British Airways sued for sex-discrimination
Ferry Online Travel News 02/02/2010
Disgruntled male passenger takes BA to court
UK’s flagship carrier is being sued by a man over their policy which prohibits male passengers being seated next to children they do not know irrespective of whether the child’s parents are traveling on the same flight or not.
A businessperson has accused the airlines of branding all men as potential sex offenders and debated that innocent travelers are being publicly belittled due to this policy.
In accordance with the airline’s policy, cabin crew patrol the aisles to check if the children who are on board the flight are seated with their parents or traveling with their parents or traveling alone. If they find a child seated next to a male fellow passenger they request the male to move. The aircraft will not take off unless and until the man agrees to move.
The man who decided to sue British Airways was seated between his wife who was expecting and a 12 year old. His wife had booked a window seat. Moments later a steward walked up to him and requested him to change seats.
The gentleman refused explaining to the steward that his wife was 6 months pregnant. At this point the cabin crew member raised his voice, forcing the other people on board to turn around.
The man moved to the designated seat eventually but felt so degraded that he is now taking this company to court for sex discrimination.
In the event that he does win this law suit the airline company will be forced to withdraw this policy.
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