In World-First, Airline Allows Women to Choose If They’d Like to Sit Beside Men During Flight

It’s hard to believe that a developed and educated society could still argue against human rights, yet here we are. Regardless, plenty of organizations are working every day to ensure people of color, controversial sexual orientations, and women, are comfortable, safe, and treated fairly. For example, a low-cost airline in India now offers women the option of being seated away from men if they desire.

Airline’s Groundbreaking Announcement

Traveling is often uncomfortable for everyone, you’re crammed into tiny seats and often seated next to people you’ve never met before and most likely will never see again. However, women often face a struggle relating to their safety that not all men can relate to. Luckily, a low-cost airline, called IndiGo.

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IndiGo Airline Explains Plans

The airline, IndiGo, will implement the new policy next month “giving female travelers the ability to see where other women are seated.” The seats held by women will be displayed in pink, giving women travelers the option to sit away from men if they choose. In contrast, male travelers won’t be able to see a color-coded seating chart. Instead, they’ll only be able to see which seats are available.

Airline Representative Comments

“IndiGo is proud to announce the introduction of a new feature that aims to make the travel experience more comfortable for our female passengers. This has been introduced based on market research and is currently in pilot mode aligning with our #GirlPower ethos.” Explained a spokesperson for the airline. “The feature offers visibility of seats booked by female passengers, only during web check-in. It is specifically tailored to PNRs with women travelers – solo as well as part of family bookings. We are committed to providing an unparalleled travel experience for all our passengers, and this new feature is just one of the many steps we are taking towards achieving that goal.“

Research-Backed Plans

While the airline has announced something incredible and ground-breaking, they acknowledge it’s merely a “trial run.” However, the concept will be implemented across the entire airline if successful. The research by the airline dates back to 2022 and was conducted by the FBI. The findings were alarming as the “majority of sexual perpetrators behind sexual assault or harassment on flights are male.”

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The Concept Divides the Internet

Interestingly, the internet is divided regarding the airline’s decision. “How will the computer know the gender.. they trick,” one person questioned. “What if males use the feature to sit next to females? Instead of that auto-assign seat next to the female if she is traveling solo.” Another social media user pointed out.

In contrast, female Reddit users shared experiences in which they felt uncomfortable as a woman, forced to travel next to a man who hasn’t quite taken the “No, thank you” hint. “Yup, it’s basically an acknowledgment of how widespread it is for men to be creepy everywhere. Embarrassing,” said one Redditor. “God, this is such good news. I always travel alone and my experience was terrible last time,” commented another.

Sexual Harassment Statistics

The airline stats reflect that women are often subject to predatory behavior from men. However, it’s not only women. More and more men have come forward in recent years, namely after the MeToo movement, allowing women to take a stand against their sexual abusers. More than 80% of women reported having a sexual experience that was less than warranted. Meanwhile, more than 40% of men reported similar claims at the height of the movement. Sadly, sexual assault is common, despite how infrequently it’s addressed. While men need somewhere to unload their painful memories, women have long been objectified by men.

Women for Women

Fortunately, countless organizations are founded on or in support of human rights for everyone. Here are several organizations fighting for gender equality, worldwide:

• UN Women
• Womankind Worldwide
• Center for Reproductive Rights
• Women for Women International
• Equality now
• Men Engage Alliance
• Global Fund for Women

The low-cost airline’s groundbreaking idea is one more reason to appreciate IndiGo. Moreover, it’s a great model for other companies to follow, ensuring their female customers feel as safe and comfortable as many men.

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