IndiGo, India’s largest low-cost airline, has launched a new feature that allows female passengers to see the gender of their potential seat neighbor during the web check-in process. The new policy will come into effect in August 2024, and IndiGo says it wants to make its more than 2,000 daily domestic and international flights a safer and more comfortable place for women. With the new system, seats occupied by female passengers will be marked in pink on the seating plan during online check-in.
This visual aid helps women decide where they would be most comfortable to sit. Importantly, this feature is only available to female passengers. Male travelers will continue to select seats based on availability, without gender information. In a CNN report, an Indigo spokesperson said, “Indigo is proud to announce the introduction of new features aimed at making the travel experience more comfortable for our female passengers.” The company emphasized that the initiative is in line with the company’s “#GirlPower ethos” and is based on market research to address the concerns of female travelers.
Safety concerns and potential benefits for women
The introduction of this feature comes at a time of growing concern for women’s in-flight safety. The FBI reported that it had investigated 96 cases of sexual assault on planes last year, highlighting the need for measures to protect female passengers. This new option may provide additional peace of mind, especially for solo travelers and women who may feel uneasy about sitting next to a strange man. It may also reduce anxiety for women who have previously felt uneasy while flying, improving their overall travel experience.
While many have praised IndiGo for prioritizing women’s comfort and safety, the new feature has stirred controversy, with some critics arguing it could be seen as discriminatory or reinforce gender stereotypes. That said, IndiGo’s move is a first for the aviation industry, and could set a precedent for other airlines to follow, raising important questions about gender equality, representation, and safety in air travel.
