Yeah, this one's a doozy from the "what were they thinking?" files of public spending—New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell's international jaunts racked up a hefty $30,000+ bill on first- and business-class flights, all on the city's dime. We're talking trips to France (for a conference) and Switzerland (summer study abroad kickoff) in 2021–2022, where she upgraded from economy to premium seats that could've funded a small city's pothole fixes.
The "Unsafe" Backlash Bomb
Cantrell doubled down in a fiery September 2022 presser, declaring economy class a no-go for black women like her: "As a woman of color... I will not be traveling in coach." She cited risks like "drunk and disorderly passengers" and personal safety vibes, sparking a national eye-roll from critics calling it tone-deaf entitlement amid New Orleans' post-Hurricane Ida recovery woes. (Reddit threads lit up with debates on whether it's valid concern or just luxe excuses.)
The Repayment Flip-Flop
She initially stonewalled repayment, but by October 2022, after ethics probes and public heat, Cantrell caved and cut a $30,000 check to the city—calling it a "good faith" move while still defending the upgrades. No charges stuck, but it fueled her 2023 reelection drama (she won narrowly) and ongoing "perks queen" rep.
Bottom line: This blew up in 2022 as peak "taxpayer-funded flex" outrage, not fresh news—though it still stings for NOLA folks pinching pennies. Safety for women of color in tight spaces? Legit convo starter. But dropping 30K on seats while the city's rebuilding? Oof. What's your take—fair call or fiscal fail?
New Orleans Democrat Mayor LaToya Cantrell spent $30,000 in taxpayer funds on first class flights to France and Switzerland
— Wall Street Apes (@WallStreetApes) October 23, 2025
She is refusing to pay back the money because she says it’s unsafe for black women to fly economy
Reviewing the city’s policy on flights it shows she… pic.twitter.com/JuWgIevfTS
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