Is it OK to wear pajamas at TPA? Our readers say no
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Illustration: Gabriella Turrisi/Axios
OK y'all. We get it. Wearing pajamas at the airport is not acceptable.
The big picture: That's according to a poll of Axios Tampa Bay readers reacting to Tampa International Airport's joke announcement that it's banning PJs.
- The opinions were strong on this one, and the results were undeniable: 87% of you said the practice is unacceptable.
Here's what y'all had to say:
🚫 Anti-PJs
It's too intimate: "Pajamas are very comfortable, but they are for at home use as frankly most people tend not to have undergarments on under those PJs they are wearing in public. TMI!"
Athleisure exists for a reason: "If you want to be comfortable, pop on some sweatpants or loungewear, but the jammies aren't for public viewing."
You gotta act right: "Dressing better goes along with acting better. You can be comfortable in nice clothes."
The Founding Fathers expect better: "This country is about freedom of expression. Air travel certainly isn't very comfortable but pajamas? Come on, how embarrassing for you."
You gotta be meet-cute ready: "Over the years of air travel, I have been delayed and had to spend an extra day here or there. I have run into celebrities, close enough to say hello."
- "I have met interesting people and had fascinating conversations. I can't imagine any of that happening if I was in pajamas! Dress to impress. You never know who you might meet along the way."
Children only: "I think little kids in PJs [are fine]. Adults — really???"
✅ Pro-PJs
Live and let live: "I'd never wear PJs to the airport, but others can let their freak flag fly. Klassy to the extreme."
FIND THE LIE: "Flying has lost its luxury and status. It's basically herding cattle into undersized pens these days and is not deserving of respect."
💠Our thought bubble
Kathryn: I guess I'm in the extreme minority because I think it's fine!
- I mean, sure, there are limits. Don't walk around Winnie-the-Poohing it, and there are a lot of comfortable options out there that aren't explicitly PJs, like sweatpants and leggings.
- But air travel has become an aggravating, degrading sham of a process, so hang onto the little agency you do have and wear what you want.
Yacob: Not to get philosophical, but what even counts as pajamas? If it's simply what you wear to sleep, then basketball shorts and a t-shirt are mine. And who'd fault me for wearing that to the airport? I'd think no one.
Editor Jeff: Kathryn's last bullet is my whole argument. Travelers have changed along with the experience of air travel. PJs are a symptom; the industry is the problem.
- You can cram me with 350 people in tiny, uncomfortable seats with no leg room and charge $18 for a drink and a gas station-quality sandwich… or you can sneer at me for seeking comfort in sweatpants. Not both.
- The industry's greed hasn't just cost us comfort but, increasingly, safety. Maybe the correct airport attire is a parachute?

