Fly Rights: A Passenger's Guide to Air Travel

The elimination of government regulation of airline fares and routes 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.

Am I more concerned with price or with schedule? Am I willing to fly at a less convenient time if it means saving $25?

* Will the airline penalize me for changing my reservation?

* Will I have to pay ex...