Chinese Airports Introduce Gendered Security Lines

In efforts to increase efficiency, China’s Chins Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport has introduced female-only security lines at airport terminals.

Pink markers differentiate the women’s lines from the rest, serving to protect the privacy of female travelers and avoid the embarrassment of being checked by male security personnel. Women passengers can be checked by women security guards, who understand habits of female passengers, such as more luggage and jewelry.

A 15 percent increase in efficiency has already been observed, and future predictions show the women-only lanes will process approximately 150 passengers compared to 130-150 per hour in the all passenger lanes.

The airport in Shanghai features a men-only line parallel to women-only line, which is predicted to process travelers between 10 and 15 percent faster.

Women-only lines will allow for mothers and their children to pass through, regardless of gender. A question, however, is raised about whether transgender passengers will be welcomed through the pink-marked lines.

Next, maybe a way to pass through security lines without the hassle of taking off your shoes will be implemented.

Grace Williamson is a travel intern with Paste and a freelance writer based out of Athens, Georgia.