Airline introduces new seating rules that lets passengers choose which gender they sit with – the first in the world

AN AIRLINE has revealed they are introducing new seating rules that allows passengers to choose which gender they sit next to.

The controversial, first of its kind, booking option would indicate where female flyers are sitting with pink indicators.

IndiGo, India’s largest budget airline, has plans to roll out the feature to help women feel safer – as men won’t be shown the gender of fellow travellers.

A representative from the company said: “IndiGo is proud to announce the introduction of a new feature that aims to make the travel experience more comfortable for our female passengers.

“This has been introduced basis market research and is currently in pilot mode aligning with our #GirlPower ethos.

“The feature offers visibility of seats booked by female passengers, only during web check-in.

“It is specifically tailored to PNRs with women travellers – solo as well as part of family bookings.”

It comes after IndiGo ticket holders previously expressed the desire to sit next to the same gender due to religious beliefs.

The new feature is due to start in August 2024 on all flights.

However, the policy has sparked controversy on social media, with some flyers dubbing it “sexist” and “discriminatory”.

It comes as a European airline is set to introduce flights with kid-free zones – but it will cost you.

No passenger enjoys listening to a screaming baby, or dealing with a fidgety toddler beside them on-board.

But now holidaymakers can wave goodbye to those painful in-flight experiences and travel in child-free bliss.

Travellers will be able to enjoy peace and comfort from behind a solid partition of walls and curtains, separating them from the rest of the cabin.

Corendon is the first European airline to provide the unique luxury opportunity.

The exclusive kid-free area will have a limited 93 seats – so it’s important to book quick.

Those wishing to enjoy the adult-only zone will have to fork out an extra €45 one way.

And, another budget airline also launched new cheap flights between the UK and Thailand with a kid-free section.

Low-cost airline Scoot, which first launched in 2012, has now started bargain flights from London Gatwick to Bangkok this month, with fares as low as £170.

Meanwhile, the world’s “best business class” has been revealed with a state-of-the-art suite – which comfortably sleeps up to four flyers.

Qatar Airways showcased their Qsuite Next Gen seats, set to give the Boeing 777-9 aircraft a major facelift.

The stylish, ultra-modern compartment is the epitome of luxury.

It boasts “more space, personalization and comfort than ever before”, with taller, digitally controlled sliding doors for added privacy.