Remember, the goal is to get to your destination as soon as possible.

Always be extremely reluctant to follow the crowd. The crowd is usually comprised of non-creative people who are dependent upon others to solve their problems. Let them sit around sulking about their dismal wait while I assist the airport staff in creative solutions.


* THIS IS A MUST! -- As plane taxis to the gate, you hit speed dial for your airline.
* When exiting the plane go directly to the flight monitors to learn of any other flights that may be departing for your city. This may be unnecessary if you have an OAG catalog, though system wide delays make the screens more accurate and invaluable. Scramble to the gate of any flight (same airline) heading to your city with the goal of grabbing a standby seat.
* Hopefully, the phone agent has gotten your problem resolved by now, but don't stop while they are working on it. Kindly suggest alternative options to the phone agent if you think it will help.
* Consider taking flights from partner airlines such as Delta, NWA, and Continental. I have jumped freely between these guys during weather delays.



You have to decide how much effort you wish to put into your resolution. Most people would rather follow a simple procedure of standing in line than trapsing around the airport.