Tampa International Airport (TPA) has finally had enough, implementing a ban on pajamas at the airport, following a statement by the Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.
In a statement on X, TPA wrote:
We've seen enough. We've had enough. It's time to ban pajamas at Tampa International Airport. 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. 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," they add, "SAY NO TO PAJAMAS AT TPA."
— Tampa International Airport ✈️ (@FlyTPA) February 26, 2026
The airport later clarified that the statement was a joke.
"Tampa International Airport regularly shares lighthearted, satirical social media content as part of our ongoing effort to engage with our followers," they told USA Today. "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."
Social media manager C.J. Johnson has insisted the jokes are all part of his strategy to garner more engagement.
“If I got on every day at Tampa International Airport and tweeted we have flights today, who would care? No one," he said during a speech at the University of South Florida. "If we do funny silly stuff like this with targeted messages that grow your audience and then I say, ‘Hey guys, by the way, we are closing the airport due to a hurricane,’ then people lean in and listen.”
This comes after Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy chided travelers in November for regularly going to the airport in their pajamas.
"Let's try not to wear slippers and pajamas as we come to the airport," he said.
"We should say please and thank you to our pilots and to our flight attendants...dressing with some respect. Whether it's a pair of jeans and a decent shirt, I would encourage people to maybe dress a little better, which encourages us to maybe behave a little better."
🚨 JUST IN: Transportation Sec. Sean Duffy makes major "air civility" push ahead of Thanksgiving, calls on people to not dress in their pajamas, say "please and thank you" to TSA and flight staff
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) November 24, 2025
"Let's try not to wear slippers and pajamas as we come to the airport."
"We should… pic.twitter.com/iOmfTPms6T
