Q&A | What's the problem with Northwest?

DETROIT — With Northwest Airlines' service going haywire this week, here are some tips to help you keep your cool:

Q: Should I fly Northwest?

A: The carrier is still having some crew shortages and those may last until the hours that pilots can work are replenished Sunday.

You might want to fly another airline if you can until then. However, all U.S. airlines are experiencing heavy demand and delays this summer.

Q: Will trip insurance protect me from cancellation woes?

A: If you have a big trip planned with nonrefundable hotels or other expenses, get travel insurance. If airline snafus delay or cancel your trip, you can get a refund on the whole trip, not just the airfare.

Don't get trip insurance for your flight only; the airline must refund your money if it cancels your flight.

Q: What if the flight isn't canceled, but overbooked? How do I protect myself from being bumped?

A: Choose your seat when you book. Print your boarding pass before you go to the airport, preferably 24 hours ahead of time. If you don't have a seat assignment, get to the airport early. If, at the airport, you get a boarding pass that says to see the gate agent, that's trouble, so get to the gate right away.

Even if you have a seat, don't be the last person on the plane.

Q: What if I get involuntarily bumped?

A: Technically, the airline is violating a contract. Federal law requires compensation based on the delay.

If you are bumped, the airline must compensate you $200 to $400 in addition to giving you another flight and written information about your rights.

Northwest got in trouble this month for not giving information to bumped passengers.

Q: What should I bring to the airport?

A: Bring a cell phone, snacks and drinks. If you have children, bring extra books, toys, diapers and food for them in case of a delay.

Q: Will my luggage get lost with all this bumping and canceling?

A: It could happen. About 1 of every 130 domestic passengers between January and April had bags go astray.

Either travel with carry-on only, or make sure your carry-on has all your important stuff, including a change of clothes and a toothbrush. See www.tsa.gov for the latest guidelines on what you're allowed to bring in your carry-on.

About 95 percent of lost luggage is eventually recovered and reunited with owners.

Q: Anything else I can do? And, hey, what ever happened to that air passengers' bill of rights?

A: It went nowhere in Congress. It's up to you.

Keep a paper ticket or your e-ticket receipt to prove any air ticket purchase. Ask your travel agent, if you've used one, for help with a cancellation.

Pay for tickets with credit cards so you can dispute any charge or problem.

If you're unhappy with your flight experience, file a complaint with the federal government at airconsumer.ost.dot.gov.