In a recent interview with conservative news outlet BlazeTV, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy expressed criticism of the current snack options available to airline passengers. According to Reuters, Secretary Duffy suggested that healthier alternatives could contribute to a more pleasant travel experience for all Americans.
“I would love some better snacks. I would love a little healthier snack on the airplane,” Duffy told BlazeTV. “Maybe that could change it all. If I didn’t get the really fattening cookie full of butter and sugar and crap, or that little snack pack of pretzels. Can we do something else?”
Secretary Duffy Criticizes Current Snack Options
Secretary Duffy specifically targeted the complimentary cookies and pretzels commonly served on flights, calling them unhealthy choices. He suggested that airlines should embrace the administration’s health initiatives, stating, “I think airlines should embrace a little [Make America Healthy Again] as well. Can we get a healthy choice on the airplane?”
Many major airlines currently offer items such as Biscoff cookies, Daelmans Stroopwafels, Cheez-Its, Sun Chips, and Quaker granola bars as complimentary snacks. While some carriers provide alternative purchase options that may include nuts or fresh fruit, the standard free offerings tend to be processed, shelf-stable items, as reported by Yahoo News.
Secretary Duffy’s comments about airplane snacks appear connected to his recently launched civility campaign, which encourages travelers to dress more formally and behave more courteously during air travel. “I want to have a conversation with America that says, ‘Listen, let’s call on our better angels,'” he told BlazeTV. “Let’s all be better when we travel together. Let’s dress more respectfully. Let’s be nicer to one another. Let’s say please and thank you.”
The Transportation Secretary has specifically addressed passenger attire, suggesting that casual clothing might contribute to disrespectful behavior.
“When we don’t dress respectfully, sometimes that can lead to people not treating each other respectfully,” Duffy stated in his BlazeTV interview.
