A delayed flight can be a problem.  The airlines get bad publicity because so many flights do not depart and arrive on time.

In the U.S., the Department of Transportation keeps statistics and publishes them regularly.  In Europe, there are strict new rules for compensation.  This is making the problem better.

The vast majority of the time you won’t experience flight problems.  For all of the publicity that airlines get, most of their flights get you where you want to go with very little delay. 

But problems can occur.  You should be prepared and have a good idea what to expect when something does happen.

It won’t win you any sympathy with a frazzled airline agent if you yell and scream for compensation that is not due to you. (more…)