How a small menu triggered a big debate
Anyone wanting to book a flight with Ryanair recently will quickly notice that something has changed. And not in the prices, but where you least expect it - in the drop-down menu for salutations. Until recently, you had the choice between "Mr.", "Mrs." and - it's hard to believe - "Miss". For many, this was an old habit, for others a real problem.
Especially for René Rain Hornstein, who identifies as non-binary. In other words, neither clearly male nor female. When Hornstein wanted to book his flight to Mallorca in 2021, the anticipation of sun and sangria ended in frustration: no suitable form of address in the system. No "diverse", no "no specification". For Hornstein, this was clear discrimination - and an attack on his personal rights.
Why Ryanair suddenly saw a need for action
The case ended up before the Berlin Regional Court. Hornstein's claim: 5,000 euros in compensation for pain and suffering. His reasoning: The airline had violated the General Equal Treatment Act (AGG). What initially looks like a minor online error has a deeper dimension: when people feel excluded by technical systems, it's not just "bad luck", but a real social problem.
But even before a verdict was reached, Ryanair and Hornstein reached an out-of-court settlement. What exactly was agreed? Not disclosed. But financial compensation is common in such cases. And the probably even more valuable bonus: Ryanair has adapted its booking system - there is now more choice in the form of address.
A small click with a big effect
For many travelers, the salutation when booking a flight may be secondary. For others, it is an expression of recognition and respect. Anyone who is constantly caught between two stools in everyday life is happy about every digital corner where they feel seen. Ryanair has understood - or had to understand.
The debate shows: Even companies with millions of customers can no longer hide behind outdated standards. Society is becoming more diverse - and the internet must follow suit. What used to be dismissed as a "trifle" is now a touchstone for dealing with human rights in the digital space.
High time for something to happen
Let's be clear: the fact that a major airline is still offering "Fräulein" as an option in 2021 seems out of date - almost embarrassing. And the fact that it takes a lawsuit to get things moving shows how far some companies are lagging behind social reality.
Ryanair was lucky that the case ended without a judgment - a real court ruling might have caused even more of a stir. But it is also clear that the case shows how much power a single click can have. And how much courage it takes to claim it.
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