Travelers, Of Course...

Stating such a move may boost annual revenue by $94 million, American Airlines said this week it will tailor some of its services exclusively to the growing number of female travelers.

"We obviously have a vast interest in women," Peggy Sterling, vice president of safety, security, and environmental for American's parent company, AMR, told Reuters. "There is an untapped resource."

To that end, the world's largest airline unveiled a new website, intended to increase the number of women booking flights on the carrier by two percent or more, Sterling said. The website sports articles catered to women, as well as travel and security tips.

Changes will also be implemented to American's planes and travel clubs. Some of those changes, such as lower overhead storage bins recently introduced on American's 767-300 fleet, will benefit both sexes... but the changes were made specifically with women in mind.

Women are also encouraged to provide American with feedback on the changes, as well as suggestions for further improvements.

Such a move, while perhaps a tad unorthodox, isn't unprecedented. Airlines have made several changes in recent years, all in an effort to differentiate their services from other carriers (while also squeezing every last penny out of their passengers, on items such as food and blankets -- Ed.)

American already has two other dedicated websites -- one catering to Spanish-speaking travelers, the other catering to gay and lesbian passengers.

Air travel analyst Terry Trippler says more airlines will likely follow American's lead.

"You turn over every stone. We'll see a lot of this happening," said Trippler. "Right now competition is stiff out there. It's going to get a lot tougher."

FMI: www.aa.com/women