When you book your flight, either ask your travel agent or consult a flight schedule timetable to find out what other flights are going your way. If your flight is canceled or delayed, you'll know what choices you have. And when you check in for your flight pick up one of the free flight schedules which are displayed on the counter of every ticket agent.

Barbara Sanfilippo, a speaker in the financial services industry, makes sure she is in control when flights are not on time. She says, "as soon as I get to the airport, I note if the plane is showing a delay. If so, I immediately call my travel agent and book an alternate flight. If my first flight is canceled or still delayed, I calmly go to the second gate and asked to be switched. Everyone else is sitting around or waiting in line, like sheep." Barbara also adds that if you really have to get somewhere, book one ticket and double book a back-up flight. (Of course, bad weather could cancel both.)

Do not give your frequent flyer number at the time of the reservation. In this manner the airline can not easily track your double booking activities, which they frown upon by canceling both flights. Remember to provide your frequent flyer number once you check into your chosen flight so that you can get your points and preferred seat assignment.

If you travel a lot, consider subscribing to a flight schedule guide. There are a number of them that list all the major airlines' flights highlighting which is best for timing and connections. An alternative to these costly guides is to pick up the free system time tables from the airline you use most frequently.