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We often fall back on really out-of-date stereotypes, like that the majority of all journalists are men, or that Tom Cruise is a good actor. One of them — that, unless it's spring break, airline passengers are primarily businessmen — is being directly challenged by American Airlines.
By "directly challenged" we mean that the airline would not have launched a website targeting women if they weren't crucial passengers. And they are. The website is a resource to keep all travelers who are women "connected," i.e. providing targeted information about flights, rewards, destinations, etc. It is included in a broader initiative to improve customer service, which also means for women that the airline is looking into lower storage bins and adding children's playrooms to airport lounges. And hopefully travel information to other customers so they know not to go near said lounges.
There are a few things about the website that seem a bit odd, though, like sections on "Girlfriend Getaways" and the list of books under "Book Recommendations." Not that these things are bad, but it does start to feel a little 13-year-old slumber party now and then, especially considering the fact that there aren't any airline websites targeting men. But, hey, who are we to argue? If women travelers demand to know what charities the airline donates to before they fly, so be it.
Incidentally, we don't believe any of the stereotypes we listed in the first paragraph. Especially the one about Tom Cruise.
Image via nationalmuseum.af.mil.
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"...especially considering the fact that there aren't any airline websites targeting men"
Someone never heard of "Hooters Air". OK, it's defunct now, but still.
And since when is childcare and reading the domain of women?
wow, that website is incredibly condescending. If I were a woman, I'd be pissed.
Doesn't it bother you that AA thinks so little of your intelligence that they think that you would be more likely to fly with them because of "girlfriend getaways!"
As a woman, I think there's generally nothing worse than women-targeted media: Web sites, magazines, cable channels. It's all the same stuff--how to look better, how to tell if your significant other is cheating on you, what they really mean when they say "x". It's all crap. I am about more than my spouse, fashion and whether I groom appropriately.
I don't really get why our travel needs are different than men's. Would they have this on a men's-targeted site? "...pick up tips for a stylish and efficient travel wardrobe." No, they wouldn't.
Treat me as an equal, for christ's sake.
I totally agree, Bekki. I am perfectly capable of planning my own trips without AA telling me where I might want to go. I am perfectly capable of choosing reading material, and as it happens, having two X chromosomes doesn't automatically make me want to read the Shopaholic series.
It also doesn't make me want to watch made-for-television movies about women betrayed, various diseases of the week, or murderous sorority sister. UGH, gross.
what an ass for a face you are!
the Cruise comment was disgusting.
Cruise is a GREAT actor,everyone knows that
You really suck bad. What a bitchy behavior, put your feeling aside idiot.
Two Words for you, hn1:
"Vanilla Sky"
I know a lot of women in other parts of the country that would love this kind of thing--like all the women who worship Oprah. You may not like it, but women still do the majority of child care and travelling with children. Elderly widows who are retired travel a lot with their girlfriends. This is smart marketing.
Agree with Bekki. This website was a waste of money. Is it really going to convince women to fly more or even to fly with AA when they do? I doubt it.