Turbulence on the Ground: What Every Traveler Needs to Know Before You Even Take Off.

Feb 28

When most people think of turbulence, they imagine the plane shaking at 35,000 feet. But after more than two decades in the air, let me tell you the truth—the real turbulence often starts long before takeoff. It happens at security checkpoints, in government decisions, in political unrest, and in unexpected global events that can leave even the most seasoned traveler feeling unsettled. And in 2026, that turbulence isn’t just in the sky, it’s on the ground.

The New Airport Reality: Security Isn’t What It Used to Be

If you haven’t traveled recently, the airport experience has changed—and not always in predictable ways. One of the biggest shifts has been around TSA policies and trusted traveler programs.

REAL ID is now required for domestic travel—no exceptions. If your ID doesn’t have that star, you won’t be allowed to board.
New screening technology is being introduced, meaning procedures may vary from airport to airport.
Even long-standing rules—like removing your shoes—have changed in some locations due to updated systems.

But what many travelers don’t realize is this:

Programs like TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are not guaranteed.

In fact, just recently, the U.S. government temporarily suspended both programs during a political standoff, only to reverse course hours later for PreCheck, while Global Entry remained suspended. That means something many of us rely on—those shorter lines, smoother entry, and less stress—can change overnight. As someone who has lived in airports for years, I tell my clients this: Never plan your airport experience on the assumption that “priority” access will always be there. Because in today’s travel climate, even convenience is conditional.

When Politics Grounds Your Plans

One of the hardest lessons for travelers to accept is this: Your trip can be affected by decisions that have nothing to do with travel. Government shutdowns, labor disputes, or geopolitical tensions can all ripple into the aviation world. When the Department of Homeland Security faced funding issues in 2026:

TSA staffing was strained
Security processes were adjusted
Trusted traveler programs were disrupted

And all of that translated into one thing for travelers: Longer lines, more uncertainty, and unexpected delays. Even when flights are still operating, the system supporting your travel may not be running at full capacity.

Stranded Before You Even Arrive: When Destinations Become Unpredictable

We often think of delays as weather-related. But some of the most serious disruptions today come from conditions on the ground at your destination. Right now, travelers heading to Mexico have experienced exactly that. Following cartel-related violence:

Tourists were told to shelter in place in several regions
Airlines canceled or diverted flights mid-air
Roadblocks and security operations made it difficult even to reach airports

In some cases, more than half of flights to certain destinations were canceled, leaving travelers stranded. Let that sink in. You can be fully packed, checked in, and on your way, and still never arrive. Or worse, you can arrive and not be able to leave. As a travel coach, I always emphasize this: Your destination is not just a place—it’s a situation. And situations can change overnight.

Closed Airspace: The Invisible Disruption

Here’s something many travelers never consider: The sky itself can be restricted. Airspace closures—whether due to security threats, military activity, or political tensions—can completely disrupt travel. Recently, flights were grounded near the U.S.–Mexico border after security concerns involving drones triggered a temporary airspace closure. Even though it lasted only hours, the impact included:

Flight cancellations
Long delays
Rerouted aircraft

And here’s what most travelers don’t see: When airspace closes, airlines must reroute flights, often along longer routes.

That means:

Higher fuel costs
Longer flight times
Reduced aircraft availability

And ultimately, higher ticket prices and fewer options for you. Airspace restrictions in places like Canada, Eastern Europe, and parts of the Middle East have already shown how quickly global routing can shift—and how that affects everyday travelers.

The Hidden Cost of Disruptions

When turbulence happens on the ground, the cost isn’t just inconvenience. It shows up in ways many travelers don’t anticipate:

Sudden price increases due to limited flights
Last-minute hotel stays due to cancellations
Missed connections that cascade through your itinerary
Non-refundable bookings lost to circumstances beyond your control

And perhaps most important: Your time and peace of mind. Because nothing disrupts a trip faster than uncertainty.

What Experienced Travelers Know (That Others Don’t)

After 23+ years as a flight attendant, here is what I have learned: Travel is no longer just about packing your bags.

It’s about preparing for the unexpected. Here’s how I navigate today’s travel environment:

1. Always Have a Backup Plan

If your flight cancels, what’s your next move? Know your options before you need them.

2. Stay Informed in Real Time

Check:

Airline alerts
Government advisories
Airport updates

Not just before your trip—but during it.

3. Book Smart, Not Just Cheap

Flexible tickets and travel insurance are no longer luxuries—they’re essentials.

4. Arrive Earlier Than You Think

With changing TSA procedures, what used to be “enough time” may no longer be.

5. Think Beyond the Destination

Ask yourself: What is happening in this region right now? Because awareness is part of modern travel.

Final Thoughts: Travel with Wisdom, Not Fear

Let me be clear—this is not about fear. It’s about awareness. Because even with all the changes, disruptions, and uncertainty. Travel is still one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves. But in this season, it requires something different: Preparation. Flexibility. Discernment. The world is still waiting for you. Just make sure you’re ready—not only for the journey in the sky, but for the turbulence on the ground. As travelers of color, we have always moved through the world with an extra layer of awareness—and that awareness is a strength. It teaches us to be prepared, to stay informed, and to move with intention. And in this evolving travel landscape, that mindset isn’t just valuable. It’s powerful.

If this helped you think differently about your travel plans, share it with someone who needs to see it. And if you want more real, experience-driven travel guidance—from standby to luxury— Have them subscribe to EbonyTravelers for weekly insights that can help them travel smarter, safer, and with confidence.

Download your EbonyTravelers Travel Disruption Checklist and travel with confidence—every step of the journey.