THINGS TO DO

AVOID CONNECTING AND LATE FLIGHTS. Generally, the more connections you make, and the later in the day your flight leaves, the greater the chances something will go wrong. First non-stop flight of the day is a recipe for an undramatic flight, even at the height of spring break.

By far KNOW YOUR RIGHTS. the best resource for airline consumer rights, at least when it comes to federal regulations, is the Department of Transportation’s Fly Rights brochure, which is available online (transportation.gov/airconsumer/fly-rights). Also, check your airline’s contract of carriage, the legal agreement between you and the airline.

Take a deep BE GRATEFUL. breath and appreciate the big picture. If your flight lands safely, that’s the most important thing. And, at least until the next airline merger, you still sort of have a choice in airlines. Next time, don’t pick the one that delivered bad service if you can afford to.