In a sweeping change that signals a new era for air travel, several major UK airlines are overhauling their traditional onboard language to embrace more inclusive terminology. The move sees familiar phrases like "ladies and gentlemen" being replaced with gender-neutral alternatives during cabin announcements.
Which Airlines Are Making the Change?
British Airways, one of the world's most recognised carriers, has confirmed it's moving away from gendered language in favour of more inclusive terms. A spokesperson for the airline stated they're committed to ensuring "everyone feels welcome when they fly with us."
Meanwhile, Virgin Atlantic has taken the initiative even further by allowing staff to wear uniforms that align with their gender identity and removing gendered titles from booking systems.
The New Language of Flying
The traditional "ladies and gentlemen" address is being replaced with more contemporary phrases such as:
- "Good morning, everyone"
- "Attention, all passengers"
- "Welcome aboard, folks"
EasyJet has confirmed it's adopting similar changes, with crew now using inclusive language that doesn't assume passengers' gender identities.
Why This Change Matters
This linguistic shift represents more than just political correctness—it's about creating a more welcoming environment for all travellers, including non-binary and transgender passengers who may feel excluded by traditional gendered language.
The aviation industry's move mirrors broader societal changes, with many service sectors reconsidering how language can either include or exclude diverse groups of people.
This transformation in airline communication marks a significant step toward more inclusive travel experiences for passengers of all gender identities. As these changes take flight across thousands of journeys daily, they signal a new standard for the future of customer service in the skies.
