Audio By Carbonatix
For years, cabin greetings such as "Good morning ladies and gentlemen" have been as much part of the flying experience as safety demonstrations and seat belt buckling instructions.
But now, one European airline has advised its crew to make announcements more inclusive after a passenger complained.
EasyJet, a low-cost carrier and one of Europe's largest airlines, has issued its staff with guidance on welcoming passengers to their aircraft.
"We want our crew to be welcoming to everyone on board, so have provided some guidance to them on how best to do that in a way that is inclusive for everyone," a spokesperson for the airline told CNN Travel, emphasizing that it has not banned the greeting.
The move came after Andi Fugard, a senior lecturer at Birkbeck, University of London, complained to EasyJet in August. The airline told CNN travel its new guidance was not in reaction to the tweet.
"Are you in some kind of competition to see how many times you can reinforce gender binaries?" tweeted @InductiveStep, an account which links to Fugard's personal website. CNN's efforts to reach Fugard for further comment were unsuccessful over the holiday break. "'Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls,' perfume strictly segregated again by 'ladies and gentlemen.' Ditch sir/madam too. An organisation as huge as yours must do better." EasyJet replied at the time that they were "committed" to focusing on diversity and inclusion, and would pass on the feedback. The move comes four months after the original complaint, and two months since Air Canada announced it would be dropping "ladies and gentlemen" in favor of gender-neutral greetings. A spokesperson from Stonewall, a UK-based LGBT campaign group, told CNN: "Addressing a group of people with gender-neutral language is a really simple and positive way to make sure everyone feels welcome and included."Dear @easyJet, are you in some kind of competition to see how many times you can reinforce gender binaries? “Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls”, perfume strictly segrated again by “ladies and gentlemen”. Ditch sir/madam too. An organisation as huge as yours must do better.
— Andi with a 💜 dotting the i (@InductiveStep) August 29, 2019
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
Karaga MP donates 4,000 gallons of fuel to boost livelihoods in New Year outreach
2 hours -
GIPC CEO engages European Parliament delegation on Ghana’s investment reforms
2 hours -
BoG rejects market speculation, emphasises data-driven policies
3 hours -
BoG targets consolidation, discipline in 2026 policy direction
3 hours -
GJA-Ashanti commends EPA’s continuous engagement with journalists who were involved in accident
3 hours -
Wenchi needs development, help us – Chiefs to Aseidu Nketia
3 hours -
EPA boss encourages journalists not to relent in their support to fight galamsey
4 hours -
Domestic Gold Purchasing Programme helped Ghana’s economy during difficult period – IMF
4 hours -
Ike City Group of Companies touches hearts at Dzorwulu Special School with compasionate donation
4 hours -
Vehicle exhaust pipes on the left create about 40% more pollution on the road than those on the right – Study
4 hours -
My Response to Dr Bryan Acheampong: Facts must prevail
4 hours -
U.S. and Ghana Armed Forces strengthen medical readiness at SETAF-AF Best Medic Competition
5 hours -
Earlier passage of BoG’s Amendment Bill could have prevented haircuts – Dr. Asiama
6 hours -
Economic stability gains were hard-won through discipline and institutional effort – BoG Governor
6 hours -
GCB Bank rewards customers at first “Pa To Pa” Promo Draw
6 hours
