US airlines to start offering non-binary ticketing options

Travel for some non-binary individuals is about to become a little easier. A number of major US airlines will start allowing customers to buy tickets under more than just the female or male genders.

Airlines for America (A4A) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) recently approved new optional gender identification standards for their members to accommodate non-binary identified passengers.

Customers of airlines adopting the policy who have gender neutral identity documents will be able to select options other than male or female, such as “unspecified” or “undisclosed”, when buying tickets. They may also have the option to use the title of ‘Mx’ instead of Ms or Mr.

“US airlines value a culture of diversity and inclusion, both in the workplace and for our passengers, and we work hard each day to accommodate the needs of all travelers, while delivering a safe, secure and enjoyable flight experience,” said A4A in a statement.

The airlines that have signed on to the changes so far include American, Delta, United, Southwest, Alaska, and JetBlue.

Passengers will still have to purchase tickets as per the gender reflected in their identity documents, but the new standard accommodates those from the growing number of US states and countries that allow individuals to identify themselves as other than female or male.

“We certainly have a very diverse customer base. This will be well-received, and we’re happy to do it,” commented American Airlines spokesperson Matt Miller.

Arli Christian, spokesperson for The National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE), applauded the progressive move in a statement.

“Non-binary people face unnecessary, invasive, and discriminatory scrutiny by airlines,airports, and security services alike,” Christian said, reported CNN. “A4A’s work is in line with other states who offer gender neutral designations on IDs and is an important step toward ensuring safe and smooth travel for all passengers regardless of their gender.”