I say when dealing with the airlines good luck!  Angel and I have flown on most of the national carriers and many international carriers and for the most part they do get you from one place to the next. But........

If you are looking for anymore than this be ready to pay for it.  Most airlines now have bag fees that can add up.  We just flew to see my parents and this fee cost us an extra $60 per person in addition to the normal airfare.  This seems high to us.  While in line we saw many folks being charged for additional weight. 

If the plane is late or your flight is canceled due to weather(no ones fault) have a back up plan.  You should always have the 800 customer service number for the airline you are flying.  Use your cell phone and dial that number the second you think there may be an issue since there will be many others doing the same.  The wait on the phone will be long and so will the lines at the counter.  At least you have two options for service.

Take advantage of most airlines reminder services.  You can elect to receive emails, phone calls etc. This is key when things go wrong.  On the way to the airport your flight may get canceled and you could easily get this message and start working the phone in order to get on a different flight even before you get to the airport.  Go to your carriers web site and sign up for this free option.

Food. Need I go on?  Give me a break.  I know this is hard but how much smaller can the bag of peanuts get?  This weekend I swear I saw the smallest bag of peanuts ever!  Why even give these out?  This is almost an insult to those that paid $400 for their tickets.  Just tell me you don't serve food.  I suggest you plan snacks out before you get to the airport.  Snacks are just so costly at the airport.  Really think about this for long flights.  It is just so easy to carry on your favorite candy bar or bag of nuts, why would you not do this?

Watch your seat assignment.  This is the one thing that makes Angel go crazy.  If always seems on a full flight,  we get to airport with our seat assignments and we check in a bag or make a small change and the counter person changes our seat assignment.  Yes, it is the computer etc. but if you want to seat near your honey I suggest you always check your boarding pass anytime it gets reprinted.  Mistakes do happen don't let them happen to you.

Long flight, bring a pillow and blanket.  A travel pillow and blanket are easy to pack on a carry on and many airlines have limited the number of pillows and blankets on each plane.  So if you get cold or just like having a pillow, we suggest you bring your own to ensure you have one.

Magazines are also extinct on many flights.  If you need to read to pass the time bring your own.  Again, we suggest for you to plan this out and buy them before you get to the airport since you will pay full price and they may be out of your favorite.

The good old days of air travel may be gone but with a little planning you may just have a great flight.