While many are hailing the move, others are criticizing it.
India’s low-cost budget airline Indigo has introduced a unique feature on its flights: the option for women travelers to sit next to other women. The airline, which operates 2,000 international and domestic flights daily, announced this feature in May as a pilot program, and CNN reports that it will be available to solo travelers and groups.
This feature, a first in the aviation industry, shows women travelers a “pink” seat during web check-in when another woman has occupied a particular seat. Indigo records passengers’ gender when they purchase their tickets. Men, however, can’t see these visuals.
A spokesperson for Indigo said that the airline introduced this feature to make flying more comfortable for women, and it aligns with the brand’s #GirlPower initiative.
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What Women Think
Indigo CEO Pieter Elbers told CNBC that the rollout has received positive individual reactions on social media. However, opinions are divided on Reddit forums and offline.
In an India subreddit, users discussed this as a discriminatory move, while many welcomed the idea. A Reddit user commented, “I know this seems bizarre to the western folks [sic], but I think people in this country would at least understand why this provision exists.”
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Another thread called out the creepy behavior of some men on planes, with scores of women sharing their experiences. One user described sitting in the middle seat with two men flanking her, chewing tobacco. Although uncomfortable, she was too shy to ask the crew to change her seat–luckily, a crew member offered her an exit row seat. “Please understand that if you’re not a woman you’ll never understand the uneasy feeling and the chances of molestation. It’s great that they are offering us choices.”
Sumitra Senapaty, who’s based in Bengaluru and the founder of the women-only travel group The WOW Club, tells Fodor’s that she has never felt uncomfortable sitting next to a man on the plane. “I also observe that other women are equally comfortable and confident sitting next to men and really that’s the way it should be.”
Another travel curator, Loveleen Arun, co-founder of Panache World, also isn’t impressed by this change. She takes at least eight to 10 flights in a month—both domestic and international—and she doesn’t feel she’ll use this new feature much. “Getting a better seat of my choice (front/window or aisle) will have more importance for me than [finding] a seat next to a woman,” she explains.
However, other women who spoke with Fodor’s are excited about the prospect. They often find it’s uncomfortable to be seated next to a man on flights, and they can’t relax due to the close proximity. The shrinking seats and stripped-down budget airlines haven’t helped.
Nitya Uppal, the founder of home decor brand Lazy Suzan, supports the idea, comparing it to the women’s compartment in the Delhi Metro—often a better option for those who commute every day to work, avoiding the prying eyes (and hands) of men. “This might have started as a marketing gimmick, but other airlines can adapt it too.” However, she dislikes how it is being marketed as “pink-coded.” She thinks the young and hip brand could have found a better way to communicate the concept.
This sentiment is shared by Smriti Mamgain, founder of the self-care brand SMUSH! and lives in Delhi. She feels that men seem entitled to the armrest, and women fliers feel conscious about accidentally touching a man and the gesture being misinterpreted. And while Mamgain hasn’t experienced sexual harassment while flying, she says “it’s always something that’s on my mind when I’m seated next to a man.” She adds that being constantly vigilant during a long-haul flight can be stressful.
Gurgaon-based Avni Singh, the founder of Comms Craft, also points to the sense of security and ease on both long-haul and short flights. The hospitality and travel PR specialist thinks that the option to book a seat next to another woman might work well.
In India, having different spaces for men and women is not a novel idea. In malls, the security queues are gender-based. Trains and metros have ladies-only compartments, and special parking for women is often clearly marked. There are also women-driven taxis for women passengers. All these measures—however controversial—are meant to empower women and help them move freely. They do operate in gender binaries, which may raise concerns of misgendering and discrimination.
Although the country is on Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution, the U.S. State Department warns women that they shouldn’t travel alone. “Indian authorities report that rape is one of the fastest growing crimes in India. Violent crime, such as sexual assault, has happened at tourist sites and other locations.”
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My wife is from India. Her and other of her Indian lady friends mentioned several times about how men grope women on buses.
I think for women to be able to choose a seat not next to a man is a good good idea.
I think it is good for women to have a choice especially in a place where women's only sections are already a standard. Sexual assault and molestation is real and in some places more prevelant and less prosecuted than others. Why not. I have never had an issue nor have I been uncomfortable sitting next to men however, I think this is about choice. If it will make some women feel more comfortable then why fight it? If people need to be up in arms about something, how about fighting against assault. How about fighting for a world where women feel safe?
I flew my 14y/o granddaughter in to Phoenix from Chicago (some years ago), and she was seated next to a man who was covertly looking at a porn magazine and tilting it so she could see it but no one else could. He didn't touch her but she was shaken and in tears when she deplaned. He was gone by the time she told me her story...as a 65 year old woman, I would have brained him if He was still around...I can understand not sitting next to a man if it bothers a woman...good move.
I was going to criticize this until I read it was India and then it made sense