YOU can take control

Get informed. Accurate and upto-date information is your closest ally when you’re fighting a bogus excuse. I once pushed an airline to offer meal vouchers and compensation after it claimed runway construction was an event beyond its control. Actually, the event had been announced on the airport’s website.

Go positive. Rather than making demands, try telling the company how it can fix your problem. Stay upbeat. “Tell them, ‘I really appreciate you getting me on this next flight,’ ” says Christian of the American Negotiation Institute.

Buy travel insurance. Most policies cover trip interruption and don’t distinguish between weather or a delay caused by an airline, rail operator or bus company. Delay coverage can be considerably more generous than an airline, says Stan Sandberg of Travelinsurance.com. “Travel insurance can provide reimbursement for your additional expenses, including meals, accommodations, local transportation and phone calls.”