[Butch Cassidy Slept Here]

If one has an important business meeting; a wedding; attending a funeral, etc. the ideal strategy is:

* Never use a travel agency--online or otherwise. For one thing, the airline will never get your phone number. So if there is a cancellation, or other problem, you'll never be told. Also, using a travel agency gives the airline an opening to tell you to contact the travel agency if there are problems. So, you were very lucky the airline decided to refund you directly.

* Making your reservation directly with the airline, preferably online. Print-out your confirmation e-mail, and have it with your "carry-on" items. US-based airlines are NOT the most honest people in the world. They may try lying about things thinking you don't have the documentation to expose their lies. (Stand-by for the screems from the airline shills!)

* Avoid connecting flights. Use non-stops or "direct" (one, or more, stops) flights.

* Purchase a fully-refundable ticket. This type of ticket is one of the most expensive. Indeed, sometimes, it can be a first class ("YUP") ticket.

* If "travel on the cheap" is unavoidable understand that there is a reasonable chance you will NOT reach your destination in one day. Plan for, at least, two days in transit between your point of origin, and destination. This would include having enough funds to pay for a one-night stay in a motel. Accordingly, depending on your city of origin, and your destination, Amtrak may be an option to consider, particularly during the winter.

* NEVER put clothing you will wear at a wedding; a business meeting; in your checked baggage. Send it ahead by UPS or Fedex. The same applies to important papers or medications. If you can't carry these things on, then send them ahead. Remember the old saying: "There are only two kinds of airline baggage--lost and carry-on."