Airlines In The US Will Begin Offering Nonbinary Options

Nonbinary passengers will soon be able to choose from a broader range of gender options on major U.S. airline flights.

On Friday, July 1, US Senator Ron Wyden revealed that major airlines would be embracing gender X choices ticketing and other systems for nonbinary travellers.

In a letter to Airlines for America, Wyden announced the industry-wide shift. American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, JetBlue Airways and FedEx are members of the group.

Nonbinary gender options for ticketing, reservations, and other services are being championed by LGBTQ groups and Wyden, the critical Senate Finance Committee chair.

Nonbinary gender markers are already available in the United States. Nonbinary ticketing and identity rules and methods are expected to be implemented by 2024.

“The freedom to have documentation and paperwork that represent their identity is a critical protection for trans, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming Americans – whether issued by the Federal government or at the check-in counter,” added Wyden. “I appreciate Airlines for America’s willingness to cooperate with me to ensure that Americans may fly free of gender-based discrimination.”

Twenty-one states and the District of Columbia currently allow nonbinary gender markers on birth certificates and identification cards. Passports issued by the United States Department of State can include nonbinary names.

According to Sen. Wyden, individuals who identify as transgender or gender nonconforming may be denied access to identity documents because of the “M” and “F” gender options.

Nonbinary designations in Social Security records will also be allowed under the Biden administration.