In a first-of-its-kind move, budget carrier IndiGo has allowed female passengers to pick the gender of the individual seated next to them on an airplane.
This new feature allows women to see the other passengers’ gender before they decide to sit next to them.
Although men will be able to see the available seats, they will not be able to select which ones to sit on.
The new feature will be implemented on all IndiGo flights starting August 2024.
The company, which is India’s largest low-fare airline, operates 2,000 domestic and foreign flights daily.
During the check-in procedure, women will be able to see a seating plan that includes the other passengers’ seats in pink.
The idea behind the new feature came from a survey conducted by IndiGo, which asked women what they would like to see improve the travel experience for themselves.
According to the company, the new feature is being piloted in a way that aligns with its #GirlPower campaign.
It noted that it is one of the many steps that it is taking to provide an exceptional travel experience for its passengers.
Although it is the first airline in the world to introduce this feature, Indian trains and buses already allow women to book reserved seats next to other women.
Some Reddit users noted that this feature could be very helpful as it allows them to keep track of other women while traveling.
One user noted that it is very helpful for the company to provide women with more options when it comes to traveling.
She said she was initially reluctant to ask the crew to change her seat due to the lack of space between two men.
Fortunately, a female crew member was able to convince her to occupy an empty emergency seat.
To celebrate its 18th year, IndiGo is partnering with British Airways for a codeshare agreement.
Through this partnership, passengers can book a single ticket to eight Indian destinations from London’s Heathrow Airport.
They can also rebook if they’re not able to make a connection.
