Delta Air Lines has made a notable change in its gate announcements, replacing the traditional greeting of “Ladies and Gentlemen” with more inclusive language. This decision, driven by the airline’s top Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) officer, is part of a broader initiative to promote inclusivity and reflect the diversity of Delta’s global customer base.
The move, which has garnered attention across the industry, aligns with Delta’s ongoing efforts to create a more welcoming environment for all passengers, regardless of gender identity. The DEI officer spearheading this change emphasized that the shift is intended to ensure that everyone feels respected and included when flying with Delta.
“Language plays a crucial role in how we interact with each other and how we make people feel,” the DEI officer said in a statement. “By updating our gate announcements, we’re taking an important step towards ensuring that all of our customers feel seen and valued.”
Instead of the traditional “Ladies and Gentlemen,” Delta’s gate agents will now use phrases such as “Attention, all passengers” or simply “Welcome, everyone.” The change is already being implemented across Delta’s network and is expected to be fully integrated in the coming months.
Reactions to the new policy have been mixed. Supporters of the change argue that it is a positive step towards greater inclusivity in an industry that serves a diverse range of customers. “This is a small but significant change that reflects the evolving understanding of gender identity and inclusivity,” commented a diversity advocate.
However, some passengers and critics have questioned the necessity of the change, viewing it as an example of corporate overreach. “While inclusivity is important, this seems like a minor issue to focus on,” said one frequent flyer. “It’s hard to see how changing a greeting will have a major impact.”
Delta has been at the forefront of implementing various DEI initiatives in recent years, and this latest adjustment is part of a broader strategy to align the company’s practices with its commitment to diversity and inclusion. The airline has also introduced other measures, such as expanded training for employees on issues related to equity and inclusion.
As the airline industry continues to navigate the complexities of serving a global and diverse customer base, Delta’s move may set a precedent for other carriers considering similar changes. The company remains committed to its DEI goals, stating that it will continue to explore ways to create a more inclusive environment for all passengers.
The transition to gender-neutral language in gate announcements is just one of many steps Delta is taking to ensure that its brand reflects the values of equity and respect. Whether this change will influence broader industry practices remains to be seen, but it has certainly sparked a conversation about the role of language in creating an inclusive experience for travelers.