Good news for ladies travelling alone on Air Vistara because you will not be assigned the middle seat.
Air Vistara, based in New Delhi, promises women who are travelling alone a preferential choice of either the aisle or a window seat. In conjunction with the free Woman Flyer service the airline launched in March, ladies can also get assistance with their bags as as well as escort services to and from their ground transportation so as to give them “peace of mind” when flying alone.
The airline began offering the Woman Flyer service after noticing women seeking help after their planes had landed said Sanjiv Kapoor, Vistara’s chief strategy and commercial officer, to Bloomberg.
“Our staff is equipped to help women travelling alone with the booking of airport-authorised taxis, as well as escort them to the airport taxi stand upon their request,” Mr Kapoor said.
“This service is a sincere effort to ensure peace of mind of our women customers.”
Vistara’s Woman Flyer service has to be booked 72 hours before departure. The airline also hopes to extend it to women international flights once it expands outside of India.
India has gained a notorious reputation for being unsafe for women to travel alone. It was so bad that the tourism minister of India himself has advised female tourists against the wearing of skimpy outfits. India is ranked at #5 as the most dangerous countries for women to visit.
EvenAustralian government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s (DFAT) advise to solo female travellers are pretty gloom.
“Women should take particular care in India, including in major cities and tourist destinations, even when travelling in a group.
“Exercise vigilance at all times of the day, avoid walking in less populous and unlit areas, including city streets, village lanes and beaches, and take care when travelling in taxis and rickshaws.
“Avoid travelling alone on public transportation, autos and taxis, particularly at night. Foreign women can be subjected to unwanted attention and more serious harassment and assault.”
After reading this, you might want to think twice travelling alone in India – even if you are not a female.
Air Vistara is an Indian domestic airline started by Singapore Airlines and Tata Sons with its hub at Delhi-Indira Gandhi International Airport.