IndiGo, India’s largest low-cost airline, has announced a new feature allowing female passengers to choose the gender of the person seated next to them.
This initiative aims to enhance the safety and comfort of female travellers by giving them the option to book seats next to other women if they prefer not to sit next to a man.
The new measure, effective from August 2024, will permit female passengers to check the gender of their seatmates before flying.
In contrast, male passengers will only be able to see available seats without gender details.
In a statement, IndiGo said: “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.
“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.”
According to the Daily Mail, the initiative was developed following a survey in which female passengers shared their views on what would make their travel experience more comfortable.
While this is a pioneering move in the global aviation industry, similar gender-preference seating schemes already exist on local trains and buses in India.
The announcement received mixed reactions on social media. One Reddit user praised the initiative, stating, “Smart move that is sure to build customer loyalty, especially given the increase in news stories of creeps being caught on flights.”
However, another user expressed disappointment, saying, “Feel really sad that it has come to this. Women should be and feel safe regardless of the people sitting next to them.”
IndiGo’s new feature reflects its commitment to enhancing passenger experience and safety, particularly for women, amidst growing concerns about in-flight harassment.
