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Talk to a ticket agent (nicely). For a $30 to $100 fee per person, as well as the difference in fare, she can get you on the next flight out—but a kindly agent will often make the change gratis. As for missed connections, the airline is generally obliged to fly you to your destination ASAP—even if that means putting you on another carrier.
Dial your airline as soon as you know (sign up for text-message alerts from your carrier)—you won't have to join the queue at the customer service desk. And, if the airline is at fault (mechanical problems are typical), you're likely entitled to meals and a hotel room.
Hold out your hand. If it's a domestic flight, expect a flight voucher for up to $200 ($400 if you're stuck for over two hours) or an on-the-spot check—plus, of course, seats on the next available flight to your destination.
File a report at your airline's baggage-claim counter (and get their local phone number and a copy of all paperwork). Lost luggage is insured by airlines for up to $3,000, but 98 percent of missing bags turn up within hours.
They've seen it all: three airline hostesses (all of whom are mothers) tell us how to conquer the not-always-friendly skies.
• Sorry, we can't refrigerate your food or bottles, but we'll give you a bag of ice and we'll refill your sippy cups
• The seat-belt sign is likely to be lit for a good while. Use the bathroom before you board
• Making funny faces or yawning relieves ear pressure just as well as chewing messy gum
• If it's a smooth ride, we'll let kids help us hand out pretzels
• Officially we're not supposed to accept tips, and at first we'll refuse—but we'll be very glad if you insist
• A lot of people prefer the bulkhead, but the armrests don't lift. So if your kids are cuddlers, choose a different row
• Kids pick up on their parents' anxiety. Bumpy flight? Pretend you're on a roller coaster
seatguru.com
Gives specs on seats
tsa.gov
Answers security questions
farecast.com
Predicts dropping fares
flightstats.com
Shows a flight's delay history
webflyer.com
Stretches frequent-flier miles
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