Sorry but your flight has been cancelled. I recommend you call our 1-800 number to reschedule your flight.

These statements and more were the questions I heard and became a part of my reality last Saturday, February 24th. After three consecutive days delivering speeches to the cadets at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado it was time to fly home.

After arriving at the airport another passenger in front of me stated, flights are being cancelled and he would not be departing until the following Tuesday. Now it was my turn, I stepped up to the counter and presented a positive attitude about flying home as scheduled.

The ticket agent was as positive as he could be, however he informed me my flight will depart on Monday at the same time as my previously scheduled Saturday flight. Seems as though the snow that had fallen in Colorado Springs on the morning of February 24, the strong winds in Dallas and multitudes of cancelled flights in Minneapolis, Chicago, and Dallas simply backlogged the airlines industry.

Here are a few things you can do to reinforce your positive attitude in the face of flight delays and cancellations:

1.) Purchase flight insurance, flight delay and cancellation insurance, and luggage loss insurance. Travel insurance companies will typically pay you for two days of cancellation with a value of $300 per day.

2.) While your flight is being rescheduled request the ticket agent upgrade your seat. It is simply a matter of asking.

3.) If your flight is canceled, request a voucher for lodging for the number of nights you will have to await your rescheduled flight. Typical the carrier will cover lodging and meals, this creates a win, win and great customer relations.

4.) If you anticipate a canceled flight have a back up plan that includes a rental car, lodging, and arrive at the airport early because some passengers will be frustrated and may cancel their trip.

5.) Select lodging that has a restaurant, free high speed internet, cablevision, workout facility, free newspaper, free shuttle service and free local calls.

Maintain a positive attitude and think about the fact the airlines is attempting to get you home as safely as possible. If you travel with your laptop like I do, you can stay in touch with your family, clients, and conduct business as usual.

Happy and safe travels and keep a positive attitude and get home safely. You deserve the very best, especially when your flight is canceled.