(NewsNation) — Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy says he wants airlines to change what he calls “crap” snack options for healthier options that aren’t loaded with butter and sugar.
“I would love some better snacks. I would love a little healthier snack on the airplane,” Duffy told Blaze News in an interview posted Tuesday, adding things might be better “if I didn’t get the really fattening cookie full of butter, sugar and crap. Or that little snack pack of pretzels.”
His comments echo his recent push for airline passengers to be courteous ahead of the holiday season, emphasizing the importance of being well-dressed.
“Maybe dressing with some respect, you know, whether it’s a pair of jeans and a decent shirt,” he said during a press conference Monday. “I would encourage people, maybe dress a little better, which encourages us to maybe behave all a little better.”
Duff added, “Let’s try not to wear slippers and pajamas as we come to the airport. I think that’s positive.”
He said some passengers became unruly amid delays and cancellations, prompting him to remind passengers to maintain their patience and manners amid unexpected changes.
Duffy said unruly behavior often spikes during delays and cancellations, urging passengers to maintain their patience and manners amid unexpected changes.
“We can bring civility back, it’s as easy as that!” He wrote in a statement on X last week.
The transportation secretary is currently overseeing a $12.5 billion overhaul of the nation’s air traffic control system and is pushing Congress to approve another $19 billion to finish the project.
He has also faced criticism after the USDOT withdrew a proposal from his predecessor that would have required airlines to pay passengers cash compensation when carriers cause flight disruptions.
Duffy defended the reversal, telling Fox News he favors a “common-sense approach” and argued the compensation plan would lead to higher ticket prices.
U.S. airlines must refund passengers for canceled flights, but are not required to compensate customers for delays. No large U.S. airline guarantees cash compensation for flight disruptions, but many offer hotel rooms, meals, and reimbursement for other out-of-pocket costs if they cause delays.