I don't define chillul Hashem as the Daily Mail looking down on a practice. They look down on most of our halachos and minhagim--just it doesn't usually make the news.
+1
not saying I agree with the practice or that it is halachicly justified but following halacha is not a chillul hashem no matter how the masses view it. A chillul hashem is when you profane G-d's name by NOT following halacha... The q is, is this in line with halacha? They think yes so no matter what we say they will continue.
At least that is my understanding
As to a solution a friend was telling me about an app where you post your upcoming flights and find ppl on same flight as you and choose your seat accordingly - purpose being of course to find that cute girl, but I guess it could be used to accomplish the opposite