Table of Contents
- New Federal Rule Sparks Confusion
- Impact on Nonbinary and Gender-Diverse Travelers
- Why the Change? Security or Setback?
- How Airlines Are Responding
- What Travelers Should Know
- Sources
New Federal Rule Sparks Confusion
In a move that’s drawing sharp criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates, the U.S. Department of Transportation has issued a directive requiring airlines to override the gender-neutral “X” marker on U.S. passports and instead input “M” or “F” into their internal reservation and security systems.
Although passports with an “X” gender designation remain fully valid for international travel—introduced in 2022 as a milestone for nonbinary, intersex, and gender-nonconforming Americans—the new rule effectively erases that identity at the airline level.
Impact on Nonbinary and Gender-Diverse Travelers
For travelers who spent years advocating for legal recognition of their gender identity, the policy feels like a step backward. “It’s not just bureaucratic—it’s deeply personal,” said Taylor Reyes, a nonbinary educator from Portland who recently flew to Washington, D.C. “Seeing my boarding pass labeled ‘F’ when my passport clearly says ‘X’ made me feel invisible—and unsafe.”
Advocacy groups warn the mismatch could lead to delays, questioning by TSA agents, or even denied boarding if airline records don’t align with government databases.
Why the Change? Security or Setback?
According to internal guidance obtained by The New York Times, the rule stems from compatibility issues with legacy systems used by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which currently do not support the “X” designation in their Secure Flight and Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) protocols.
Officials claim the change is temporary and technical—not ideological—but critics argue that framing it as a “system limitation” ignores the real-world harm it causes.
How Airlines Are Responding
Major carriers like Delta, American, and United have begun updating their booking systems to comply. When a passenger presents an “X” passport, airline staff are instructed to select “M” or “F” based on visual assessment or prior travel history—a practice many call invasive and arbitrary.
Some airlines are adding internal notes to flag the discrepancy, but there’s no standardized approach, leading to inconsistent experiences across carriers.
What Travelers Should Know
- Your “X” passport is still valid for all international travel.
- Airlines may assign “M” or “F” in their systems regardless of your passport.
- Carry additional ID if possible (e.g., state-issued “X” driver’s license).
- Report discrepancies or discrimination to the DOT Air Travel Complaint Portal.
