US airlines to add more gender options

IANS  |  Washington 

US airlines will add more options for passengers who don't identify as "male" or "female", the media reported on Tuesday.

The new options to be added include "unspecified" and "undisclosed".

"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 travellers, while delivering a safe, secure and enjoyable flight experience," A4A said in a statement on Monday.

Implementation of the new options is up to each individual carrier, according to A4A.

Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue, and United are all members of the industry body.

confirmed to that they were working to implement the change to accommodate passengers.

"In the coming weeks, customers will be able to select the gender with which they most closely identify during the booking process," tweeted.

The for Transgender Equality (NCTE) hailed the decision, saying that it "applauds the A4A for adding gender options that are reflective of the diversity of their passengers".

"Non-binary people face unnecessary, invasive, and discriminatory scrutiny by airlines, airports, and alike... (It) is an important step toward ensuring safe and for all passengers regardless of their gender," said.

The development came as many US states were adding more gender options on identification cards and birth certificates.

Last month, a new law in made it easier for transgender and non-binary residents to match their birth certificate to their gender without needing a signed affidavit from a provider.

In 2017, Washington, issued the nation's first gender-neutral driver's licenses.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

First Published: Tue, February 19 2019. 10:34 IST