(1) A three-week rule for using frequent-flyer privileges: Both American and Continental airlines are now charging from $50 to $100 for redeeming frequent-flyer miles within three weeks of departure. Ever felt the desire to embark on an impulse trip just days away, using your "miles"? Don't. And carefully inquire about such charges when attempting to use frequent-flyer privileges on airlines other than American and Continental — the frequent-flyer penalty probably will become universal.

(2) A decision by you to talk with an airline reservationist: We've all been aware of an extra $10 that virtually every airline charges for calling its toll-free number and making a reservation over the phone. But Delta and United have now raised that fee to $25. Rely on your trusty computer instead.

(3) Selecting a seat more than 24 hours ahead of departure: Remember those airplane charts that pop up on the booking screen, advising you which seats are still available? Be aware that British Airlines now charges from $30 for pre-selecting a seat more than 24 hours in advance of departure. The effort is to earn some additional income from the quite natural urge of passengers to know where they'll be sitting.

(4) Selecting a date that falls within a holiday period: You have probably seen the recent headlines announcing a $10 surcharge that nearly every major airline now charges for booking "holiday" departures — i.e., dates that are already higher in price because they are for popular holiday periods.

(5) Those constant increases in the charges for checking luggage: Finally, you should carefully scrutinize the Web site of the airline on which you plan to fly, to learn the latest outrage relating to baggage charges (which are starting to average $25 per first suitcase, one way, checked at the airport and not online). As sure as the sun will rise tomorrow, the various U.S. airlines will undoubtedly copy the baggage charges instituted by a European airline, Ryanair, which has recently increased the fee for a single checked suitcase to nearly $50 (30 British pounds). Although that charge is so far limited to flights within Europe and aboard Ryanair, I am convinced the U.S. airlines will be considering it for our own airline routes. It becomes more important than ever to remember that Southwest Airlines and JetBlue are alone in thus far refusing to charge any fee for the first suitcase checked aboard a flight, a reason for favoring them in the future.

It's a nightmarish period for U.S. aviation. But it could be worse. Would you believe that in England, the same Ryanair has just eliminated check-in counters altogether and replaced them with unattended "baggage drops"? Henceforth, on Ryanair, passengers will have to check in their luggage online, using their home computer in advance of going to the airport. If they forget to do so, they will pay a 40 pound ($64) penalty. Isn't this a bit drastic? a Ryanair representative was asked. "They will only forget to do it once," he coldly replied.