How to deal with airline frustration

Overbooked flights, delays and cancellations are just a few of the headaches commonly associated with air travel. Knowing how to deal smartly with the airlines will help alleviate some of the frustration and receive better compensation when you are inconvenienced. Here are steps you can take to minimize air travel difficulties:

Stay informed. Maintain contact with your travel agent, who has direct access to your flight information. If you purchased your ticket directly from the airline, make sure the airline has your phone number. They will call you if your flight is canceled or delayed.

Know your rights. Know what the FAA says about an airline's requirement for getting you to your destination within two hours of your scheduled arrival time, so long as the delay was caused by something within the airline's control (such as mechanical problems or unavailability of flight crew). If the airline is deemed responsible for an extended delay, it is obligated to provide meals and/or lodging. Airlines are not required to provide accommodations for flight delays and cancellations caused by events that are beyond their control, such as weather conditions and other ''Acts of God.''

The squeaky wheel gets the grease. Assert your rights and don't be afraid to ask for appropriate compensation.