Preventing and fixing common airline problems

Did something go bump in the flight? Here are some common air travel woes and how to prevent, and fix, them.

I WAS BUMPED FROM MY FLIGHT

How to prevent: Bumping -- denying a seat to a ticketed passenger on an overbooked flight -- is relatively rare, but some airlines are worse than others (see bumping statistics, along with lost bag and on-time performance, at nwsdy.li/airlinestats). Avoid peak travel days (Tuesday and Wednesday are slowest) and peak holiday periods. Don't be the last person to check in for your flight, get to the airport as early as possible, and if you have status in the airline's frequent flier program, that helps, too.

How to fix: Ask to be put on another airline's flight if that will get you to where you're going faster than your original airline (some airlines still offer this option -- do a Web search for "Rule 240"). If you'll be delayed more than an hour, you're entitled to cash compensation (refuse to accept an airline travel voucher). To lessen the pain, ask for a free pass to the airline's airport lounge if you're not already a member. If you're on Twitter, many airlines try to fix bumping issues there (see nwsdy.li/airlinetweets for their Twitter "handles").

MY CHECKED BAGS (OR CONTENTS) WERE STOLEN

How to prevent: Other than not checking bags in the first place, there's no sure way to prevent theft. Locks help, but only so much. Never pack valuables or electronics in checked bags, because airlines won't compensate for these if lost or stolen. If traveling internationally, consider buying "excess valuation" coverage from your airline (it's inexpensive), because airlines offer paltry compensation for international travel. Make sure you have receipts for any expensive items in your bag. And make sure you don't lose your checked bag receipt.

How to fix: Even if your bag arrives at the bag claim safely, it's a good idea to open the bag and check the contents. If there's a problem, file a claim with the airline before leaving the airport. Airlines are required to cover up to $3,400 for domestic travel, but much less for international flights, and they will depreciate the value of the contents. If the airline denies your claim or only pays part of the bag's value, check your credit card: Most cards offer lost or damaged bag insurance for free, even for carry-on bags, and some even cover electronics such as cameras and computers, as long as you paid for the trip with the card.

MY FLIGHT WAS CANCELED OR DELAYED

How to prevent: Every U.S. domestic flight is required to have an on-time performance score assigned to it, and some flights are more prone to cancellations or delays than others. Some airlines, such as United, post this information online, or you can call the airline and ask for its on-time and cancellation numbers. Avoid flights with dismal performance statistics, and naturally you up your chances of success by avoiding connecting flights. If you must connect, avoid doing so in winter through cold weather airports that are prone to snow storms such as Chicago and Minneapolis, opting for Phoenix or Houston instead.

How to fix: Have a Plan B. Keep a list of alternate flights, even if on a competing airline, and ask to be rebooked. It's often faster to use Twitter rather than wait in line at the airport. If all else fails and you have to overnight, ask nicely for hotel accommodations (airlines are not required to provide rooms or meals, but many do). Again, your credit card may include free compensation (usually $100 per day) if you incur expenses due to a delay or cancellation.

I COULDN'T FIND SEATS NEXT TO MY TRAVELING COMPANION

How to prevent: Book seats as early as possible. If you're traveling with a child 12 years of age or younger, be sure to indicate that when you make your reservation, because airlines attempt to sit children together with companions if they know the child's age. Or call the airline's reservation number and request adjacent seats.

How to fix: If all else fails, get to the airport super early and ask for seat reassignment. If that doesn't work, bring along some Starbucks gift certificates or movie passes to "bribe" passengers to switch seats with you.