Spring Airlines drew criticism in China after advertising for “air aunties,” a term seen as sexist and ageist.
In China, a low-cost carrier is facing backlash after it advertised flight attendant roles as “air aunties.”
Spring Airlines, the country’s first budget airline, said in late October that it was seeking female flight attendants between 25 and 40 years old, preferably those who are married or have children. The airline plans to hire between 30 and 60 women with a bachelor’s degree, a height between 162 and 174 centimeters (5-foot-3-inches to 5-foot-7-inches), and experience in hospitality. The roles are based in Shanghai and Lanzhou and come as the airline looks to expand its services.
So far, so good? The problem arose when a recruiter described the applicants as “air aunties” who would bring more empathy and life experience and better care for elderly passengers and children.
The reference to “aunties” did not go over well in China. Social media users criticized the wording, which many saw as referring to older women. In many parts of Asia, the term “aunty” refers not just to relatives but to older women in general—and is often viewed as a sexist or ageist put-down. The Hong Kong–based South China Morning Post reported that one user wrote on Chinese social media, “The word auntie carries a heavy family tone. It makes people think of traditional housewives taking care of husbands and kids.”
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However, the airline responded that it meant no offense. A representative explained, “We wanted to distinguish them from unmarried applicants. Their duties, pay and career paths are the same as any other flight attendant.”
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It also said the term “air aunties” originally referred to women textile workers who were hired by airlines in the 1990s after being laid off. Spring Airlines employs 88 “air aunties,” most of whom now hold management roles. The airline also offers discounted training fees for older applicants. One “air aunty” interviewed said they have an advantage over new graduates. “We have worked before, raised kids and cared for elders. We also naturally take on the big-sister role in the team.”
It’s unclear whether the airline also hires older male attendants.
Bad Reputation
Spring Airlines isn’t the only carrier to face public criticism.
Airlines around the world are earning bad reputations for upcharging customers, cramming seats, and overselling lounges. Canadian low-cost airline WestJet drew outrage when it introduced an UltraBasic fare with no frills—not even a carry-on. Irish budget carrier Ryanair, another frequent offender, was criticized for charging $62 for a bottle earlier this year.
Related: Ryanair to Some Flight Crew: Give Us Back Your Salary Raise
Major U.S. airlines are also struggling with public image problems.
Much to travelers’ frustration, Southwest Airlines recently rolled back several perks, including free bags and open seating. It also updated its refund policy for extra seats, affecting plus-size passengers, and restricted lithium-ion batteries, which impacts wheelchair users. Airlines have long been accused of damaging wheelchairs; the Department of Transportation fined American Airlines $50 million last year for its treatment of passengers with disabilities.
Meanwhile, United Airlines and American Airlines are both facing multiple lawsuits. Earlier this year, United was sued by former employees, while passengers filed cases against American Airlines alleging discrimination and misconduct.
With shrinking seats, vanishing perks, and less rewarding points, travelers are questioning airline loyalty programs and how much their status really matters in 2025. Following aviation news also reveals that U.S. airlines lobbied against Biden-era passenger protections—and that the Trump administration ultimately dropped compensation requirements this year.
