The guys over at news.mensactivism.org have come across an interesting marketing tactic used by American Airlines which you can read here. If you visit www.aa.com/women you will see their web site offering special perks to female travelers. Matt from mensactivism.org decided to write them a letter. After some time here is the response he has received via snial mail:
"We have the responsibility to our stockholders to maximize their investment, and that means aggressively pursuing the business of those who travel frequently...[Women constitute a large portion of our market]...Good business dictates we pursue these travelers."
Matt also makes the point that this was the same argument used when black people were segregated from "white only" establishments, or were forced to sit in black-only seating.
Some things female travelers get that males don't are 20% discount at Wyndham hotels just for flying AA (more info here) and women only customer service. They even have a female director for this particular division of the company.
Another disturbing issue is that Brittish Airways does not allow unaccompanied children to sit next to male passengers, even if their parents are somewhere on the same flight. 76 year-old retired journalist Michael Kemp was asked to move when he was seated in a middle seat, his wife in the isle seat and a 9-year-old girl in the window seat. The girl's mother was forced to take her daughter's place because of the policy. The only statement made by the company was "We apologise if Mr Kemp was offended by our request, but we have to balance the needs of the child with those of the adult. The policy is there as a precaution in the best interests of the welfare of young children flying alone." This was said as if women don't abuse children and all men are potential sex offenders. Qantas has the same policy.
Delicious
Digg
Reddit
Newsvine