Travel commerce platform Travelport has announced it will add a new booking code for non-binary gender airline passengers from 1 June.
The new code will offer travellers the option to choose “X” rather than “M” or “F” when required to provide their gender in advance passenger information. This detail is required for those travelling to or transiting through countries such as the US, Canada, China, Japan, South Africa and the UAE, among others.
Travelport says the code will be available to all of the 480 airlines on its platform if they choose to adopt it. A number of carriers including United, American Airlines and Delta have confirmed they will bring in the new code option.
The company says the option to choose “X” will need to be matched with the passenger’s passport or identity document, though not all countries offer non-binary gender choices for documents.
Argentina, Australia, Canada, Denmark, Germany, India, Ireland, Malta, New Zealand, Nepal, The Netherlands and Pakistan already offer the additional “X” option, which has been approved by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the United Nations agency that regulates international air travel.
Gordon Wilson, president and CEO of Travelport, said: “As a company committed to diversity and promoting travel for all, we are delighted that the new code for non-binary gender passengers has now been introduced. We hope more airlines will provide this option to ensure their customers are fully respected and welcomed. For us “X” marks a vote for diversity, dignity and respect.”
travelport.com