Ryanair faces a lawsuit after it failed to offer a gender-neutral title to a non-binary passenger. Consequently, the customer filed a lawsuit in Berlin to address the airline’s limited title options that exclude non-binary travelers.
Ryanair Passenger Speaks Out
For context, the passenger identifies as non-binary and uses the gender-neutral title “Mx.” The customer was trying to book a return ticket from Berlin to Gran Canaria in October 2021 when they realized there was no gender-neutral title option.
Specifically, Ryanair’s booking system only provided Herr (Mr.), Frau (Mrs.), and Fraulein (Ms.) as title options. As a result, the customer could not process a flight booking from the low-cost Irish airline’s website.
Eventually, the passenger decided to take legal action after Ryanair refused an out-of-court settlement. Notably, they are suing the airline in a German court for GBP 4,200 in damages.
Moreover, they claim the system discriminates against non-binary individuals. Apart from seeking Ryanair’s payment of damages, the customer also wants the airline to add a gender-neutral option.
As of this writing, Ryanair has not issued a detailed public statement about the case.
Legal, Ethical Challenge for Ryanair
The case against Ryanair could set a precedent for how airlines handle gender identity in Europe. In 2019, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) issued guidelines for carriers seeking to offer options for non-binary passengers.
In that year, U.S. carrier United Airlines led the move, providing customers with non-binary booking options. Other airlines such as Air New Zealand, British Airways, Delta, and Virgin Atlantic soon followed suit.
Examples of non-binary markers Ryanair could adopt include an “X” to indicate “unspecified” or “U” for “undisclosed.” Through such means, passengers uneasy with a male or female title could go with one they were comfortable with. This reflects a broader shift as businesses adapt to evolving understandings of gender.
In a move to promote inclusivity, Virgin permits its staff to choose between wearing either trousers or skirts. Meanwhile, British Airways allows male pilots and crew to carry handbags and/or wear makeup.
Furthermore, some airlines have stopped greeting passengers with “Ladies and gentlemen.” For instance, Lufthansa Airlines greets passengers with “Dear guests” or “Welcome on board.”
The Bigger Picture in Air Travel
Consequently, the non-binary passenger’s Ryanair case could influence other companies that have not yet updated their systems. Digital forms and travel interfaces often exclude non-binary users by default.
Airline industry analysts believe the lawsuit could lead to increased regulatory attention. However, the adoption of the International Air Transport Association’s gender-neutral booking standard remains optional.
What’s Next for Ryanair
Germany is one of only 18 countries recognizing non-binary individuals on legal documents. Currently, a petition is pushing for the UK government to do likewise. At the moment, it has already garnered 4,800 signatures.
While the court date is still pending, the Ryanair non-binary customer hopes the case will drive change across the airline industry. Moreover, they look forward to promoting dignity, access, and equal treatment for air travelers.
Photo by Kevin Hackert on Unsplash
