’s try not to wear slippers and pajamas as we come to the airport. I think that’s positive.”
