Print edition: 
Q. I volunteered to give up my seat when my flight was overbooked and was given a free round-trip ticket in compensation. But now I'm finding that the ticket is hard to use because of restrict ions, and it was only valid for a year and will expire soon. Can I trade it in for a voucher that will last another year, or shouldn't I bother calling the airline to ask this favor?
A. It's usually better to ask for a cash payment in situations like this, or at least a voucher in a set amount (such as $200 or whatever) rather than a free ticket. Often these free ticket s are the equivalent of frequent-flyer tickets or fares, which are capacity controlled. You can certainly ask the airline to extend the voucher. Miracles do happen.
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Q. In May, I bought a one-way fare from Brussels to Frankfurt. On the day of departure I arrived at the airport in plenty of time to stand in one long line (I counted 90 passengers) waiting to do a preliminary check in at a kiosk (this was the only check-in option) before reaching a secondary check-in line. Only one of four kiosks was operating. I was assured by the lone employee that I would make the flight, but when I finally reached the "actual" check-in desk I was told the flight was closed and I would have to buy a new fare for 500 euros. The airline refuses to refund my new fare and of course I lost the value of my original fare. Is there anything I can do?
A. Sounds like you were mistreated for sure. The only thing I can suggest is that you file a complaint with the European Commission's Transport office. You can file a preliminary query on their website. The EC has better consumer protection for airline passengers than we do in the U.S. For example, if a long-haul flight from the EU to the U.S. is five or more hours late in arriving, you're entitled to cash compensation of 600 euros, unless the airline can prove that the delay was beyond its control. You'll find the complaint form online here: http://ec.europa.eu/transport/pass engers/contact/index—en.htm.
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Q. If I am checking a piece of luggage that weighs over 50 pounds, will I pay the airline's first checked bag fee in addition to its "overweight" fee, or does just one fee apply?
A. Unfortunately, you'll end up paying both fees, each way. Depending on the airline you fly, it may be cheaper to pack your belongings in two bags rather than pay the overweight fee on just one bag. You might also look into shipping the contents of your bag via FedEx Ground, which is sometimes cheaper than paying airline bag fees.
