u.s. travel jobs

10 Best Jobs That Allow You to Travel

These best travel jobs allow you to build a fulfilling career while traveling domestically or internationally.

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Satisfy your wanderlust with these travel jobs.

Getting a 9-to-5 job doesn't mean you have to put your dream of traveling the world on hold. Many professions nowadays not only provide financial stability but offer the exciting perk of frequent travel. Let's explore some of the best jobs that allow you to build a fulfilling career while satiating your wanderlust.

We've taken the top travel jobs from the U.S. News 100 Best Jobs rankings. These jobs are described by the Bureau of Labor Statistics as having a travel component.

10. Cartographer

Median salary: $71,890 Expected job growth by 2032: 5%

Cartographers collect data to create detailed geographic maps. They use advanced tools like geographic information systems, or GIS, for spatial analysis, ensuring accuracy in representing terrain, features and other information. Although cartographers spend much of their time in offices, specific jobs may require extensive travel to locations that are being mapped.

Learn more about cartographers .

(Caiaimage | Paul Bradbury

9. Public Relations Specialist

Median salary: $67,440 Expected job growth by 2032: 6%

Public relations specialists' main job is to generate positive publicity for their clients and help them maintain a good reputation. They can work in various industries, including corporate, government, nonprofit or agency settings. As a public relations specialist, you may travel often to engage with the media, attend events and build relationships with stakeholders.

Learn more about public relations specialists .

8. Construction Manager

Median salary: $101,480 Expected job growth by 2032: 5%

Construction managers oversee construction projects from start to finish, collaborating with architects, engineers and contractors to ensure projects adhere to budgets, timelines and quality standards. Since construction managers often manage several projects simultaneously, they may need to frequently travel among sites.

Learn more about construction managers .

7. Sports Coach

Median salary: $44,890 Expected job growth by 2032: 9%

Sports coaches help athletes develop to their full potential and reach maximum performance. The travel frequency for sports coaches, especially in major leagues like the NFL and NBA, is high. These coaches often accompany their teams to away games in different states, which means they spend lots of time on the road.

Learn more about sports coaches .

6. Flight Attendant

Median salary: $63,760 Expected job growth by 2032: 11%

Flight attendants travel wherever an aircraft goes, ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers. They also communicate with pilots regarding flight details and cabin conditions.

Flight attendants' travel frequency depends on factors such as their seniority and the airline's scheduling policies. Junior flight attendants often have less control over their schedules and may work more weekends and holidays.

Learn more about flight attendants .

(Getty Images) |

5. Sales Manager

Median salary: $130,600 Expected job growth by 2032: 4%

Sales managers are responsible for directing an organization’s sales team. Some of their duties may include setting sales goals, analyzing data, developing training programs for sales representative and addressing any changes necessary to meet customer needs. Depending on the company, sales managers may have to travel to national, regional or local offices and attend in-person customer meetings.

Learn more about sales managers .

4. Operations Research Analyst

Median salary: $85,720 Expected job growth by 2032: 23%

Operations research analysts use advanced techniques, such as data mining and mathematical modeling, to develop solutions that help organizations operate more efficiently. They help businesses solve a wide range of problems, including supply chain optimization, production planning and inventory management.

Although operations research analysts typically spend their time in offices, they may travel occasionally to meet with clients.

Learn more about operations research analysts .

3. Management Analyst

Median salary: $95,290 Expected job growth by 2032: 10%

Management analysts, also known as management consultants, are experts who specialize in helping companies improve efficiency and increase profits. How often management analysts travel depends on the company they work for and their current projects. However, those who pursue a career in management consulting can expect to travel quite frequently to meet with clients.

Learn more about management analysts .

2. Marketing Manager

Median salary: $140,040 Expected job growth by 2032: 7%

Marketing managers gauge the demand for a product and help develop a marketing strategy that fits. Depending on their company’s needs, marketing managers may travel throughout the country or worldwide to meet with clients and attend conferences.

Learn more about marketing managers .

Median salary: $113,990 Expected job growth by 2032: 23%

Actuaries assess and manage financial risks using mathematical and statistical models. They often work in industries such as insurance, finance and retirement planning, determining the likelihood of events and their financial impacts.

Travel frequency for actuaries varies depending on the employer and their specific job role, but some may travel occasionally to attend meetings or meet with clients.

Learn more about actuaries .

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The Future of the American Travel Workforce

Staff shortages continue to trouble hotels, restaurants, airports, and more—but this could be an opportunity to rebuild a more diverse, dynamic travel industry..

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Where have all the workers gone?

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Editor’s note: This is one in a series of op-eds for AFAR by Roger Dow, president and CEO of U.S. Travel Association , the Washington, D.C.-based organization representing all segments of travel in America. U.S. Travel’s mission is to increase travel to and within the United States.

It’s a big week for the U.S. travel industry: This is National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW, May 1–7, 2022), a sort-of annual reunion of travel professionals across the United States to reflect on the year past—celebrating what the industry accomplished—and plan for the future.

There is much to celebrate: While international and business travel are still down, domestic leisure travel has nearly fully recovered to prepandemic levels.

While we’ll continue to work toward recovery, we know we can’t go back to the way things were. Effecting real change is largely dependent on our industry’s ability to rebuild and retain a diverse and dynamic workforce.

Through a fresh vision emerging from the pandemic years, America’s travel industry is preparing for a future that will be more sustainable, innovative, and secure.

A moment to rebuild

Employment statistics have been sobering: There were more jobs lost in travel and hospitality than in any other sector. The Leisure and Hospitality (L&H) sector alone accounted for 11 percent of prepandemic U.S. employment but represented a staggering 93 percent of all jobs lost as of March 2022.

While this is clearly a setback, it also presents an opportunity to rebuild to become more competitive with other industries. The travel industry generates good, well-paying jobs that provide stability and upward mobility to families in every pocket of America. Our industry can offer extremely competitive wages, which is crucial to rebuilding the travel workforce. In fact, average hourly earnings for L&H employees were 20 percent above 2019 levels in March —greater than the 14 percent increase for the private sector overall.

A path for upward mobility

This is also an industry in which workers can truly move up the ladder and gain valuable skills along the way. Travel builds a robust pipeline of talent through apprenticeships, mentoring, and hospitality management training programs. These efforts equip hospitality leaders with next-generation skills that instill a sense of purpose and mission.

I know this because I have directly experienced the tremendous upward mobility this industry creates. I took my first job as a pool manager at a Marriott hotel in 1966, then moved up through housekeeping and into sales. From there, I led sales and marketing jobs at hotels in 12 different cities before joining Marriott’s corporate headquarters in 1983 as head of marketing. Ten years later, an opportunity emerged to lead Marriott’s 10,000-person-strong global sales team. That first job I had at Marriott led me to a decades-long career built on invaluable and highly transferable skills.

So, how do we ensure others can benefit similarly from a career in travel?

Show workers the opportunities in travel jobs

The U.S. travel industry must do more to showcase this phenomenal industry to job seekers. As of November 2021, the labor force participation rate was nearly 62 percent—equating to 2.4 million fewer Americans in the workforce than at the same time in 2019.

While this is troubling news, it presents a unique opportunity. The travel industry is a supportive bridge for Americans looking to re-enter the workforce in a dynamic economy. When we are recruiting for new talent, we must convey to job seekers that travel jobs are highly accessible and flexible. Many entry-level workers can find work in travel—as front desk staff, housekeepers, lifeguards, and more. These jobs offer the much-needed training to cultivate essential soft skills, such as communication, dedication, confidence, leadership, flexibility, customer service, and problem-solving.

U.S. Travel Association recently forged a partnership with Tourism Diversity Matters to help attract a more diverse workforce and foster these skills. Tourism Diversity Matters was founded in 2021 to address the gaps of ethnic disparities within the tourism and events industry to engage, recruit, and retain a diverse workforce. Specifically, Tourism Diversity Matters leads an apprenticeship program that engages underrepresented college students by providing hands-on experience in tourism and hospitality. Training workers to be more productive and prosperous in the workplace doesn’t just serve the individuals—it will also benefit employers and the communities they serve.

Looking to the future

This National Travel and Tourism Week, I am proud to join colleagues across the country in envisioning the bright future and limitless opportunities for travel’s next generation. Travelers and the U.S. travel industry have endured so much during the pandemic, but this is a chance to reimagine the industry to be more dynamic, resilient, and forward-looking than before the public health crisis. It all starts with building a diverse and talented workforce.

>>Next: The Future of Hospitality Is . . .

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Wander With Alex

Travel Jobs: Explore the World While Getting Paid

Posted: June 14, 2023 | Last updated: January 30, 2024

Flight Attendant

Flight attendants travel extensively as part of their job, visiting various destinations around the world. Becoming a flight attendant requires a unique set of skills, qualities, and dedication. Apart from meeting the basic requirements such as age, education, and language proficiency, aspiring flight attendants must possess exceptional customer service skills and a genuine passion for helping others. Salary estimates for flight attendants range from $37,690 to $97,170.

Travel Bloggers/Vloggers

Travel bloggers and vloggers are content creators who document their travel experiences and share them with their audience through various online platforms such as blogs, YouTube, Instagram, and social media. Income is highly variable, typically generated through sponsorships, advertising, and collaborations. Income can range from part-time income to six figures or more.

Cruise Ship Staff

Cruise ship workers typically live and work onboard the ship for extended periods, often in shared accommodations. One of the major perks of working on a cruise ship is the opportunity to travel to various destinations around the world. Crew members can explore different ports of call during their time off and experience diverse cultures and sights. Salaries can vary greatly depending on the position, cruise line, and tips.

Teach English Abroad

Teaching English as a foreign language in different countries allows you to immerse yourself in new cultures while earning a living. One popular program is the Teach English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certification, which equips individuals with the necessary skills and qualifications to teach English in various countries. You can earn $2,000 to $5,000 per month in top-paying countries. 

Travel Nurse

Travel nurses have the opportunity to work in different healthcare facilities around the world, providing temporary nursing support. Salary varies based on location, experience, and demand. Travel nurses often receive higher pay rates due to their temporary assignments. According to ZipRecruiter, the current average salary of a travel nurse is $105,021 or $50/hour. 

Interpreter or Translator

From attending international conferences to working on exciting projects abroad, the experience of traveling as a translator allows you to explore new places, connect with people from various backgrounds, and contribute to global communication and understanding. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), interpreters and translators make an average salary of $49,110. 

Volunteering

Traveling as a volunteer provides an incredible opportunity to make a positive impact while exploring new destinations. Whether participating in community development projects, conservation efforts, or humanitarian work, volunteers engage directly with local communities, gaining a deeper understanding of their cultures and challenges. Paid volunteer salaries vary depending on the position, experience, and destination. Websites like GoAbroad.com can help you find opportunities that fit your skill set. 

Travel Agent

As a travel agent, you can visit destinations firsthand, gaining valuable insights to better assist your clients in planning their trips. From scouting out hidden gems to experiencing different travel options, traveling as a travel agent allows you to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and offerings in the industry, ensuring you can provide exceptional service and tailored recommendations to your clients. According to the BLS, the average salary of a travel agent is $43,810.

Travel Photographer

From scouting locations and understanding lighting techniques to mastering composition and post-processing, travel photographers must possess technical skills and a keen eye for storytelling. Additionally, building a strong online presence, marketing their work, and maintaining a professional network are essential aspects of establishing a successful career in travel photography. The average salary for a photographer, according to BLS, is $38,950. 

Web or Graphic Designer

Being a web or graphic designer offers the flexibility to work remotely, enabling you to travel while pursuing your career. With a laptop and an internet connection, you can create and manage websites from anywhere in the world, whether in a bustling city or a serene beach. This freedom allows you to explore new destinations, experience different cultures, and find inspiration to enhance your design skills and perspectives. According to the BLS, the average web designer’s salary is 79,890, while graphic designers make a median income of $50,710 a year. 

Virtual Assistant

A virtual assistant job provides the unique advantage of location independence, allowing you to work from anywhere with an internet connection. This flexibility enables you to travel and explore new destinations while still fulfilling your professional responsibilities. According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary for a freelance virtual assistant is $51,531.

Destination Wedding Planner

Being a destination wedding planner allows you to combine your passion for weddings with the thrill of travel. As you assist couples in creating their dream wedding in picturesque locations around the world, you have the opportunity to experience breathtaking destinations firsthand. From scouting enchanting venues to coordinating logistics in exotic locations, being a destination wedding planner offers a fulfilling and exciting career that lets you explore the world while celebrating love. According to BLS, the average salary for an event planner is $49,470.

Travel Jobs to Fuel Your Wanderlust

Travel jobs offer a unique and exciting avenue for individuals to combine their passion for exploration with their professional pursuits. Whether working in the tourism industry, becoming a digital nomad, or embracing remote work opportunities, travel jobs provide the freedom to experience new cultures, broaden horizons, and create unforgettable memories. These careers enable individuals to break away from the conventional nine-to-five routine and embrace a lifestyle that fosters personal growth, cultural understanding, and a deep appreciation for our world’s wonders .

This article Travel Jobs: Explore the World while Getting Paid originally appeared on Wander With Alex .

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The hot new government job is AI specialist

• The Biden Administration is beefing up AI staff across the government.
• All federal agencies are now required to hire a chief AI specialist, Kamala Harris announced.
• Agencies must prove their AI tools don't harm the public, or stop using AI. 

Want to work for the federal government? Consider becoming an AI specialist.

The Biden administration announced on Thursday that it will be beefing up AI staff across all federal agencies, aiming to hire 100 AI professionals by the summer.

And, all federal agencies must hire a chief AI specialist to oversee the ethical and transparent use of AI, the White House's Office of Management and Budget (OMB) said in its announcement.

Related stories

"This is to make sure that AI is used responsibly, understanding that we must have senior leaders across our government who are specifically tasked with overseeing AI adoption and use," Vice President Kamala Harris said at a press conference .  

In addition to hiring AI officers, the agencies must also set up AI Governance Boards, like those that already exist at the Departments of Defense, Veterans Affairs, Housing and Urban Development, and State Department, according to the OMB.

The new AI roles offer employees some major perks, including incentives of up to 25% of their basic pay (plus extra multiplied by the years in the service agreement) for relocation, recruitment, and retention, according to a memo from the US Office of Personnel Management .

The office also encourages agencies to offer flexible work schedules and remote work options to those filling critical AI roles.

Open positions listed on a government job board show base salaries topping out at over $143,000 for certain IT specialists dealing with AI.

Under the new order, agencies must also prove that their use of AI does not hurt the public, and if they can't, they must immediately stop using AI tools.

Harris explained that, for example, "If the Veterans Administration wants to use AI in VA hospitals to help doctors diagnose patients, they would first have to demonstrate that AI does not produce racially biased diagnoses."

The new policy also sets up a number of guidelines that federal agencies must adopt by the end of the year, including publishing an annual inventory of their use of AI, releasing any government-owned AI code they use, and making sure a human oversees all AI tools.

The expansion of the government's AI workforce is the latest part of Biden's AI plan, which kicked off with an executive order in October setting up transparency policies around the buzzy tech.

Watch: Nearly 50,000 tech workers have been laid off — but there's a hack to avoid layoffs

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Biden-harris administration announces preliminary terms with intel to support investment in u.s. semiconductor technology leadership and create tens of thousands of jobs, office of public affairs.

U.S. Department of Commerce Proposes up to $8.5 Billion in Potential Direct Funding for Intel Under President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda to Support Multiple Projects in Arizona, New Mexico, Ohio, and Oregon

Today, the Biden-Harris Administration announced that the U.S. Department of Commerce and Intel Corporation have reached a non-binding preliminary memorandum of terms (PMT) to provide up to $8.5 billion in direct funding under the CHIPS and Science Act to strengthen the U.S. supply chain and re-establish American leadership in semiconductor manufacturing. Leading-edge logic chips are essential to the world’s most advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, and this proposed funding would help ensure more of those chips are developed and made domestically. As President Biden highlighted in his State of the Union, the CHIPS and Science Act is charting a new course to manufacture critical technologies in America, lead the world in innovation, and create good jobs here in the United States. This is the Department of Commerce’s fourth PMT announcement under the CHIPS and Science Act.

Over the course of the next five years, Intel expects its investments in the United States to exceed $100 billion, as it expands capacity and capabilities in Arizona, New Mexico, Ohio, and Oregon, estimated to directly create over 10,000 manufacturing jobs and nearly 20,000 construction jobs. The Biden Administration’s proposed CHIPS investment, coupled with Intel’s investment, would mark one of the largest investments ever announced in U.S. semiconductor manufacturing. The PMT also includes approximately $50 million in dedicated funding to develop the company’s semiconductor and construction workforce. This builds upon Intel’s own workforce investments, totaling over $250 million in the past five years, as well as its strong partnerships with local communities, community colleges, universities, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and apprenticeship programs.

“There is no one who cares more about revitalizing American manufacturing than President Biden, and today’s announcement is a massive step towards ensuring America’s leadership in manufacturing for the 21st century. With this agreement, we are helping to incentivize over $100 billion in investments from Intel – marking one of the largest investments ever in U.S. semiconductor manufacturing, which will create over 30,000 good-paying jobs and ignite the next generation of innovation,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo . “This announcement is the culmination of years of work by President Biden and bipartisan efforts in Congress to ensure that the leading-edge chips we need to secure our economic and national security are made in the U.S.”

Leading-edge chips power the most sophisticated technology on the planet, including developing AI and building critical military capabilities. Intel’s process technologies such as Intel 18A and advanced packaging technologies, combined with its foundry services, would better enable U.S. companies to lead the AI industry by ensuring we have a domestic supply of these advanced chips.

“The CHIPS for America program will bring semiconductor manufacturing back to the U.S. and create a vital R&D ecosystem to keep it here,” said Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology and NIST Director Laurie E. Locascio . “The innovation sparked by this proposed investment would strengthen America’s technological and research leadership and significantly help enhance our nation’s manufacturing capacity while strengthening communities and creating good-paying jobs.”

“Today is a defining moment for the U.S. and Intel as we work to power the next great chapter of American semiconductor manufacturing innovation,” said Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger . “AI is supercharging the digital revolution and everything digital needs semiconductors. CHIPS Act support will help to ensure that Intel and the U.S. stay at the forefront of the AI era as we build a resilient and sustainable semiconductor supply chain to power our nation’s future.”

This proposed investment would deliver on the Administration's commitment to developing a robust domestic semiconductor ecosystem by reinforcing Intel's decades-long history in the United States. The investment will also enable the company to support industry-leading, U.S.-based fabless semiconductor companies with U.S.-based leading-edge production. The proposed CHIPS funding would strengthen all major technical processes for leading-edge chips to occur in the United States, including proposed investments in:

• Chandler, Arizona: Construction of two new leading-edge logic fabs and modernization of one existing fab, significantly increasing leading-edge logic capacity, including high volume domestic production of Intel 18A – the company’s most advanced chip design that enables higher performing, leading-edge chips through RibbonFET gate-all-around transistors and PowerVia backside power delivery. The company will produce the first Intel 18A product, called Clearwater Forest, at its Arizona facilities. In 2022, Intel partnered with Maricopa County Community Colleges to launch a first-of-its-kind program with Intel employee-instructors to provide students an entry point into semiconductor technician careers. This investment will support 3,000 manufacturing jobs and 6,000 construction jobs.
• Rio Rancho, New Mexico: Modernization of two fabs into advanced packaging facilities to close an important gap in the domestic semiconductor supply chain. When in full production, this facility will be the largest advanced packaging facility in the United States. To support engineering students in New Mexico, Intel established endowment scholarships at five colleges and universities and has supported STEAM education through investments, annual grants, and hands-on learning kits benefitting students living on indigenous lands. This investment will support 700 manufacturing jobs and 1,000 construction jobs.
• New Albany, Ohio: Creation of a new regional chipmaking ecosystem, anchored by the construction of two leading-edge logic fabs, expanded leading-edge foundry capacity, and supply chain diversification. Intel has devoted significant resources to develop a pipeline of skilled workers in Ohio, funding over 80 institutions of higher education across the state, including community colleges, HBCUs, and universities. As part of this investment in Ohio, Intel’s design and build partner Bechtel signed a Project Labor Agreement (PLA) with the North America Building Trades Unions for the construction of the two facilities. This investment will support 3,000 manufacturing jobs and 7,000 construction jobs.
• Hillsboro, Oregon: Investment in the premier hub of leading-edge development in the United States through the expansion and modernization of technology development facilities that will utilize the world’s first High NA EUV lithography equipment. The Gordon Moore Park campus at Ronler Acres in Hillsboro, Oregon, is the heart of Intel’s innovation hub for leading-edge semiconductor research and technology development in the United States. These investments will further the company’s technological leadership and enable the continued development of new innovations. In 2022, Intel spent more than $4 billion with more than 500 suppliers across Oregon. This investment will support several thousand manufacturing and construction jobs.

Intel currently uses 100% renewable electricity in U.S. fabs and has achieved net-positive water status in its U.S. operations through efficient water management, water reuse, and, in collaboration with local communities, investment in water restoration in local watersheds. In addition, as part of its broader workforce investment program, Intel has committed to providing affordable, accessible, high-quality child care for its workers across its facilities. For U.S. employees, Intel will be increasing the reimbursement amount and duration for its back-up care program and adding additional access to discounted primary child care providers, as well as access to a vetted network of child care providers. In addition, Intel will pilot a primary child care reimbursement program for non-exempt employees.

In addition to the proposed direct funding of up to $8.5 billion, the CHIPS Program Office would make up to $11 billion in loans – which is part of the $75 billion in loan authority provided by the CHIPS and Science Act – available to Intel under the PMT. The company has indicated that it is planning to claim the Department of the Treasury’s Investment Tax Credit, which is expected to be up to 25% of qualified capital expenditures.

As explained in its first Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) , the Department may offer applicants a PMT on a non-binding basis after satisfactory completion of the merit review of a full application. The PMT outlines key terms for a CHIPS incentives award, including the amount and form of the award. The award amounts are subject to due diligence and negotiation of a long-form term sheet and award documents and are conditional on the achievement of certain milestones and remain subject to availability of funds. After the PMT is signed, the Department begins a comprehensive due diligence process on the proposed projects and continues negotiating or refining certain terms with the applicant. The terms contained in the long-form term sheet and the final award documents may differ from the terms of the PMT being announced today.

About CHIPS for America

The Department has received more than 620 statements of interest, more than 170 pre-applications and full applications for NOFO 1, and more than 160 small supplier concept plans for NOFO 2. The Department is continuing to conduct rigorous evaluation of applications to determine which projects will advance U.S. national and economic security, attract more private capital, and deliver other economic benefits to the country. The announcement with Intel is the fourth PMT announcement the Department of Commerce has made under the CHIPS and Science Act, with additional PMT announcements expected to follow throughout 2024.

CHIPS for America is part of President Biden’s economic plan to invest in America, stimulate private sector investment, create good-paying jobs, make more in the United States, and revitalize communities left behind. CHIPS for America includes the CHIPS Program Office, responsible for manufacturing incentives, and the CHIPS Research and Development Office, responsible for R&D programs, that both sit within the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) at the Department of Commerce. NIST promotes U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards, and technology in ways that enhance economic security and improve our quality of life. NIST is uniquely positioned to successfully administer the CHIPS for America program because of the bureau’s strong relationships with U.S. industries, its deep understanding of the semiconductor ecosystem, and its reputation as fair and trusted. Visit https://www.chips.gov to learn more.

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Who owns the ship that struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore?

By Megan Cerullo

Edited By Anne Marie Lee

Updated on: March 26, 2024 / 5:05 PM EDT / CBS News

The collapse of  Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge on Tuesday after being struck by a cargo ship has raised questions about who owns and manages the ship, as well as on the potential impact on one the busiest ports in the U.S.

Called the Dali, the 948-foot vessel that hit the bridge is managed by Synergy Marine Group, a Singapore-based company with over 660 ships under management around the world, according to its website . The group said the ship was operated by charter vessel company Synergy Group and chartered by Danish shipping giant Maersk at the time of the incident, which sent vehicles and people tumbling into the Patapsco River.

"We are horrified by what has happened in Baltimore, and our thoughts are with all of those affected," Maersk said in a statement to CBS News Tuesday, in which it also confirmed the ship was carrying cargo for Maersk customers. The company had no crew or personnel aboard the ship.

The Dali, which can carry up to 10,000 twenty-foot equivalent units, or TEUs, was carrying nearly 4,700 containers at the time of the collision. It was operated by a 22-person, Indian crew. It was not immediately clear what kind of cargo the ship was carrying. 

Who owns and manages the Dali?

The Dali is owned by Grace Ocean Private, a Singapore-based company that provides water transportation services. The ship was chartered by Danish container shipping company Maersk at the time of the collision.

Synergy Marine, founded in 2006, provides a range of ship management services, including managing ships' technical components and their crews and overseeing safety, according to S&P Capital IQ. Its parent company, Unity Group Holdings International, an investment holding company, was founded in 2008 and is based in Hong Kong.

Where was the ship headed?

The outbound ship had left Baltimore and was headed for Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, Synergy Marine Group said in a  press release . 

How busy is the Port of Baltimore?

In 2023, the Port of Baltimore handled a record 52.3 million tons of foreign cargo, worth $80 billion, according  to the office of Maryland Gov. Wes Moore. The port is also a significant provider of local jobs. 

The top port in the U.S. for sugar and gypsum imports, it is the ninth busiest U.S. port by the total volume and value of foreign cargo handled. All vessel traffic into and out of the facility is currently suspended, although the port remains open and trucks continue to be processed within the its terminals, according to a statement release by Port of Baltimore officials. 

What is the potential local economic impact?

Directly, the port supports 15,300 jobs, while another 140,000 in the area are related to port activities. The jobs provide a combined $3.3 billion in personal income, according to a CBS News report . The Port of Baltimore said Tuesday that it is unclear how long ship traffic will be suspended.

The disaster also caused chaos for local drivers. The Maryland Transportation Authority said all lanes were closed in both directions on I-695, with traffic being detoured to I-95 and I-895.

How could the bridge collapse affect consumers and businesses?

Experts say the bridge collapse could cause significant supply chain disruptions.

"While Baltimore is not one of the largest U.S. East Coast ports, it still imports and exports more than 1 million containers each year, so there is the potential for this to cause significant disruption to supply chains," Emily Stausbøll, a market analyst at Xeneta, an ocean and air freight analytics platform, said in a statement. 

She added that freight services from Asia to the East Coast in the U.S. have already been hampered by drought in the Panama Canal, as well as risks related to conflict in the Red Sea. Nearby ports, including those in New York, New Jersey and Virginia, will be relied on to handle more shipments if Baltimore remains inaccessible. 

Whether ocean freight shipping rates will rise dramatically, potentially affecting consumers as retailers pass along higher costs, will depend on how much extra capacity the alternate ports can handle, Stausbøll said. "However, there is only so much port capacity available and this will leave supply chains vulnerable to any further pressure."

Marty Durbin, senior vice president of policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, said that the bridge is a critical connector of "people, businesses, and communities."

"Unfortunately, its prolonged closure will likely disrupt commercial activities and supply chains that rely on the bridge and Port of Baltimore each day," he said in a statement.

What other industries could be affected?

Trucking companies could be severely affected by the disaster. 

"Aside from the obvious tragedy, this incident will have significant and long-lasting impacts on the region," American Trucking Associations spokesperson Jessica Gail said, calling Key Bridge and Baltimore's port "critical components'' of the nation's infrastructure.

Gail noted that 1.3 million trucks cross the bridge every year — 3,600 a day. Trucks that carry hazardous materials will now have to make 30 miles of detours around Baltimore because they are prohibited from using the city's tunnels, she said, adding to delays and increasing fuel costs.

"Time-wise, it's going to hurt us a lot," added Russell Brehm, the terminal manager in Baltimore for Lee Transport, which trucks hazardous materials such as petroleum products and chemicals. The loss of the bridge will double to two hours the time it takes Lee to get loads from its terminal in Baltimore's Curtis Bay to the BJ's gasoline station in the waterfront neighborhood of Canton, he estimated.

Cruise operators are also being affected. A Carnival cruise ship that set off Sunday for the Bahamas had been scheduled to return to Baltimore on March 31. Carnival said Tuesday it is "currently evaluating options for Carnival Legend's scheduled return on Sunday." The company also has cruises scheduled to set sail from Baltimore through the summer. 

Norwegian Cruise Line last year introduced new routes departing from the Port of Baltimore. Its sailings are scheduled for late this year. The company said the Key Bridge collapse doesn't immediately require it to reroute any ships.

Who will pay to rebuild the bridge?

President Biden said Tuesday that the federal government, with congressional support, would pay to rebuild the bridge.

"We're going to work with our partners in Congress to make sure the state gets the support it needs. It's my intention that the federal government will pay for the entire cost of reconstructing that bridge," Biden said in comments from the White House. "And I expect the Congress to support my effort. This is going take some time. The people of Baltimore can count on us though, to stick with them, at every step of the way, till the port is reopened and the bridge is rebuilt."

—The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Megan Cerullo is a New York-based reporter for CBS MoneyWatch covering small business, workplace, health care, consumer spending and personal finance topics. She regularly appears on CBS News Streaming to discuss her reporting.

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'Flying feels different': Here's how air travel has changed recently

If you haven't flown in a while, fasten your seatbelts. I've got good news – and bad news.

You've probably already heard the bad news because it travels faster than the speed of sound. Airfares are up. So are luggage fees. And we seem to have a problem with in-flight violence again. 

But there's more to the story, and if you're an occasional air traveler, you'll want to get the big picture. You might be surprised by what you find.

Check out   Elliott Confidential , the newsletter the travel industry doesn't want you to read. Each issue is filled with breaking news, deep insights, and exclusive strategies for becoming a better traveler. But don't tell anyone!

First, the bad news about air travel in 2024

Some of the changes have not been for the better. For example:

• Airfares are climbing. Cheap pandemic airfares are history. Average domestic roundtrip fares fell to a low of $186 in May 2020 . But they were back up to $261 by the beginning of this year – and they continue to climb.
• Checked baggage fees are soaring. All of the major airlines have recently raised their baggage fees. On domestic flights, a checked bag may cost as much as $35 (more if you wait until the last minute or your bag is overweight). 
• Air rage is back. In-flight air rage hit record highs in 2021, mostly because of masking requirements. But the number of violent in-flight incidents remains high – this time, a combination of fuller flights and a continuing decline of civility. We're on track to exceed 2020's unruly passenger incidents.

But don't despair. The air travel experience is changing in small ways – and, potentially, in big ways.

What's it like to fly now?

Let's start with the air travel experience itself. Flights are fuller and space is tighter than ever. In fact, if you're flying somewhere this spring or summer, you should congratulate yourself. You're probably part of the busiest year in the history of air travel.

"Air travel has rebounded," said Jason Block, CEO of WorldVia Travel Group . That puts a squeeze on regular passengers. If you've booked a no-frills economy ticket, you may face a higher risk of being bumped from your flight. So if you have a little extra money, Block suggests buying a more flexible ticket. You're still not bump-proof, but at least you'll move up the list.

▶ Smile for the TSA : The passenger screening experience is different but not necessarily better. The Transportation Security Administration has new scanners that take your picture to verify your identity. New technology might allow you to keep all your belongings in your bag and speed up screening – "might" being the operative word. 

"The process is more inconsistent than ever," said Andy Abramson, a frequent traveler and a communications consultant from Las Vegas. "Procedures change from airport to airport. In some cases, all you need is your boarding pass. In others, you need your ID, and in others, nothing but your facial scan."

Air travel smells worse than ever. Here's how to fix it.

Pay less to fly: New strategies for finding cheap airfares now

Speaking of technology, many air travelers have raved about new onboard Wi-Fi capabilities. Airlines like Air New Zealand, Emirates and JetBlue include the price of Wi-Fi in their tickets, and the connections have just gotten better since the pandemic. 

▶ Your face is your boarding pass : The TSA isn't the only one using facial scans. Some U.S. airlines have started using facial scans instead of boarding passes. It's a little bit of an adjustment for passengers. 

"I stood awkwardly in front of a camera, feeling like a contestant in a dystopian game show," said Chris McGuire, a real estate broker from Birmingham, Ala.

A few months ago, Frankfurt became the first airport in Europe to fully adopt facial recognition . Other airports, including Tokyo and Dubai, also have face-scanning technology. If you haven't flown in a while, you may not have to fumble for your boarding pass before you get on the plane. 

I've used face-scanning technology on many occasions, and it usually works, but it can be slow. Getting through customs in Santiago, Chile, took a while and the agent kept apologizing for the technology. So don't forget to pack your patience.

▶ No more ticket change fees : Airline ticket change fees disappeared during the pandemic on U.S. airlines. So if you have to change your flight, you won't have to pay a $250 fee on top of any fare difference.

"That's one of the most significant changes," said frequent air traveler Bob Bacheler, who is the managing director of Flying Angels , a medical transport service. "Airlines introduced more flexible booking and cancellation policies, allowing passengers to change or cancel flights without heavy penalties"

Bacheler thinks the fees will return eventually, and he's right. If they do, airlines will call them something else – maybe a "convenience" fee?

▶ You may board your flight differently : "Some airlines are implementing new boarding procedures," said Andy Palacios, vice president of growth and strategic partnerships for App in the Air . The most significant is United Airlines, which last fall began boarding economy passengers with window seats before those with middle and aisle seats.

Palacios recommends avoiding the general boarding mayhem by getting a credit card or earning elite status. Anything that gets you into the first boarding group can save you from having to gate-check your carry-on or just getting stuck in a crowd.

▶ You have new rights, too : If something goes wrong on your flight, you may find that your airline will do more for you. That's because the Department of Transportation (DOT), which regulates airlines, has been applying steady pressure on domestic airlines to improve customer service. (After all, taxpayers bailed out the airlines during the pandemic.)

Airlines now offer guaranteed meals, accommodations and ground transportation to and from a hotel when they're at fault for a cancellation. (You can find out about all your rights on the DOT's Fly Rights website.)

The government is working on carving out more rights for air travelers, dealing with everything from more straightforward and honest pricing to minimum seat size. But it's a work in progress.

Air travel may be about to get better. Here's what it means for your next flight.

Passengers want to get off the plane first. Here's how you can do it.

Flying 'feels different' now

Passengers say it feels like something has shifted when it comes to air travel.

"Flying feels different," said Robert Khachatryan, a frequent flier and founder of a freight forwarding service in La Crescenta, Calif. 

He's correct. It's not just that customers have a few new rights or that the technology is getting an upgrade – or even that boarding is a little different. 

There's a sense that something big lies just ahead. With people like Elon Musk teasing a Tesla that can fly and personal flying vehicles making headlines almost every day, there's a feeling that flying is about to evolve in a significant way.

Air travelers have become disenchanted with commercial air travel, with its high fares, fees, long lines and terrible customer service. And the relief may not come from new rules to protect the rights of air travelers but from a fundamental change in the way we fly. 

So if flying feels different to you now, just wait. You ain't seen nothing yet.

This is the first of a two-part series on the future of air travel. Next week: Flying cars. Yeah, we're going to go there.

Christopher Elliott  is an author, consumer advocate, and journalist. He founded  Elliott Advocacy , a nonprofit organization that helps solve consumer problems. He publishes  Elliott Confidential , a travel newsletter, and the  Elliott Report , a news site about customer service. If you need help with a consumer problem, you can  reach him here  or email him at  [email protected] .