Virgin Australia rethink seating policy of not allowing men to sit next to children on flights
Virgin Australia has said it will review its controversial policy of not allowing men to sit next to unaccompanied children on flights.
The airline announced the decision following criticism of the policy after a Sydney fireman was asked to change seats because he was sat between two unaccompanied boys.
Johnny McGirr was on a flight from Brisbane sitting next to the boys - aged about 8 and ten - when a flight attendant asked him to move.
![Change: Virgin Australia has said it will review its controversial policy of not allowing men to sit next to unaccompanied children on flights](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/08/12/article-2187371-14843BCD000005DC-315_468x286.jpg)
Change: Virgin Australia has said it will review its controversial policy of not allowing men to sit next to unaccompanied children on flights
She told him it was policy not to allow men to sit by unaccompanied children.
According to the Brisbane Times, the attendant then asked a fellow female passenger: 'Can you please sit in this seat because he is not allowed to sit next to minors.'
Mr McGirr told the newspaper: 'After that I got really embarrassed because she didn't even explain.
'I just got up and shook my head a little, trying to get some dignity out of the situation.'
![Furious: Johnny McGirr, pictured, was on a flight from Brisbane sitting next to the boys - aged about 8 and ten - when a flight attendant asked him to move](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/08/12/article-2187371-14843BD6000005DC-314_468x286.jpg)
Furious: Johnny McGirr, pictured, was on a flight from Brisbane sitting next to the boys - aged about 8 and ten - when a flight attendant asked him to move
The incident has provoked a storm of criticism, with some claiming that a policy formed on the basis of stereotypes of men could be in breach of discrimination laws.
According to the Huffington Post, in a blog post on Friday, Virgin Australia said it understands the concerns raised about the policy - which had been in place for some time and is based on customer feedback.
It added: 'In light of recent feedback, we’re now reviewing this policy.'
Virgin has said the policy is also shared by Qantas, Jetstar and Air New Zealand.
Mr McGirr suggested that Virgin should ask parents to buy a seat next to the child so it is left empty or have staff members sit with unaccompanied children for flights.
Most watched News videos
- Robert Buckland speaks after losing his Swindon South seat to Labour
- PM Keir Starmer and Labour members arrive for cabinet appointment
- 'You have no remorse': Judge sentences Lucy Letby to life in prison
- 'Let's get the party started!': Carol Vorderman reacts to exit polls
- Former Prime Minister Liz Truss LOSES her seat in General Election
- Jacob Rees-Mogg concedes defeat as Labour swoops down on seat
- King Charles arrives at Buckingham Palace to meet Sunak and Starmer
- Penny Mordaunt loses Portsmouth North seat to Labour
- Jeremy Hunt leaves 11 Downing St for last time with wife and kids
- Cooper says the new government has inherited a 'difficult legacy'
- Labour's new Foreign Secretary David Lammy speaks about Gaza
- Explosive exit poll result shows Labour on track for huge majority