DOT Secretary Duffy Takes Aim at Airplane Snacks

Lacey Pfalz
by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 9:05 AM ET, Wed November 26, 2025
Former U.S. Congressman Sean Duffy.

Former U.S. Congressman Sean Duffy. (Photo Credit: Kristie Boyd, U.S. House Office of Photography/House Creative Services)

After launching a civility campaign encouraging travelers to dress up when they head to the airport and withdrawing a plan that would make it compulsory for airlines to compensate passengers for travel disruptions that are the airlines’ fault, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is now campaigning to solve a different issue: unhealthy in-flight snack options. 

"I would love some better snacks. I would love a little healthier snack on the airplane," Duffy told Blaze News on Tuesday, adding it would be better "if I didn't get the really fattening cookie full of butter, sugar and crap. Or that little snack pack of pretzels."

According to Reuters, trade group Airlines for America declined to comment. 

Duffy publicized a new civility campaign last week aimed at encouraging travelers to act and dress nicely, drawing major criticism from viewers online about his comments on dressing up. 

Yet Duffy still has some major problems to solve. 

In July, Congress approved $12.5 billion to overhaul the FAA’s aged air traffic control systems and improve air traffic controller hiring, yet Duffy told reporters last week that he now wants to ask for $19 billion more in funds to support the plan. 

Last week, lawmakers sent a letter to the Department of Transportation to encourage the department to start enforcing the Air Carrier Access Act, a Biden-era policy that sets standards for accessibility training in commercial aviation and holds airlines accountable for travelers’ damaged, delayed or lost mobility equipment. 

The rule was expected to be implemented in January, but was put on pause in September “pending review.” 

And on Monday, another group of lawmakers sent a letter to the FAA urging the release of grant funds that would boost aviation mechanic job growth, something critically needed as the average age of an aviation mechanic in the U.S. is now 54 and the nation already faces a 10 percent deficit needed to meet demand. 

Disbursement of the grant was paused by the Trump Administration during its attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion earlier this year. 


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

Related Videos

Lacey Pfalz

Lacey Pfalz

Associate Editor

Lacey Pfalz is Associate Editor at TravelPulse. She's a passionate advocate of responsible travel and believes the best travel experiences happen outside of a planned itinerary. Lacey currently lives in rural Wisconsin. She can be reached at lpfalz@ntmllc.com.

Become A Travel Expert

Upcoming Webinar
World of Luxury Part OneMonday, December 1, 2025
2:00pm Eastern
Luxury Travelers are Seeking Destinations, Experiences, and Inspiration. This year has once again...
Upcoming Webinar
Explore Deep Patagonia with Australis CruisesWednesday, December 3, 2025
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West and TravelPulse for an exclusive look at Australis Cruises, a...
Upcoming Webinar
December AmaWaterways WebinarThursday, December 4, 2025
2:00pm Eastern
Register for this upcoming webinar!  Details coming soon!
Upcoming Webinar
World of Luxury Part OneMonday, December 1, 2025
2:00pm Eastern
Luxury Travelers are Seeking Destinations, Experiences, and Inspiration. This year has once again...
Upcoming Webinar
Explore Deep Patagonia with Australis CruisesWednesday, December 3, 2025
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West and TravelPulse for an exclusive look at Australis Cruises, a...
Upcoming Webinar
December AmaWaterways WebinarThursday, December 4, 2025
2:00pm Eastern
Register for this upcoming webinar!  Details coming soon!

Get To Know Us Better

Agent At Home

Helping leisure selling travel agents successfully manage their at-home business.

Subscribe For Free

Agent Specialization: Group Travel

Laurence Pinckney

Laurence Pinckney

CEO of Zenbiz Travel, LLC

About Me
Agent At Home

Helping leisure selling travel agents successfully manage their at-home business.

Subscribe For Free

Agent Specialization: Group Travel

Laurence Pinckney

Laurence Pinckney

CEO of Zenbiz Travel, LLC

About Me