a close family member is PhD and it definitely makes a difference. She looks young and travels on business by herself, so frequently (especially abroad) she's not taken as seriously as an older man (in asia, she was repeatedly asked if she was someone's secretary). i've traveled with her and have seen myself that the initial dismissal is changed as soon as they see Dr. in the file. the change of facial expressions is funny to watch. mostly happens in asia. another annoying thing is when she travels with her husband, he is usually addressed as Dr. when both of them come to the airline or hotel counter together (do they ignore the first name in the reservations?), but happens all the time.