If we've learned anything from the American Airlines fiasco a few weeks ago, it's to know what your rights are as a passenger.  Summer travel season is almost here and with that comes many flight delays and cancellations.  Take a few minutes when booking your flight to find out what 'rules' the airline has in place in the event of a delayed or canceled flight.  More than likely, if the reason is not due to weather or other 'unavoidable' situations, you can get compensated.

Here are some 'terms' on some of the major airlines that we found on USAToday.com.  Please note that they can change at any time and the most up to date 'terms' can be found on the carriers website.  Also, remember to stay calm and to carry the '800' number for the airlines reservations department with you on your trip.  If there is a backup at the desk, you might get faster service calling that number to find a new flight.

American - will put you on its next flight with available seats. If it doesn't get you to your destination the same day, it will provide lodging "subject to availability."

Continental -  will fly you in premium class, if that's all that's available on the next flight out and it gets you there earlier than the next flight with a coach seat. If you're delayed more than two hours, it will switch you to another airline — if you request it. If you're stuck for more than four hours between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., Continental will provide a hotel and a second meal. It will provide food if the delay "will extend beyond normal meal hours."

Delta - will fly you on the next flight that has a same-class seat available; flights on other carriers are booked at its discretion. If you paid for business class but only a coach seat is available, you can get a partial refund. If the next seat available is in business class, and you paid for coach, Delta can put you in coach and upgrade a frequent flier. If your flight is delayed for more than four hours, Delta will give you vouchers for meals.

*If you're stuck between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., Delta will give you vouchers for a hotel —if there's room at ones they work with — and ground transportation.

Northwest  - says it will fly you on the next flight in the same class of service or higher if that's all that's available; if it can't, it will put you on another airline in the same class. If you paid for a premium seat and there's room only in economy, you're entitled to a partial refund. If you're stranded overnight, Northwest "will make every effort" to provide lodging and a voucher for meals.

United - will fly you on the next flight in the same class of service. If it can't arrange transportation "that's acceptable to the passenger," it will fly you out on another airline in the same class of service. If you paid for premium class and the only seat available is in coach, United will refund you the difference. If you're stuck more than four hours between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., United says, it will provide lodging.

US Airways - will fly you out on another of its flights; if it can't, it may fly you out on another airline. If you're stranded overnight, US Airways says it will put you up in a hotel, provide ground transportation and give you breakfast. If you're delayed for four hours or more during meal times, you can get food vouchers.