It's an interesting social experiment for an airline to promise bonus perks based strictly upon gender and the fact that women are traveling solo.
But that's exactly what New Delhi-based Vistara airline is doing.
In time for International Women's Day in March, the carrier introduced what it called an industry first, its new #VistaraWomanFlyer service. Among the perks, a promise that women traveling solo will never be seated in the middle seat. The airline also offers special luggage assistance and an escort to the taxi stand upon request for this special class of solo traveler.
On one hand, the idea of a program like this rankles a bit, a paternalistic reminder that there are still some who think women require special handling.
On a more subtle level, it also draws attention to the fact that India's track record with traveling females-or at least the perception of that track record-is not great.
Even the U.S. State Department notice for India cites, "Travelers should be aware that there have been reported cases of sexual assault, including rape, of U.S. citizens traveling throughout India. U.S. citizens, particularly women, are cautioned not to travel alone in India."
The International Women's Travel Center takes that warning a step further. Using U.N. data and international travel warnings, the organization has placed India fifth on its list of the 10 most dangerous countries for women travelers, according to Bloomberg.
Thus, if you can put aside your concerns over why a program like this potentially exists, it does offer a guaranteed get-out-of-the middle-seat-free card.
The company seems to be doing something right. During the month of June, it posted the nation's highest on-time performance (OTP) among full-service carriers and second highest OTP out of all airlines in India, according to India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). It also had the lowest passenger complaint rate that month as well as zero denied boarding complaints, according to a company press release.
For the time being, Vistara only serves domestic destinations within India, but it has announced plans to expand internationally by 2018, which means the #VistaraWomanFlyer service might eventually hit American skies.
If that happens, I'm going to be honest: No matter how much I'm against the program on principle, I'd probably still kick said principles to the curb and take advantage of the fact that I won't have to be squashed between two passengers.
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