Ageism at the Airport

I am an older woman traveling alone and in France for research on my third book in the “Women with Wisdom Series,” available on Amazon.com and other bookstores. I am also a Gerontologist with expertise in aging with developmental disabilities, specifically in dementia capable care, one of maybe 100 in the world with this expertise.

By Air France’s standards and values, I am an invisible old woman, unworthy of respect or honoring of my time as valuable. I have not once, but twice now, on this trip, been determined to be not as worthy as a businessman or a family might be, of boarding for the prepaid flight or even with the boarding pass in hand. Twice now I have been denied simple boarding for a prepaid flight.

Once, supposedly because I did not get my boarding pass in time, even though I was in air from the United States without the capacity to obtain the boarding pass. The second time, I had obtained the boarding pass within minutes of eligibility. According to the very auspicious and uncaring desk attendant, she would do nothing because I did not have an “identified connecting flight.” Each time the delay has cost me anxiety, money to pay for a room, and the loss of preplanned time with friends and colleagues. This time for me was invaluable, though not recognized by Air France to be other than the whim of an old woman.

Middle Aged and older women need to be concerned that airlines like Air France discriminate based on lack of companionship on the flight or apparent economic value for the travel by older women. Misogyny is apparent and unwarranted as older women have more discretionary funds and time/interest to explore areas of the world. Middle aged and older women need to protest this treatment by airlines and other business entities that decide who is valuable in the world.

Together we can make a difference. I value each of you and hope to help all of us together to make a difference.

Love,
Mary Kathleen McKenna, a.ka. Kathie Bishop
Author, Activist, Gerontologist