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IndiGo is the first major airline to allow female passengers to choose the gender of those seated next to them. Is this the future of air travel?
A major Indian budget airline, IndiGo, has made headlines for introducing a unique new policy. Female passengers will now be allowed to view the gender of those seated next to them before boarding a flight, giving them the option to avoid sitting next to men. The feature will not be available to male customers.
Unsurprisingly, the move has triggered heated debates online. But it’s also encouraged individuals to share their experiences as lone female passengers, highlighting the need for policies like these internationally.
IndiGo will make the change from August 2024 across all flights, which includes 2,000 domestic and international flights a day.
IndiGo’s decision to implement this policy comes in response to a growing demand for safer travel environments for women. The airline aims to provide not just convenience but also a sense of security for female passengers who often encounter discomfort or harassment during their journeys.
Six seats in the front row of each flight will also be dedicated for solo female passengers, allowing them to choose to sit with other women if flying alongside men makes them uncomfortable.
The policy may seem extreme to some, with netizens calling out IndiGo for the ‘double standard’ of not affording the same option to male travellers. But as many have pointed out, it make sense that an Indian company would be the first to implement these kinds of measures.
India has tackled high rates of sexual assault in recent years, with an average of 90 cases of rape per day in 2022 (according to India’s National Crime Records Bureau).
‘We are seeing the worst phase of sexual violence and misogyny’ Kavita Srivastava, general secretary of the Peoples Union of Civil Liberties, said earlier this year.
‘This is the new India where there seems to be a complete breakdown of the rule of law, which is directly affecting women most, as it is also a period of unabashed consolidation of patriarchy.’
Many have come out in support of the policy, sharing their own experiences of sexual assault on board a flight as well as highlighting the issues faced by women in India.
‘Given the HUGE problem India has with SA I think it’s a great idea.’
‘Fully support this being an option as I’ve experienced unwanted touching from male passengers and all I could do was rely on the flight attendants that kept hovering as they noticed what was happening. You have nowhere to go and it’s traumatic,’ said one Instagram user.
‘Any man not understanding why this is an option needs to give their head a wobble,’ said another.
But some are concerned that the policy goes a step too far, questioning where we draw the line when it comes to customising your flight experience.
And others are just disgruntled that male passengers won’t be afforded the same choices.
However, IndiGo’s actions mark a potential turning point in the airline industry, not least because they highlight a major corporation listening to – and understanding – the concerns of its customers.
Rakesh Gangwal, the co-founder of IndiGo, shared the airline’s commitment to enhancing the travel experience for all passengers.
‘We understand that safety and comfort are paramount, especially for women travelling alone. This initiative is a reflection of our dedication to listening to our passengers and creating a more inclusive environment for everyone,’ Gangwal said in a statement.
While IndiGo’s policy is a promising start, it also brings to light the broader issue of safety and inclusion in public spaces.
Women often face challenges not just in the skies but in various facets of daily life, from commuting on public transport to working in male-dominated industries. IndiGo’s initiative serves as a reminder that businesses across sectors can and should take active steps to create safer environments for everyone.
The airline’s move also aligns with the larger global movement advocating for gender equality and women’s rights. As conversations about these issues gain momentum, actions like IndiGo’s demonstrate a tangible commitment to making a difference.
If anything, it reinforces the idea that real change is possible when organisations listen to and act on the concerns of the public.
IndiGo’s policy may be a small step in the wider context of safe travel options, but it’s significant nonetheless. Not least because it highlights a collective desire for change. The airline has proved that there is power in taking proactive measures, and therefore that progress is possible.
