Updated on December 18, 2007.

THERE'S NO NEED TO book a flight to Vegas in order to gamble this year.

A perfect storm of staffing shortages, record-high passenger loads and severe weather has led to rampant flight delays and cancellations. In fact, 24% of flights were significantly late -- significantly being more than 15 minutes -- this year, reports the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, a division of the U.S. Department of Transportation. One problem at a major hub or with a specific airline creates a domino effect nationwide. "Right now, there's very little wiggle-room," says Tom Parsons, CEO of BestFares.com.

Want to improve your odds? Here's how to navigate the unfriendly skies:

Plan for the Worst

You can prevent a lot of problems by booking your ticket wisely. "Look for flights early morning, midweek, when passenger loads are at their lowest," suggests David Lytle, editorial director for

. Avoid connecting flights whenever possible, particularly those with short layovers.

Rebook reservations

Pay attention to weather conditions and news reports of air-traffic meltdowns as your travel date approaches. If you spot a problem, try going standby on an earlier flight. "Just like your doctor or dentist will see you on time if you're the first appointment of the day, your flight is less likely to be delayed if it's one of the earliest," says George Hobica, publisher of

. American, Delta, Continental and United each charge $25 to get a confirmed seat on an earlier flight the day you're scheduled to travel.

Upgrade

Passengers who pay more for a seat get preferential treatment when problems arise, says Tim Winship, publisher of

Packing for Problems Your carry-on bag should have everything you'd need for 24 hours of being separated from your checked baggage, plus tools to ensure you're treated fairly in the event of travel problems. Here's what to have on hand: List of important numbers. Include the toll-free reservations line of the airlines you're traveling and their competitors that fly to your destination. Having rebooking options for the gate agent can only smooth the process, says Trippler. Copy of your airline's contract of carriage. Stressed-out gate agents won't always volunteer everything that you're entitled to when a problem strikes, says Abrams. This document outlines your rights in case of an involuntary bump or cancelled flight, including the almighty Rule 240, which requires the airline to book you on the next available flight, regardless of class or airline. Cellphone charger Medications Basic toiletries Items to pass the time, including a blanket, snacks and entertainment. "Comfort is so important when you're stressed out, waiting," says Anne McAlpin, author of "Pack It Up." (A pass to the airline's private club can be a relaxing and cheap addition. For tips on how to join one on the cheap, click .) here

Consider travel insurance

Arrive early

Last one to the checkout counter is a rotten egg and a prime candidate to be bumped from an overbooked flight. Aim to show up at least two hours before your flight's original scheduled departure time. "If you have a boarding pass and a seat assignment, the chances of you being bumped are almost nil," says Terry Trippler, owner of

If you're still at home when the flight is delayed, it's still important to show up as if that original departure time held true, says Stephanie Abrams, host of "Travel with Stephanie Abrams" on the Business Talk Radio Network. The situation can change quickly, and you'll need to be present at the gate with your seat-assigned boarding pass in hand to take action.

Volunteer cautiously

Offering to give up your seat on an overbooked flight is truly a risk-reward situation, explains Lytle. Volunteers can essentially name their price. Agents go to extremes to avoid involuntary bumping, "because then they have to start making people unhappy," he says. But the real risk is that you might not get on another flight anytime soon. Ask for a confirmed seat on the next flight before you volunteer.

Review your rights

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