A non-binary passenger is suing Ryanair for €4,500 in damages, alleging discrimination after being unable to select a gender-neutral title when booking a flight.
The case, now set to be heard by the State Court in Berlin, could have far-reaching implications for the way airlines handle gender identity in their booking platforms.
The incident dates back to October 2021, when the passenger attempted to book a return flight from Berlin to Gran Canaria via Ryanair’s website. During the booking process, they discovered that the system only offered three gendered title options in German: Herr (Mr), Frau (Mrs), and Fräulein (Miss). No neutral title was available, and it remains unclear whether the booking was completed.
After Ryanair declined to resolve the matter out of court, the passenger proceeded with legal action, demanding not only financial compensation for emotional distress but also a change to Ryanair’s booking system to include a gender-neutral option.
The lawsuit brings renewed attention to the ongoing discussion about inclusivity in air travel. In 2019, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) issued guidelines to help airlines implement non-binary gender markers in their systems.
That same year, United Airlines became the first American carrier to allow passengers to select non-binary gender options when booking flights, offering designations such as "X" for unspecified or "U" for undisclosed, alongside gender-neutral titles like "Mx".
The outcome of the case in Berlin could pressure other airlines operating in Europe, particularly those with international platforms, to reassess their digital infrastructure and booking policies to better accommodate non-binary and gender-diverse passengers. Ryanair has not yet issued a public comment on the lawsuit.
