It’s getting really bad out there, but we do have a couple of “survival tips” to help in case your flight is cancelled or delayed.

GOOD NEWS: Many airlines are offering customers the option of rescheduling their flights over the next few days — flights that go through storm-affected airports — without paying a fee (and some may offer you a refund). That may sound like a no-brainer, but it could save you a good chunk of change.

BAD NEWS: Flights are full, so finding an available seat to switch to, will be tricky.

WHAT TO DO: Contact your airline immediately.

• If you’re already at the airport head for a gate agent — for some reason they can often be more accommodating than the reps at the ticket counters, but head there if you can’t reach anyone at the gate.
• If you have to wait in line at all, get on your phone and call the airline while you wait. It will be first-come, first-served so make sure you’re among those served.
• If a storm makes you late to the airport, and you miss your flight, some airlines (like Alaska) will offer stand-by at no extra charge — but if you know you’re going to be late, call ahead and ask to be put on the stand-by list. The sooner you get on it, the better your chances.
• If you know you’ll be late for your connection, work out an alternative with the gate agent before you fly there. If there’s not enough time for that, again — call the airline.

BOTTOM LINE: Make contact with your airline or airlines as soon as humanly possible.