The airline industry has long offered passengers a binary choice of gender when booking a flight: “male” or “female.” While this seems routine for many, it has posed significant challenges for transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming individuals. It leaves them without a choice that reflects their gender identity. Even travellers with non-binary or gender-neutral passports often struggle to find an airline that accommodates this. It creates an uncomfortable or alienating booking experience. But there is good news: one can now experience inclusive flight booking as Indigo introduces the Mx title. The airline has introduced the gender-neutral title ‘Mx’ in its booking options.
This change, part of IndiGo’s broader inclusivity agenda, aims to make air travel more welcoming for everyone, regardless of how they identify. It is a necessary step towards a more inclusive travel experience. It creates an experience that recognises and respects the diversity of its passengers.
Indigo introduces the Mx title: A step towards inclusivity
For a long time, India’s airline industry has lagged in offering inclusive booking options. Passengers are limited to selecting “male” or “female” regardless of their true gender identity. But that is about to change. IndiGo introduces the Mx title option—pronounced “mix”. It is for passengers who don’t identify as either male or female. It will allow them to choose a title that better aligns with their identity.
IndiGo’s decision to include the ‘Mx’ title in its booking systems is a progressive move. It also reflects the airline’s commitment to creating an inclusive environment. By allowing passengers the freedom to select ‘Mx,’ IndiGo is ensuring that transgender and non-binary individuals feel recognised and respected from the moment they book their flight.
A senior officer at IndiGo confirmed that this new option is part of the airline’s ongoing efforts to support the LGBTQ+ community. In addition to introducing ‘Mx’ for passengers, IndiGo has launched initiatives to encourage the hiring of LGBTQ+ individuals. These initiatives include specialised employee referral programs. These efforts collectively reflect IndiGo’s commitment to becoming a more inclusive company, both for its employees and customers.
The broader impact of inclusive flight booking experience by Indigo
IndiGo’s introduction of the ‘Mx’ title is undoubtedly a positive step. However, the broader airline industry still has a long way to go. Even though some airlines, such as Vistara, AirAsia, and Air India Express, have already introduced gender-neutral options in their booking processes, the industry as a whole remains largely binary in its approach.
The move toward inclusivity was spurred in part by the activism of LGBTQIA+ groups like ‘YesWeExist.’ In 2020, Inderjeet Ghorpade launched a petition calling for airlines to make ticket booking more inclusive for non-binary and transgender travellers. The petition cited the Transgender (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, which guarantees that transgender individuals should not face discrimination or barriers in accessing services. Despite this legal protection, many airlines in India have been slow to adopt these changes. That makes IndiGo’s move even more significant.
However, challenges remain. For example, third-party travel websites have limitations by the system of the airline. People widely use these websites to book flights. If airlines don’t update their systems to accommodate gender-neutral options, these booking platforms can’t offer inclusive choices either. It means that until the entire industry makes a shift, passengers may still face limitations when booking through certain platforms.
Overcoming practical hurdles in gender-inclusive travel
While IndiGo’s decision to offer the ‘Mx’ option is a step in the right direction, more changes are needed to make air travel genuinely inclusive. One persistent challenge is the issue of identification. Many non-binary or transgender individuals may have travel documents that don’t fully align with their gender identity or the options provided by airlines. This mismatch can lead to confusion and anxiety during the check-in and security processes.
One solution would be for airlines to relax ID-matching requirements. As long as the name on the boarding pass matches the ID presented at security, airlines could allow passengers to select a gender-neutral option when booking without needing this information to be reflected in their legal documents. Such a policy would make the travel experience smoother and less stressful for transgender and non-binary passengers.
Indigo introduces the Mx title: The closing thoughts
It is encouraging to see major airlines like IndiGo making moves toward inclusivity with initiatives like the introduction of the Indigo Mx title. It is not just about adding another option in a drop-down menu—it is about recognising the diversity of passengers and creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels respected.
However, while IndiGo’s move is commendable, it highlights the broader need for change across the airline industry. We must continue pushing for more inclusive practices to ensure that all passengers, regardless of gender identity, can travel without fear of being misgendered or discriminated against. It is not just a step forward for the LGBTQ+ community but a necessary evolution in how the industry treats all its customers.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are based on the writer’s insights, supported by data and resources available both online and offline, as applicable. Changeincontent.com is committed to promoting inclusivity across all forms of content, which we broadly define as media, policies, law, and history—encompassing all elements that influence the lives of women and gender-queer individuals. Our goal is to promote understanding and advocate for comprehensive inclusivity.
