The past decade has hit the airline industry with blow after blow, forcing many to cut costs wherever possible. This leaves the wary traveler with less legroom, exhausting security checkpoints, and even worse meals. With airlines ending in-flight snacks, charging more for certain aisle and window seats, and penalizing you for checking a second bag, it’s hard to still enjoy flying. But for those times when it’s the better option, take our advice on how to get the most out of it!

The first place you notice the airline’s increased costs is in the airfare you end up paying. When you want to get the best fare possible, it’s important to plan ahead and book early (at least 3 weeks). Make use of aggregators, like kayak, which searches tons of airlines at once to show you the best prices among them. Sometimes you may even find better prices on the airline’s own website! In order to get the best fares regardless of how far out you plan, it’s always a good idea to travel midweek. Wednesday flights are much cheaper than Sundays or Mondays. Additionally you may want to search for alternate airports in the area to see if cheaper flights are available. If all else fails, try your luck with discount airlines like Southwest and Jet Blue, which may end up surprising you! If you’re really in a crunch and need something fast and cheap you should try your hand at the bidding war over at one of the big name sites where you name your own price! Regardless of where you fly to, it’s costing more now than ever before, so keep your eyes open, ears alert, and wallet tight!

Even though there’s no more mini-pretzels, you can still get a good seat! Most airlines now offer on-line check-in up to 24-hours prior to your flight. It’s good to make use of this to make sure you get the seat you want! If you’re not happy with your seating arrangements after arriving to the airport, it only takes a quick conversation with airline staff to try and fix that. Always be courteous and respectful with airline staff and have a specific seat/section number in mind. If you’re still not satisfied, you usually have the option purchase upgraded coach seats, which can also be done using frequent flier miles. Booking your flight early, checking-in ahead of time, confirming your seat, and getting there early are only a few of the great ways to secure the seat you want!

Everyone hates going through security checkpoints, and finally the TSA is starting to make things easier. The TSA has been testing “speed-lines” in Salt Lake City and Denver to help veteran travelers get in and out as quickly as possible. There are 3 types of lines, of which the black diamond is speediest. The black diamond requires that you enter with your laptops out, shoes off, and ready to hop through the metal detector. Families and casual travelers can go through the green circle and blue square lines, respectively. Their aim is to reduce frustrations and offer incentives to speed up the process. There’s also a general concern for the safety of carry-on baggage as it passes through the checkpoints. Keeping your valuables safe while going through the airport has become increasingly important, and sadly, difficult. The TSA itself has admitted that 200+ of their agents have been prosecuted for theft, which means the best place for your valuables is not in your bag. It’s on your person. Let the TSA keep you safe, but now it seems its up to you to keep your valuables safe.

If you’re one of the victims of a late, canceled, or delayed flight due to controllable factors, it may pay to know your rights. A hot topic is that of “Rule 240,” which is a rule that all airlines shared prior to deregulation in 1978. The rule governs the obligations of an airline to passengers when flights are canceled, delayed, or otherwise interrupted at the fault of the airline. Most US airlines have some sort of current carrier agreement similar to “Rule 240″, but each airline has its’ own name for it. When the airline inconveniences you in this way, you may be able to request meals, telephone calls, flights on another airline, refunds, hotels, and even ground transportation. Every airline is different, so it’s important to research and print out each airline’s customer agreements and carry them with you when you travel, since many staff have never encountered such policies. When you’re traveling, you want to get there and this is one more tool to make it easier.

This travel season we hope you’ll be able to make the most out of your experience…and your dollar! As always with air travel you should remember to be flexible and understanding. You’ll end up being able to enjoy, or at least tolerate, your journey!