by Donald Wood
Last updated: 8:20 AM ET, Fri February 27, 2026
Tampa International Airport made a splash on social media on
Thursday when it unveiled plans to become the first airport to ban travelers
from wearing both pajamas and croc footwear.
The only problem: it was just a joke.
After posting on X that the “madness stops today” regarding
travelers wearing pajamas, Tampa airport spokesperson Beau Zimmer told The
Associated Press the post was a joke, with the social media team taking a tongue-in-cheek
approach to posting on X.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy saw the original post
and replied in support of the decision. The government has been pushing for a
more formal dress approach for travelers at airports across America as part of
a civility campaign launched last November.
Before Tampa International addressed the comments as a joke,
the post sparked a heated debate among X users, prompting the airport to issue
an official statement.
“Today’s post about ‘banning’ pajamas was another playful
nod to day-of-travel fashion debates,” an airport spokesperson said in a statement.
“We encourage our passengers to travel comfortably and appreciate our loyal
followers who enjoy the online humor.”
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