Why Travel Feels So Chaotic Right Now: An EbonyTravelers Perspective.
If you’ve been traveling recently, or even planning to, you’ve probably noticed the chaos creeping in—long lines, delayed flights, unexpected fees, and more frustration than freedom. As someone who has spent over twenty years as an international flight attendant and now travels full-time with a deep awareness of what it means to move through the world as a Black woman, I’ve seen travel at its smoothest, and now, at its most unpredictable.
Travel isn’t what it used to be—and for many of us, especially travelers of color, that disruption is layered. Here are five major reasons travel feels more chaotic than ever, and how we as EbonyTravelers can navigate it with grace, clarity, and confidence.
The Demand Is Back—But the Industry Isn’t Ready
Since the world reopened after the pandemic, everyone wants to go everywhere. The problem? The industry isn’t ready for that kind of demand. Airlines are operating with reduced flight schedules and skeleton crews. Airports are understaffed. Hotels are full but short on service. Many seasoned workers—especially in aviation—left the industry for good. What we’re seeing now are new hires trying to manage global volume without the years of experience that come with it.
For travelers of color, this instability can be even more jarring. When systems break down, we often have to advocate twice as hard for the service others receive without question. It’s not just frustrating—it’s emotionally draining. That’s why I always tell my community to arrive early, document everything, and don’t hesitate to speak up if something feels off. Being informed is part of traveling safely and confidently.
Social Media Is Distorting the Travel Experience
Let’s be honest—social media has reshaped travel in both beautiful and challenging ways. On one hand, it’s allowed Black travelers to be seen, to share our stories, and to connect with global communities. On the other hand, it’s created unrealistic expectations. Everyone wants the perfect shot, the viral destination, the curated moment. However, what’s not shown are the long lines, overtourism, and the burnout behind the scenes.
As a Black woman, I often feel the pressure to represent—whether I want to or not. Sometimes it feels like we’re not just traveling, we’re proving something. That we belong. That we’ve “made it.” That we’re worthy of the moment. However, actual travel—the kind that transforms—isn’t for the ‘gram. It’s for the soul. Let your travel be meaningful, not performative. Choose peace over perfection, and joy over trends.
Everything Costs More—But You’re Getting Less
If it feels like your travel budget doesn’t stretch as far these days, it’s because it doesn’t. Between rising fuel prices, inflation, and high demand, the cost of flights, hotels, and even travel insurance has skyrocketed. Yet you’re not receiving premium treatment. Airlines have cut back on in-flight services, hotels are skimping on housekeeping, and perks once included in your loyalty status now come with a price tag.
As a Black traveler, this hits differently. Even when we pay for a premium, we’re often not perceived as such. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to ask for the same upgrades or amenities that others received automatically. The bias isn’t always overt—but it’s there. That’s why it’s important not just to book wisely, but to track and assert the value of what you’ve paid for.
Shifting Global Rules and Travel Tensions
Today’s travel environment is shaped by more than just planes and prices—it’s impacted by global politics, extreme weather, health alerts, and shifting international policies. Entry requirements change overnight. New visa systems are in place in regions like Europe. Real ID deadlines are tightening. Biometric tracking is becoming increasingly common at borders. It’s a lot to keep up with—and not knowing the rules can mean denied boarding or detainment at the border.
For Black travelers, this adds another layer of vulnerability. From TSA pat-downs to immigration questions, we’re often subject to heightened scrutiny. It’s not just about having the correct documents—it’s about knowing how to protect your dignity in the process. Always travel with backups (both digital and physical), know your rights, and don’t hesitate to ask for a supervisor if something feels unjust.
Technology Is Replacing Humanity
We live in a world where your boarding pass, hotel key, and dinner reservation all live in your phone. That’s convenient—until it’s not. When your flight is canceled or your hotel “can’t find” your booking, you may find yourself stuck in an endless loop of bots, disconnected help lines, and vague policies. In the past, a gate agent or front desk clerk could help resolve an issue. Now, you’re lucky if you can speak to a human at all.
For travelers of color, the lack of human interaction can mean fewer opportunities to advocate for themselves. It’s hard to correct a biased judgment call when there’s no one to talk to. That’s why I always advise my fellow EbonyTravelers to screenshot everything: confirmation numbers, email threads, even chat logs. If you need to escalate, you want to be calm, clear, and documented.
Yes, travel feels chaotic right now. But for many of us, it always has. We’ve navigated cultural barriers, microaggressions, and systemic challenges long before this new wave of turbulence. And yet—we keep going. We keep exploring. We keep making space. Because the world isn’t just theirs. It’s ours too. So take your time. Plan with intention. Travel boldly and softly at the same time. And remember: you don’t have to prove you belong. You already do.
