Travel can be one of the most daunting experiences for non-binary folks. It’s difficult enough to have to carry around an identification with a photo, name, or identity you don’t align with, but when you have to constantly flash that I.D. and be welcome by confused or disparaging looks, it makes this process more problematic. Airlines understand that this is a burden for travelers and United has decided to do something about it!
United Airlines has just announced that it will be the first U.S. airline that will provide passengers with a non-binary gender option when booking their travel. The new feature will allow passengers to select “Mx.” as a prefix in addition to updating this term in their MileagePlus program. Options available will be M (male), F (female), U (undisclosed), or X (unspecified) depending on what is listed on a passengers passport or identification.
https://twitter.com/weareunited/status/1109051143299231744
Toby Enqvist, Chief Customer Officer of United said in a press release:
United is determined to lead the industry in LGBT inclusivity, and we are so proud to be the first U.S. airline to offer these inclusive booking options for our customers. United is excited to share with our customers, whether they identify along the binary of male or female or not, that we are taking the steps to exhibit our care for them while also providing additional employee training to make us even more welcoming for all customers and employees.
In order to effectively implement these new practices, United has worked with the Human Rights Campaign and The Trevor Project to assist with employee training and sensitivity.These new training efforts will include educating employees on how to address passengers by their preferred pronouns as well as LGBTQ+ competency in the workplace, building a more inclusive and accepting environment for both employees and customers.
H/T: United Airlines
