Flying as a woman

At a time when more and more women are travelling solo and their safety is still a concern across the world, Vistara has rolled out special services for women. It is reported that through their new Woman Flyer service, the airline will help women travelling solo with their bags, and escort them to and from their ground transportation as well. The report suggests that solo women travellers will be given priority for aisle and window seats. This is even if the traveller has not pre-selected her seats. We ask female celebrities what they think about this move, if they think a special service of this kind is necessary, and other steps that can make intercity traveling safer for women.

‘Women are the safest at airports’
Gul Panag, actress and pilot
Women are the safest at airports — not on the roads or in their offices, but at the aiport since the area is tight with security. I don’t see anthing good coming out of this move because it is redundant. However, what could be implemented is something along the same lines for women travelling with children. It is extremely difficult travelling with children and help from the airlines’ end for this would be better.

‘Great initiative for women travelling solo’
Lakshmi Gopalaswamy, actress
I am in full support of this initiative. It is a very subtle change but a good change. As a woman traveller, I prefer the window seat because it is near the window and  I don’t like to sit in the middle of two people. It is a great initiative for women travelling solo. This service is not necessary, but I think it’s a big move. Throwing a spotlight on women issues and sensitising the public about the problems women fact on a day to day basis is a huge move. This shift in society is a great thing towards women and I am in anticipation to see a lot more changes. I think deep scrutinising of the  car drivers is important and there are some popular cab services who use their cell phones while driving. It is better not to use cell phones while driving as they will keep texting while travelling on the road. Another important thing is to tighten up the security, if a woman is being picked up, having someone to accompany you is a great idea other than the driver.

‘We need to tell women that their  fearlessness is their safety’
Shama sikander, actress
I don’t like this idea of putting this into women’s brains that you are weak and you are not strong enough to take care of yourself. That you cannot handle a situation. Offering all this is fine but if we are really talking about true women empowerment today then I think every women should be mentally taught that she is okay and she can take care of anything on her won. Even if she is being treated like a man. That is what true empowerment for me is. I think we should remove the fear in women’s hearts. Ideas that women can’t take care of themselves or travel alone. As a child my father taught me that you can do everything alone, you don’t need anybody. At the same time I used to be very afraid of traveling alone. He tried to teach me fearlessness but at the same time he also grew up in this same society. He would get influenced by people too. I feel it’s time to change. We need to tell women that their fearlessness is their safety. A lot of of people attack easier targets, so carry that fearlessness with you.

‘These services would benefit first-time travellers’
Sunainaa, actress
I don’t think these services really have a connection with women’s safety. These are basic amenities that every airline should provide. These services would benefit first-time travellers, but shouldn’t be limited to just women. I travel around three to five times a month, and often come across those who need help with the procedures. Also, airports are crowded places where security is a concern for all, irrespective of their gender. When it comes to safety, rules must be made more stringent and that will prevent crimes against women, whether it is in airports or anywhere else for that matter.

‘This is a very welcome move’
Hamsa Nandini, actress
This is a very welcome move. An aisle or window seats is always a better option for women who are travelling solo. Many a time, when you aren’t able to to select the seats beforehand, and get stuck between two strangers on a flight, it gets really uncomfortable, especially if you are flying in the economy class. Even in business class, many times the person sitting next to you can make you a bit uncomfortable. And in such cases the cabin crew should help the woman. I feel that apart from this, if the hygiene levels too are maintained properly, it would be a great help too.