Florida’s Tampa International Airport (TPA) recently shared a lighthearted yet targeted post calling on flyers to stop wearing pajamas to catch a flight. The airport said that after “banning” Crocs, its latest goal is to clamp down on pajamas as one’s airport uniform. TPA encouraged flyers to phase pajamas out of their jet-setting outfits and to spread the word. The airport noted that it and its centerpiece – a 21-foot-tall flamingo affectionately named Phoebe – believe that flyers can make the outfit swaps happen.
“We’ve seen enough. We’ve had enough. It’s time to ban pajamas at Tampa International Airport,” the flight hub said on February 26 on X. “After successfully banning Crocs, and giving everyone the amazing opportunity to experience the world’s first Crocs-free airport, it’s time to take on an even larger crisis. Pajamas. At. The. Airport. In the middle of the day.”
The message continued, “We know this decision could be disruptive to someone in your life. It’s time to have a difficult conversation with them. You can do this. We (and Phoebe) believe in you. The madness stops today. The movement starts now. Help Tampa International Airport become the world’s first Crocs-free and pajama-free airport. Do your part. Say no to pajamas at TPA.”
What’s The Deal With Pajamas At Airports?
Wearing pajamas to the airport has become particularly controversial in recent years, to the point that it has been addressed by the highest office in the land. Some flyers look down on wearing pajamas to the airport. Meanwhile, others argue that they should be able to wear their comfy attire to fly, particularly if they’re in for a long and cramped flight.
Back in November, during a press conference, United States Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy discussed the organization’s “Golden Age of Travel Starts with You” campaign. During his comments, he said, “I would encourage people to dress a little better, which encourages us to maybe behave a little better.”
“Let’s try not to wear slippers and pajamas as we come to the airport,” he added.
The “Golden Age of Travel Starts with You”campaign encourages a return of “civility” to air travel. A designated press release prompted flyers to ask themselves several questions before their holiday travel, including “Are you dressing with respect?”
In a statement acquired by PEOPLE, TPA clarified that its recent message about pajamas at the airport was a gag.
“Tampa International Airport regularly shares lighthearted, satirical social media content as part of our ongoing effort to engage with our followers,” the flight hub stated. “Today’s post about ‘banning’ pajamas was another playful nod to day-of-travel fashion debates. We encourage our passengers to travel comfortably and appreciate our loyal followers who enjoy the online humor.”
