Readers Say
“If you’re wearing pajamas I suspect you didn’t shower and certainly don’t want to be stuck next to you on a flight.”
Travelers wait in the security check-point line at Logan International Airport Terminal A on May 26, 2016. Katherine Taylor for The Boston Globe
After Tampa International Airport suggested a ban on pajamas at the airport on social media last week, we asked Boston.com readers if pajamas should be banned at Logan.
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A social media post about a traveler’s ‘masterclass in boundaries’ on a flight out of Maine goes viral
Though Tampa Airport was only joking about banning the nighttime attire, it triggered a conversation nationwide about how folks should dress when traveling.
In November, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced a campaign called “The Golden Age of Travel Starts With You,” aimed to inspire a “return to civility” in travel. One of the things travelers should ask themselves when they are traveling is “Are you dressing with respect?” according to the campaign.
Of the 265 readers who responded to our informal poll, 48% said pajamas should absolutely be banned, 42% said they should not be banned, and 11% said it depends on the style of pajamas worn.
Ahead, discover what Boston.com readers are saying about pajamas at the airport.
Yes, ban pajamas at the airport
“Can we please raise the bar in society? It is considerate to be mindful of others when sharing spaces. Failing to properly get dressed in the morning is disrespectful to others and oneself. Clean up your act!” — Rick F. from Medfield
“While pajamas are peak comfort, the grocery store is not your living room. The rest of us didn’t sign up to sit next to someone dressed for a Netflix binge. It’s a little unhygienic, a little too casual, and—dare I say—a fashion cry for help. Comfort is king, sure… but maybe keep the royal robes at home.” — Russie V. from Boston
“If you’re wearking pajamas I suspect you didn’t shower and certainly don’t want to be stuck next to you on a flight.” — David from Ayer
“No one wants to sit next to someone who shows up in PJs that they just rolled out of bed with. People have no self respect.” — Mike from N.H.
“Social standards should not be ‘slobby.’ Pajamas are for sleeping. Get up, shower, brush your teeth and put on appropriate clothing before leaving your home. Basic adulting. And don’t forget to make your bed!” — Karen D. from the South End
“Pajamas are the gateway drug to ‘living room culture,’ where people think that everywhere they should have all the same power as in their own living rooms. Pajamas lead to entitlement, which brings outbursts.” — Stevie from Billerica
“Grow up and dress like an adult.” — Nancy from Wareham
“I just think going out in public in your pj’s is disgusting. If everyone can go out in their sleepwear might as well accept lingerie sleepwear too. It wouldn’t be acceptable, right?” — Mary from Roslindale
“The mall, the airport, restaurants, etc…. People are wearing pajamas and slippers everywhere. It’s enough.” — Bill D. from Watertown
“You are in a public place, not your home. Dress accordingly. Comfortable travel clothes can be found if that’s the complaint. Laziness is disrespectful.” — Karen from Stoneham
“Grown adults should neither act, nor dress like, five year old children. Taking responsibility for yourself, how you look and how you behave, is part of being an adult. The infantilization of grown people is just another example of the deterioration of society. Act like children, be treated like children. Or, is it just a further excuse to never have to grow up? Tediously disgusting.” — Aloysius W. from Columbus, Ohio
“They are gross to look at and show the wearer doesn’t care about others — have some self respect, people.” — Richard C. from Back Bay
No, don’t ban pajamas at the airport
“Airports are stressful. Be comfortable.” — Sean from Hudson
“I wear pajamas to be comfortable on my flights.” Johnny from Boston
“It’s discrimination, first of all. Second, who cares what you’re wearing? I’m an employee at Logan and people do whatever they want. If you want to be comfortable in PJs and/or slippers or Crocs, that’s your opinion.” — Joe S. from Revere
“Being at any airport sucks enough already. Don’t take away comfort. Especially those red eye flights.” — P.J. from East Boston
“I personally hate it when adults wear pajamas in public. But it is your right to dress as a slob if you so choose. Who decides what counts as ‘pajamas’? Is the government (MassPort) going to have pajama police? This culture-war issue is yet another piece of outrage-bait meant to distract us from more substantive matters.” — Joe V. from Providence
“I would never wear pajamas in public. That is the mark of someone who isn’t serious, who doesn’t give a damn for social convention, who’s thumbing their nose at us all. But it’s none of my business what someone else wears, as long as it isn’t outright obscene. And it’s none of an airport’s, either.” — Bob T. from Northampton
“People should dress in a way they feel comfortable while traveling while still maintaining proper hygiene while out in public.” — Mike from Haverhill
“Flying has become an increasingly stressful task due to 9/11 and COVID, amongst other things. I cannot see how pajamas could cause a security risk or a health risk. To the contrary, pajamas can reduce stress and make flying enjoyable…..again.” — Jeff from Natick
“It’s no one’s business how people dress, anywhere. I do not care how people dress, and dressing nice does NOT make you ‘behave’ better or act different. Ridiculous.” — Dani C. from Gardner
“I don’t fly wearing pjs, I wouldn’t do that but I’m not affected by people who do.” — Monica from Quincy
“Like Freedom of Speech, how you dress is a matter of civil liberty as long as its not violating any laws such as indecency laws. Many cultures wear long flowing nightgown like robes and no one gives them flak for wearing them in public, so why are Pjs, which are typically long pants and long sleeve shirts which cover everything, suddenly offensive? People have too much time on their hands. Go volunteer and do something to help others instead of patrolling airport fashion. The TSA Golden Age of Travel Initiative is an insulting, prejudiced, elitist, oxymoron out of touch with modern travelers.” — Maya from Beacon Hill
“I’d rather be comfortable than well dressed on a plane.” — Ryan from Manchester
It depends on the pajamas
“As long as the appropriate body parts are covered and they are clean who really cares? There are much more important things to worry about.” — Carrie from Westfield
“Depending on length of flight, I think comfortable loose sweat pants and a top are definitely ok. I wouldn’t wear real pajamas, with flowers and lace.” — Carol J. from Quincy
“It’s ok to fly comfortably in casual gear but actual pjs aren’t necessary. You can be comfy and professionally casual.” — Anthony from Medford
“If somebody is wearing a set of flannel pajamas and they are covered and they are comfortable, I really don’t care. And if they’re wearing Crocs, as long as they keep them on and I don’t have to look at ugly feet through my whole flight or smell them, I’m fine.” — Chelsea J. from Dorchester
“As long as all the appropriate body parts are covered and no underwear is visible, I don’t care what you’re wearing. I’d rather the rule insists you’re showered and keep your shoes on during the flight!” — Karen from N.H.
Should pajamas be banned at Logan Airport?
Responses have been lightly edited for clarity.
Kristi Palma
Kristi Palma is the travel writer for Boston.com, focusing on the six New England states. She covers airlines, hotels, and things to do across Boston and New England. She is the author of Scenic Six, a weekly travel newsletter.
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