Originally Posted by
CPRich
That was by thought also. Upgrade priorities are well documented and computerized. I doubt the airline's upgrade algorithms take sex into account. OP - saying you didn't feel entitled to an upgrade makes it appear that you believe the rules indicate your companion should have been upgraded ahead of you. If so, what's the complaint that it happened?
Not sure I understand the question. I don't feel entitled to an upgrade because it is a benefit/bonus not an entitlement. That said if there are upgrades I would have thought there would be a systematic way to determine them fare Class, status etc. In all cases we were either equal or I outranked him. That's what made me wonder if it was just because he was male? They also upgraded another male, but I don't know him so have no idea of his status, fare etc.
I guess because this wasn't an isolated case that's what made me wonder if it was gender because I couldn't figure out any logical criteria.
Originally Posted by
Baghoarder
This. But then, I am a white highly-educated female lawyer with elite airline status (QF P,. OW Emerald) who has over 25 years of experience with business and personal travel. I am unlikely to be a candidate for discrimination.
Highly-educated, white, female executive who has been OW Emerald for 12 years. 20+ years of personal travel, 15+ years of business travel.
Originally Posted by
MissJ
I can echo what others have said and add that I've never felt treated unequally as a frequent traveler. I do think I've had some odd looks from fellow passengers since I started pretty young and always looked young, but I think I'm looking a lot more adult these days. Even when I was in my mid 20's and looked younger, I can remember quite a few times being treated exceptionally well.
Sometimes it feels a little funny though when my bf and I travel together.. which we do a lot and have for years. Even though he travels and has status, I'm always levels above him and do all of our travel planning. I travel tons more for work. He loves it though. He just stands back and smiles when we get handed keys to a suite. If staff asks us anything while travelling he just diverts to me and says "I don't know, she's in charge" lol
Love it!
Maybe it is an age thing as apparently I look younger than I am.
I have also had amazing experiences. It's not like something happens on every trip.
When I checked into the hotel they have full-size amenities that say in big letters "for men" ��.
Originally Posted by
LondonElite
You really don't have any data to draw a conclusion from. One example is called an anecdote and is statistically irrelevant. Do this experiment forty times under controlled conditions to test your hypothesis.
Agree. I have other personal examples, plus examples from friends and colleagues but that is why I asked the question.
Seems like from the responses so far I have just been unlucky lately.
Originally Posted by
Gringa
No, I get treated just as badly as the men these days. We're all just cattle.
Haha! That is probably the case.
Originally Posted by
darthbimmer
I have a related question for the frequent-traveler women who've chimed in here: How often, when you're traveling with a male colleague, husband/boyfriend, or just friend-friend, do you feel like people bypass talking to you and address your male companion instead?
It happens all of the time, even though my husband has no status.
I also have been asked if a random passenger beside me is my dad, asked beside another random passenger if we're on our honeymoon, and next to a colleague so nice you can bring your girlfriend on a business trip with you.
I'm always dressed very nicely (business style black dress and stockings for long haul, suit or other business attire short haul)
Originally Posted by
lhrsfo
I think this just about sums it up. About the only form of discrimination I can think of is on some airlines, women get different amenity kits from men - but that probably suits both sides of the equation.
Thank you!
Originally Posted by
airmotive
This is a universal truth, not just with travel.
Regarding hotels, many (perhaps all) major hotel brands do treat solo female travelers differently, as a matter of policy. For example, it is IHG's policy that a hotel will not walk a solo female traveler. If there is only one room available at the Holiday Inn, and I (a man) show up with my Spire/Ambassador card, and Ms. Molly shows up with her credit card and drivers license; Ms. Molly gets the room.
IMO, it's a good policy.
While you could make the argument that this is somehow discriminatory, you have to really distort the spirit of that term to come to that conclusion.
(Or you could just be itching to find yourself being discriminated against...which is an itch you'll always manage to scratch).
I completely get it and can assure you I'm not looking for it. That's why I asked to validate it.
Originally Posted by
Dieuwer
It also happens that women take advantage of the men onboard: "Dear, would you mind placing this carry-on in the overhead bin for me?"
True, but I would never do that. Men often offer to help me though.