Work Travel Archives - EbonyTravelers | Tips From The Experienced Traveler

Have you ever considered moving to another country?

by Donna Hunter, PhD | Feb 6, 2022 | 0 comments

As an immigrant and having been a Singapore ex-pat, it’s not unusual for me to consider moving to another country. While living in Singapore I met and was embraced by many other wonderful African Americans from all over the world. Leaving my Singapore friends back in 2014 to return to the US, was a bittersweet time. Historically you can think of James Baldwin or Josephine Baker, to name just two of the famous black Americans who chose to live their lives overseas. In recent years the term “Blaxit” has become a familiar concept amongst African Americans considering the possibility of living their lives abroad, free from the racism and oppression they face in America. Here are a few realities for Americans who might consider leaving the US to live abroad.

Is the grass greener on the other side?

As fascinating as the concept of Blaxit is, the first step on this journey is to get a passport. I have heard many people talk about living abroad but do not even have a US passport. Additionally, if you don’t have a passport, it means you’ve likely never traveled internationally. How will you know if the destination you are seeking to move to even fits the imagined concepts that you have? Before anyone thinks about leaving the country, I think they should first get some international travel experience to see if the grass is indeed greener on the other side.

Ways to move abroad.

For those who manage to pass the first hurdle the Blaxit process, there are several ways to start the Blaxit journey. Historically, many black Americans have been exposed to living abroad from an overseas military assignment. Many more options are now available such as a student, a government assignment, an employee of a multinational firm, or simply packing up and leaving the country.

Paperwork.

Whatever option you choose, know that a lot of paperwork needs to be completed. Many countries will allow you to visit as a tourist without a visa, but you are often allowed only a certain number of days to stay in the country. After those allotted days and you are still in the country, you will have overstayed your visit and be subject to whatever penalties the country sets. Those penalties could include jail time or a lifetime ban from the country.

Finding work abroad.

If you do not have the income to support your moving choices, you will have to find work. Working overseas is not as simple as applying for a job. Many jobs are reserved for citizens and not immigrants. If you find a job, you will have to obtain a work permit unless you become a citizen. Becoming a citizen is not a simple process as you may have to give up citizenship or become a dual citizen. In some cases, even though you are living abroad, you are still liable for US taxes.

Overall, the Blaxit decision is not an easy one, and there are many more considerations that must be made. There is no simple checklist of things you need to do to move abroad. Careful consideration and a broad review of the paperwork and fees required to complete the process are necessary and individualized. Be informed before considering Blaxit. Have you ever considered living overseas? Please let me know in the comment section below.

No retirement regrets

by Donna Hunter, PhD | Nov 3, 2021 | 0 comments

Since retiring from my flight attendant career, my most asked question is, do I miss it? I do, but not in the way most people expect. My flight attendant career gave me some of the most incredible memories of my life. However, as I think about the job and the realities that flight attendants face now, I have no regrets about leaving the career.

Recently, a flight attendant was assaulted on an American Airlines flight and may have had her nose broken. The assailant claimed that the flight attendant “hit her nose against the palm of his right hand” and claimed he had “psychological damage from the injury.” I have read and listened to stories about the incident, but few from the flight attendant’s perspective involved or any other flight attendant’s perspective.

According to reports, the issue began when the flight attendant informed the flight attendant of the Fasten seat belt sign. She was doing her job!!! Contrary to what many people think, the primary duty of a flight attendant is to save lives. They train continually and yearly for the career, guided by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules. Not advising the passenger of this obvious fact was putting her job in jeopardy.

Flight attendants, like many others, are not self-employed, and they have families and loved- ones that depend on their ability to provide. Their job is governed by the rules and regulations not only of the airline but of the FAA. Most importantly, interfering with the duties of a crewmember violates federal law. Recently the job has brought more risk than reward.

An airline ticket is valid only to and from the cities on your ticket or trip record. An airline will provide service as they see fit, and the flight crew does not determine that service. The flight crew performs the service provided by the airline. They cannot deliver items or services not provided in advance by the airline.

A flight attendant may have several flights in a day and be on several different airplanes within the same day. Sometimes their duty days are more than 10 hours, and rarely is there time to get off the aircraft and purchase food. More so, once duty starts for a flight attendant, there is usually no designated lunch break until the duty day ends.

The realities of Covid have not only increased stress for air travelers but flight crew as well. Flight crews are not provided meals in many cases, and if they are, individual dietary needs are not acknowledged. Before Covid, many airlines cut back on service, and passengers were advised to purchase food at the airport or bring their own.

The career I left provided many opportunities to travel the world. Currently, airplanes are more crowded, services are fewer, and people are more frustrated by wearing masks or being told to comply. In addition, the stress of airport security and baggage fees or allowances make the travel experience much more stressful than it ever has been.

The next time you travel, I hope you have no regrets but, more importantly, cause your flight crew to have no regrets as well.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/man-charged-after-alleged-assault-on-american-airlines-flightattendant/ar-AAQf6cP

Five things every flight attendant wants you to know.

by Donna Hunter, PhD | Jul 14, 2021 | 4 comments

There has been a significant increase in passenger disturbances in recent months. It’s important for passengers to understand the duties and responsibilities of flight attendants. There are many realities your flight attendant wishes that you knew about their job. Here are just five for you to consider.

1. The primary duty of a flight attendant is safety. The primary responsibility is to help passengers in the event of an emergency. Other responsibilities include fighting fires, first aid, and directing evacuations. Flight attendants are trained to conduct safety checks before each flight. In addition, they present safety equipment and give instructions to passengers on how to use the equipment. While trained in dealing with unruly passengers, the level of passenger aggression seen recently is beyond what most flight attendants are prepared to handle.

2. In addition to their safety duties, flight attendants provide customer service. They greet and communicate with passengers. Help them find their seats, and assist in directing passengers in how to stow their luggage. They are not bellhops and are not required to lift or carry bags for passengers. Most airlines urge their flight attendants not to lift or move heavy bags because of inflight injuries to the crew.

3. Although flight attendants at times do serve meals and beverages. They are not waiters in the sky. Serving customers comes secondary to the safety of the passengers. Many times, flight attendants are blamed for not having a particular beverage or meal. They can only serve what has been provided to them by the airline and have no idea of passengers’ wants or needs unless asked. Most importantly, however, there is no supermarket in the sky. If it is not on board the aircraft before departure, it cannot be served in flight.

4. Flight attendants are often hired for their critical thinking skills and to be problem solvers. They are not airplane police. They are, certified by the Federal Aviation Administration and are required to make sure passengers comply with federal guidelines. These guidelines include wearing seatbelts and, most recently, wearing face masks over the nose and mouth. Most passengers remove their masks after boarding and become very uncooperative and combative when prompted to follow the guidelines.

5. Most importantly, passengers should know that it is a federal offense to interfere or physically assault a flight crew member. Assaulting or intimidating a crew member can result in a felony conviction. Interfering with flight crews can result in prison time and significant fines. In addition, airlines can ban passengers from flying a particular airline.

The airline has important information on every passenger that boards their airplane. Flight crews are given some of that information. They know your mileage status, the extent of miles or money paid for your flight, and your assigned seating. Next time you fly, think a bit more about your flight attendant. Know that they are human and experience delays, disturbances, and frustrations just as you do. Be kind and give grace.

Travel preparation

by Donna Hunter, PhD | May 19, 2021 | 0 comments

You can never be too prepared for travel. There are plenty of things to consider before you travel to make your travel experience a much more pleasant one. I discussed a few ways of travel preparation in a prior blog post. Here are a few more ideas to think about before you travel.

Cell coverage

When traveling internationally, mobile phone charges can be an unexpected expense. Remember to turn off cell service roaming before you leave the country to avoid roaming charges. If you try to do this in an international destination, you may be charged for the time trying to complete the effort. Try to arrange for a global cell service plan with your carrier before you leave the country. You can often use a phone for dollars a day rather than dollars a call if you choose an international package for the duration of your time out of the country.

Notify credit card companies

Without prior approval, using your credit card in another country can be problematic. Your card can be flagged for fraud, and you may not be able to use it. To prevent this, notify your credit card company before you travel to avoid the inconvenience and embarrassment of having your credit card declined. Additionally, getting in touch with your credit card company from another country and verifying yourself will be a hassle you can avoid.

Currency exchange

Try to have some local currency before you enter the country. Currency conversion fees can differ where you choose to convert your money. Also, converting before you leave on your trip will give you an idea of the exchange rate, so you know before you go. If you plan to take local transportation, having local currency can be helpful. Knowing and understanding foreign currency also prevents you from being taken advantage of as an unaware tourist.

ATM fees

Using an ATM in a different country can be expensive with built-in foreign conversion fees and daily changing exchange rates. Research what bank or system your bank card or credit card is affiliated with before you go so you can avoid unnecessary expenses.

Carry small currency

Having local or foreign currency in small denominations can be a lifesaver when you arrive at an international destination. Some businesses and people will prefer the US or other foreign currency rather due to instability with their currency. It is also safer to have cash in small denominations than trying to get the correct change back in your own or foreign currency.

Have you had any unexpected hiccups with forgetting to plan for international travel? I’d like to know.

Travel and organization

by Donna Hunter, PhD | May 8, 2021 | 0 comments

For the savvy traveler, planning and organizing a trip is an absolute must for a great travel experience. Numerous things can go wrong and are not in your control when you’re traveling. However, there are ways to make your travel experience less stressful, and organization is critical. Here are a few things to think about before your next trip and why it’s essential to keep all your travel organized.

Reservation numbers and ticket numbers, although similar, can be crucial information if you’ve purchased your tickets through a third party. Not all airlines use the same system, and while knowing your reservation number, which is a six-digit alphanumeric number, is helpful. Some airlines require a ticket number that usually is at least ten numerical digits or more. Travelers can find both numbers on their itinerary, but many often overlook the actual ticket number.

Before you pack, think about your travel plans and what you will need on your travels rather than what you may want to carry. Many travelers equate tropical destinations with all warm-weather clothing. In reality, evenings can get cool, and while beaches are warm during the day, some can get rather breezy and cold at night. Packing lists can be beneficial to remind you to pack what you need for a trip and handy in not forgetting your items when packing to return.

There are many methods of packing. Some travelers prefer folding or rolling their clothing, while others insist on using packing cubes to get the best use of luggage space. Each method is as good as the next, but familiarizing yourself with the different packing styles can be helpful when organizing your packing for a trip.

Planning and knowing your essentials can make traveling a much more pleasant experience. Having a travel first aid kit can be handy if you feel unwell during a trip. Unplanned issues like having a headache or stomachache often occur, so having pain relievers convenient can be essential. For some, a change of clothes is helpful, especially if you’ve ever arrived at your destination and find your luggage missing. Thinking ahead of what’s important during your trip will help you plan and pack your carry-on items with the essentials.

Other things to consider are books, magazines, or games to entertain yourself. A light jacket or travel blanket is helpful as many airlines no longer offer blankets as amenities on many flights. Additionally, pilots usually make aircraft temperature adjustments, and individual body temperatures are always different. Another excellent organization tool is a travel wallet with your passport, ID, and copies of your airline, hotel, or car rental itineraries, and travel and credit cards. Having one can be another great way to have your travel plans organized and accessible.

Have you used any of these organizing ideas? Are there any others you have used? I’d like to know.