A non-binary passenger is suing Ryanair for £4,200 in damages because they did not provide a gender-neutral title for a flight booking.

The customer was using the airline’s website to book a return ticket from Berlin to Gran Canaria in October 2021 when they realised there was no option to use a gender-neutral title.

The airline was given to option to click on Herr (Mr), Frau (Mrs) or Fräulein (Miss) with it not being clear if they went ahead with the booking.

After Ryanair refused to reach an out-of-court settlement, the complaint will now be heard by the Berlin state court, the Times reports.

As well as paying out damages, the customer wants the airline to amend its booking platform to provide an option of a gender-neutral title. MailOnline has approached Ryanair for comment.

In 2019, global aviation body the International Air Transport Association (IATA) released guidance for airlines who want to offer non-binary gender options for passengers.

That same year America’s United Airlines became the first US carrier to offer customers non-binary gender options when booking flights. 

Typical examples of non-binary markers could include an ‘X’ for ‘unspecified’  or U for ‘undisclosed’ instead of male or female, and the gender-neutral title Mx instead of Mr or Mrs.

Pictured: Michael O'Leary, Group Chief Executive Officer of Ryanair

Pictured: Michael O’Leary, Group Chief Executive Officer of Ryanair

A non-binary passenger is suing Ryanair for £4.200 in damages because they did not provide a gender-neutral title for a flight booking

A non-binary passenger is suing Ryanair for £4.200 in damages because they did not provide a gender-neutral title for a flight booking

Since then other airline have followed suit in giving gender-neutral options including British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines, Delta and Air New Zealand. 

Virgin Atlantic allows staff the option to choose their own uniforms, including a trousers or skirt.

In 2022, British Airways also relaxed the rules around its strict uniform policy and went gender-neutral to allow male pilots and crew to wear make-up and carry handbags. 

However, the airlines website does not let customers use the title ‘Mx’ among its long list of options ranging from ‘Mr’ to ‘Viscount’.

Some airlines have also retired ‘ladies and gentlemen’ as its on-board greeting in favour of gender-neutral alternatives.

A spokesman for German national airline, Lufthansa, said the move was intended to make all passengers on board feel welcome, including those who do not identify as male or female.

Instead, staff have been told to use ‘dear guests’ or just ‘welcome on board’.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *