Summary IndiGo introduced seat selection based on gender for female passengers for a more comfortable flight experience. The option has been mostly well-received, particularly by female travelers who have felt uncomfortable sitting next to male passengers in the past. While some view the feature favorably, others argue for a larger discussion on women's safety in public spaces.
India’s largest airline, IndiGo, doesn’t shy away from trying out new offerings to improve customer experience. A few months ago, the airline introduced an option for its female-identifying passengers to be seated next to passengers of the same gender in case they wished to avoid sitting next to a male-identifying traveler. The decision has been welcomed by many female travelers in light of several cases of sexual misconduct on flights.
However, there are some who argue that this only treats the issue on a surface level and that a larger discussion is required around women’s safety in public spaces. Option to choose seats based on gender A few months ago, IndiGo introduced a new feature in pilot mode that allowed women to choose seats next to other female passengers. The airline said that this was done after market research and was intended to make the travel experience of its female passengers more comfortable.
The feature allows women travelers to see the genders of the passengers occupying seats on the aircraft during web check-in, so that those who wish to avoid being seated next to a man can do so. Male passengers do not get the option to view the genders of their fellow travelers. IndiGo stated earlier this year, “The feature offers visibility of seats booked by female passengers, only during web check-in.
It is specifically tailored to PNRs with women travellers — solo as well as part of family bookings.” Pieter Elbers, CEO of IndiGo, was quoted by Fortune as saying, “We brought it up as a test ..
. and actually it has resounded very, very well. I think it speaks to the innovation of IndiGo and the fact that we move forwards and not only have affordable and low costs, but also put a lot of emphasis on our customer experience.
” People’s response The concept of creating safe public spaces for women in India is not new. For example, the Delhi Metro rail system has a coach reserved for women for those who wish to exercise that option. IndiGo’s feature has received a largely positive response, particularly from women who have experienced uncomfortable situations sitting next to a male passenger in the past.
Indeed, female passengers and even flight attendants are almost always the victims of sexual misconduct on flights , as is evident from numerous cases that have surfaced over the years. The incident took place on a Muscat-Mumbai flight. Online discussions on social media and other websites are varied.
Women have described their experiences where they were made uncomfortable by a fellow male passenger and how having the option to sit next to a female passenger is a step in the right direction. Check out more Indian aviation news here. But a small minority also looks at this as being sexist, and many have questioned the practicality of this approach in situations where there are last-minute seat changes.
However, there are also those who have a more balanced reaction. While some people see the merit in having something like this for the safety and comfort of women, they also feel that this only treats the symptom and not the actual disease, and that a larger systemic and cultural change is required to address this issue. Of course, that is a separate discussion altogether, but until then, it seems that IndiGo’s offering to allow women to choose their seats next to other female passengers will have many takers.
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