A Guide to Surviving Flight Delays and Other Pitfalls

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 Frommers.com. 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 Airfare Watchdog. 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 FrequentFlier.com. Elite frequent fliers, first-class passengers and full-fare ticket-holders get priority when rebooking for a cancelled flight. They're also unlikely to be involuntarily bumped. (For strategies on how to upgrade for less, click here.)

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

Cancellations, delays and overbooked flights, oh my! "In this situation, travel insurance is not a bad idea," says Hobica. While there are plenty of reasons not to buy travel insurance, it does protect you from potentially expensive pitfalls. The price tag — about $20 on a $200 fare — is peanuts, considering what you'd pay for a new ticket or a hotel room if an airline cancellation left you stranded. (To assess whether or not you need travel insurance, click here.)

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 TripplerTravel.com. "Print them out at home if you can." (To get to the gate faster, check out these ways to cut airport security lines.)

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

Before you make demands of a gate agent, it helps to know exactly what you're entitled to. That varies by situation. "If a cancellation is due to weather, all bets are off," says Trippler. "The only requirement an airline has is to refund your ticket." Your airline's contract of carriage, which can be found on the airline's web site, spells it all out. (For other strategies, check out our stories Standby Strategies and When Air Travel Goes Wrong.)

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