Find out how to avoid airport snags

PROVIDENCE, R.I (WPRI) - You may have a flight booked, but as you're well aware, one of these ongoing winter storms could foul up your plans to fly. So knowing what to do before the storm hits is key to avoiding airport snags.

Snow can put you in the mood for a Winter getaway, but it can also keep you grounded. So know your options before you travel.

When dealing with weather-related delays or cancellations compensation and refund policies vary across airlines. Check out the "contract of carriage" on the airline's website.

You might be inclined to stay home and work the phone or the web to change your flight plan, but experts tell us that sometimes braving the trek to the airport can pay off.

"Most people are going to take the advice, to stay home and not go to the airport." advised George Hobica of Airfarewatchdog,com. "So, if there is a flight that gets out, you're gonna be on that flight because you were at the airport at the right time." he said.

After the storm, a backlog of travelers can result in overbooked flights that get you bumped. But federal rules say you don't always have to take an airline's voucher for future travel.

"Usually they're going to try to give you a voucher, but if you're involuntarily bumped, you can get a full cash payment. Sometimes if you're voluntarily bumped, in other words you say, "Bump me," you have less leeway. But you can always try to ask for the cash." added Hobica.

Remember to contact the airline the day before, if a big storm is expected on the day you're flying and you know flights will be canceled, You'll be able to re-schedule, and you won't end up dealing with the huge rush the day after.