Race Matters, Flying While Black or Brown...

Can someone tell me when did traveling to the Caribbean and/or Mexico stop being considered international travel?

* Does one not need a passport to travel to these locations?
* Do these destinations not have sovereign governments with laws of their own separate and apart from the US to which they can deny entrance to travelers at their own discretion?
* Does one not pass through customs to enter these countries?

So tell me HOW is that airlines in America have arbitrarily determined that travel to these locations is not "international" but instead "tourist" travel? Am I not a "tourist" when I travel to Miami, Las Vegas, Europe, Asia or Africa? Most air travelers travel for pleasure not business so what is the determining factor that distinguishes between international and tourist travel? I am confused, so please explain...

I am reminded that I was given the same BS explanation when it was required that I purchase a meal on my travel from Panama late last year. Now I am pretty damn certain that on both occasions, I was required to check in at the international terminal, was denied use of the self check in kiosk because I was NOT flying domestically but instead internationally and that the ticket agent would not allow me to proceed with check in until I showed her my valid passport. I'm pretty sure... So as a seasoned traveler, as before all other international flights, I have not eaten because in my confused mind, I am expecting that when I am travel to the Caribbean or Mexico, I am traveling internationally and will be fed on board. Silly me...

Customary benefits of international travel include free meals, free movies and if I am not mistaken, some variety of free adult beverages. Before the airlines realized they could gouge the consumer even further without bother from our government, it also included at least one "free bag". I could never understand why it was expected that I needed luggage and presumably a change of clothes to fly internationally but when traveling domestically I did not need luggage or had to pay for the convenience of luggage. They heard me and others so now we pay for ALL bags no matter our destination. Sorry, I digress...

The Black flight attendant on yesterday's flight is likely gagging inside as she is forced to explain her company's blatantly racist policy to a Black customer no less. She continues that because we are not "crossing the pond", our travel is not considered international. WTF? What damn pond?

Translation: "Look around you fool, this flight is filled to the rim with Black and Brown people. You are not going to Europe (across the pond) and you will not be enjoying the benefits afforded other international travelers. We want your money but owe you no respect and you in return, will endure this treatment, give us your money, keep traveling home to see your loved ones and we can count on you not to complain"...

I am appalled and deeply disturbed at even the suggestion that the industry might be openly practicing such blatant discrimination. in the interest of being open minded, I appreciate and welcome that there might be some other explanation for this policy other than traveling while Black or Brown. I am even more appalled however, that Black and Brown travelers have accepted this policy with no push back... So Somebody, Anybody, please share if you have another explanation for this blatantly different, seemingly discriminatory, practice by the airlines. I have tons of airline Friends, do chime in. This matter begs for further inquiry, so please explain.

I am listening and conclude with my favorite motto, We teach folks how to treat us...

I am in African braiding hair salon in Harlem. Goodbye Afro. The shop is shared with a Latin barber shop. Spanish music is playing in the background. The Muslim women kneel in separate corners in prayer. Other women are selling clothes, make up & food. A Brotha came in selling earrings, another toothpaste. LOL! An Asian woman came in trying to sell Black people bootleg DVDs. Go figure. A lot going on in here...

The African women are loud and spirited, as are Black American women when we gather. They are however, seemingly more animated. They laugh heartily, talk all at once and very loud. Their language is foreign. Their spirit is familiar...

Uh oh, a Black American Sistah is going off because her braids, which are BEAUTIFUL, don't "look like the picture". I understood that. LOL! My African Sistahs however are holding their own, defending their Sister and her intricate corn row work. It looks like art work. It really does. I want to defend her too but I dare not! Staying in my lane! LOL!

4.5 hours later and voila, I am done! The joint is quiet. Most have left. Two customers remain. The now pleased Black American woman and a young Latina woman who has never had braids before. Her scalp is killing her, she wonders how she will sleep tonight and tells me she has to be to work at Nordstrom Rack at 5am. Lord, she didn't say Nordstrom Rack? My weakness. I need not know that there is one here... I tell her sleep won't come easy tonight but assure her that she will be fine in a day or so...

Back into the Harlem streets. Wish I could find in this "city that never sleeps", somewhere to get a pedicure and eyebrow wax at 11pm. Not likely... I might walk home but as it is a little late, I'd better bus it...


Goodnight Folks!