India’s largest airline, IndiGo, has introduced a new feature that allows women to avoid sitting next to men on their flights, offering greater comfort and security. This feature, available during online check-in, displays pink icons indicating seats occupied by other women. Female passengers can then select their seats accordingly to ensure they are seated next to other women instead of men. This feature is only visible to female passengers.
IndiGo’s CEO, Pieter Elbers, explained that the introduction of this feature is a response to customer feedback and advancements in technology that have made such a feature possible. Speaking to CNBC’s *Street Signs Asia*, Elbers stated, “Part of our philosophy really is a courteous and hassle-free service. 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.”
While IndiGo currently lacks data on the exact number of women utilizing this feature, Elbers emphasized the strong positive responses they have received from individual customers. Operating approximately 2,000 flights daily, IndiGo carried 28 million passengers in the most recent quarter, underscoring the airline’s significant market presence. The airline told CNBC that this feature aims to “make the travel experience more comfortable for our female passengers.”
IndiGo, which dominates India’s domestic flight market, noted that the feature is currently in a pilot phase and is aligned with the airline’s “#GirlPower ethos.” Although IndiGo did not immediately respond to Fortune’s request for further comment, the airline’s initiative has sparked varied reactions.
On social media platform X (formerly Twitter), opinions are divided. Some users have expressed appreciation for the feature, citing personal discomfort on flights as a reason for its necessity. Others, however, have questioned whether such a measure is needed. The U.S. State Department has warned that women face a heightened risk to their personal security while traveling in India, advising against solo travel for women. Their recommendations for women travelers include avoiding the use of titles when booking accommodations and familiarizing themselves with nearby police stations and hospitals in case of emergencies.
The need for caution extends beyond the ground, with evidence suggesting risks exist in the air as well. Data on sexual assaults during flights is sparse. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) tracks reports of “unruly” passengers, but these reports do not detail the nature of the incidents. This data peaked in 2021, following the COVID-19 pandemic, with 5,973 reports that year. The number dropped to 897 for the year to date. Additionally, data from the National In-Flight Sexual Misconduct Task Force, established in 2019, indicates that the number of incidents nearly doubled from 2017, with 63 incidents, to 2020, with 119 incidents.
Although more recent data is not readily available, the FBI issued a warning in April this year that in-flight sexual assault, a “serious federal crime,” is on the rise. An FBI study from 2022 highlights the gravity of the issue, stating that sexual crimes, generally perpetrated by males, also occur on airplanes. According to Special Agent Wess Brooker, “Generally, sexual crimes are committed by males, and the same holds true when they happen on airplanes. Most often, an assailant sits immediately next to the victim and takes advantage of this proximity. Victims likely sit in a middle or window seat, with the offender closer to or on the aisle, effectively barricading her so she will have to walk past the perpetrator to get out.”
Some might wonder how such an assault could occur in the confined and monitored environment of an airplane, surrounded by other passengers and flight attendants, within the limited timeframe of a flight. However, Brooker emphasizes that this environment can actually accelerate the grooming and assault process. He cited an example where an individual assaulted two female passengers by sitting beside them in unassigned seating. Both incidents occurred on a flight lasting less than two and a half hours, demonstrating the assailant’s ability to quickly identify and target victims.
This new feature by IndiGo has introduced a fresh layer of security and comfort for women traveling alone or with companions. It reflects the airline’s commitment to enhancing customer experience while acknowledging the concerns of female passengers. As the feature is still in its pilot phase, the full extent of its impact remains to be seen. Nevertheless, IndiGo’s move is a step towards addressing the unique challenges faced by women travelers in India and potentially setting a precedent for other airlines in the region.
The debate over the necessity of this feature and its implications for broader social norms continues to unfold on platforms like X. However, for many women, the ability to choose a seat away from men may provide an added sense of comfort and safety during their travels. IndiGo’s initiative, therefore, is not just about seat selection; it’s about recognizing and responding to the concerns of women, ensuring that their travel experience is as comfortable and stress-free as possible.