A non-binary individual is suing Ryanair for discrimination after being forced to choose a gender while booking a flight online. The German gender activist, who does not identify as either male or female, considers it discriminatory that Ryanair does not offer a gender-neutral option. The Irish low-cost airline is being sued for 5,000 euros in damages.

In October 2021, during an online booking from Berlin to Gran Canaria, the traveler was only allowed to choose between „Mr,” „Mrs,” or „Miss” – but not „Other.” Without selecting an option, the system generated an error message. The activist emphasized that being forced to choose violated their personal rights and stated: „Such a booking ruins my day.”

Ryanair: no legal violation, but open to a deal

The airline’s lawyer firmly rejected the accusations. The salutation was needed for the booking process, and no sensitive data was stored. Furthermore, it was a purely civil matter with no specific legal violation. The airline’s legal representative also noted that despite the alleged discrimination, the non-binary passenger made several bookings with Ryanair in 2023, 2024, and 2025.

While the airline expressed willingness to discuss the matter, its representatives pointed out that the issue goes beyond Germany and involves international standards and safety-related procedures.

The gender activist is a board member of the German Trans* Association and had previously achieved legal success in 2022 against Deutsche Bahn. The Higher Regional Court of Frankfurt awarded them 1,000 euros in damages and ordered Deutsche Bahn to introduce gender-neutral ticketing options.

It is not yet known whether the Berlin court will follow this precedent. The case has currently been suspended, suggesting the possibility of an out-of-court settlement, according to exxpress.at.

Donald Trump made it clear: there are two sexes

One of Donald Trump’s first executive orders upon taking office as president was that the federal government „only recognizes two sexes – male and female”, stressing that „these sexes cannot be changed.” Government agencies, including the US State Department, applied this directive to all government-issued identification documents, such as visas, passports, and Global Entry cards.

In line with this order, US passports will reflect the individual’s biological sex as defined in the executive order,

the State Department stated in an email to USA TODAY. It also suspended the processing any applications that request a gender marker different from the one defined in the order, including binary gender changes or requests for the „X” gender marker.

Since the 2022 Transgender Day of Visibility, a third gender option has been available for those who do not identify as male or female. Previously, applicants could select the male, female, or „X” gender marker without providing medical documentation – removing barriers for those whose birth certificates do not align with their gender identity.