We make every effort to keep this personal and business travel reservations guide up-to-date, but airlines frequently change the way they do business. So by the time you read this a few procedures we explain may be different. Contact the U.S. Department of Transportation or your airline or travel agent if you have any questions.

The elimination of government economic regulation of the airlines has resulted in lower fares and a wide variety of price/service options. In this new commercial environment, consumers have had to take a more active role in choosing their air service by learning to ask a number of questions.

1. Am I more concerned with price or scheduling? Am I willing to fly at an odd hour if it means saving $25?
2. Will the airline penalize me for changing my travel reservation?
3. What will the airline do for me if it cancels my flight?

This report is designed to explain your rights and responsibilities as an air traveler. We hope it helps you become a resourceful consumer.

Because of the emphasis on price competition, consumers may choose from a wide variety of air fares. Some airlines are trying a back to basic approach offering flights at bargain basement prices with few extras. For fare information, you can contact a travel agent, another ticket outlet or an airline serving the places you want to visit.

Ask them to tell you the names of all airlines flying there. A business travel agent can find virtually all airline fares in their computer. Or, if you prefer you may call each airline to ask about the fares they charge, particularly any special promotional fares they may be offering at the time. You may also pay attention to newspaper and radio ads, where airlines advertise many of the discount plans that apply to your city. Finally, be alert to new companies serving the market. They may offer lower fares or different services than older established airlines.

Here are some tips to help you decide among air fares:

You may need to be flexible in both your business and personal travel plans in order to get the lowest fare. The best deals may be limited to travel on certain days of the week or particular hours of the day. After you get a fare quote, ask the reservations agent if you could save even more by leaving a day earlier or later, or by taking a different flight on the same day.

Plan as far ahead as you can. Some airlines set aside only a few seats on each flight at the lower rates. The real bargains often sell out very quickly. On the other hand, air carriers sometimes make more discount seats available later. If you had decided against a trip because the discount fare you wanted was not available on the desired date, try again, especially just before the advance-purchase deadline.

Some airlines may have discounts others don't offer. In a large metropolitan area, the fare could depend on which airport you use. Also, a connection (change of planes) or a one-stop flight is sometimes cheaper than a nonstop.

Find out what will happen if you switch flights or dates.

Does the airfare include types of service that airlines have traditionally provided, such as free meals or free baggage handling? If you have a connection involving two airlines, will your bags be transferred? Can you get reserved advance seat assignments? If you are stranded, will the ticket be good on another carrier at no extra charge? Will the first airline pay for meals or hotel rooms during the wait?

Many travel discount fares are non-refundable; if you buy one of these air-fares and later cancel your business trip, you will not get your money-back. Some fares also have a penalty for changing flights or dates even if you don't want a refund. You may also have to pay any difference in air fares if your fare is not available on the new flight.

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