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Customers who have yet to start their trips can make one change to their travel plans without change fees or advance purchase requirements for the same itinerary. If it's a new itinerary, the airline will allow one change without fees.

Rescheduling your travel will lead to higher fares if it doesn't meet original rule and booking code restrictions or is a new itinerary. Only those with canceled flights can get a full refund.

US Airways
US Airways is waiving excess-baggage fees for customers traveling to and/or from the United Kingdom. The following applies to customers traveling until Sept. 1, 2006, with tickets purchased on or before Aug. 9 for travel between most United Kingdom and U.S. airports.

Options for US Airways' passengers

• For passengers currently en route, who would like to make one change to their return trip, rules and restrictions regarding standard change fees, advance purchases, day or time applications, blackouts and minimum/maximum stay requirements have been waived. Origin and destination cities must remain the same. Reservations must be changed prior to midnight of the ticketed travel date. • For passengers who have not yet begun their travel, one change to their travel plans may be made without change fees or advance purchase requirements for the same itinerary. Reservations must be changed prior to midnight of the ticketed travel date. • Passengers may change their destination or cancel their reservation. However, all change fees and fare rules will apply if the reservation has not been changed prior to midnight of the ticketed travel date. • Passengers traveling on a Dividend Miles award, who request to cancel their travel plans, will receive a refund for the miles to the applicable account with no reinstatement fee, or allow for a change of destination in correct redemption inventory.

Alleviate the hassle
Travel experts advise that, to get better service and to alleviate any hassles, you should contact the airline, travel agent or tour operator.

To get better service, ask these questions

• How soon can the trip/departure/travel arrangements be rearranged? • Who is responsible for any extra charges incurred, such as booking fees and price changes? • How far in advance should I check in? • How much time should I allow for a connection? • Will I be charged for late arrival? • Will I lose any deposits?

Customers can also check flight delay information from the Air Traffic Control System Command Center at the Federal Aviation Administration's Web site.

Got travel insurance?
Customers who have purchased travel insurance are encouraged to read the fine print before heading on their trips or to call the insurance company if they are already en route.

Most travel insurance policies will pay for your travel delay and offer a 24/7 hot line service, according Jon Ansell, president of the United States Travel Insurance Association.