< p>[#image: /photos/53db1b006dec627b14a19415]||||||< br>< em>Passengers, stranded by the AA groundings, waited in line at O'Hare yesterday.< br>AP Photo/Paul Beaty< p>How much more can we take?! With today's < ahref="http://www.aa.com/pressReleases/2008_04/09_md80update.jhtml">cancellation of another 900 flights, American Airlines has now canceled about 2,400 flights since Tuesday. < p>This affects most people flying in the U.S.--not just AA customers--because the displaced passengers are jam-packing flights on other airlines and the cancellations are causing delays and missed connections throughout the country. The groundings are supposed to continue through tomorrow . . . but we may well be in store for more during the coming weeks, says < em>The New York Times, as the < ahref="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/10/business/10safety.html?ex=1208491200&en=7d833dc50a9c1e5e&ei=5070&emc=eta1">FAA expands its scrutiny of the nation's airlines.< p>< strong>So what should you do if you're scheduled to fly when airplanes are being grounded--today, tomorrow, or within the next few weeks? < p>< strong>* Get to the gate on time.< br>Many flights will be oversold, with many people trying to fly standby and just waiting to snag your seat, should you arrive past the official boarding time for your flight.< p>< strong>* Try not to check luggage.< br>With all the delays and missed connections, checked luggage is more likely than usual to end up in Omaha or wherever else you're not. Limit yourself to a carry-on (in addition to your pocketbook or laptop case).< p>< strong>* Use a carry-on that is soft-sided and malleable (like a duffel).< br>With every seat filled and many travelers carrying their stuff onboard rather than checking it, the overhead storage space will be more limited than usual (especially since it's still overcoat season in many parts of the country). So make sure your carry-on can be stuffed beneath the seat in front of you. You don't want to have to gate-check it. If your carry-on is hard-sided and bulky, be sure to board the moment your row is called so you can get to the overhead bin first!< p>Anybody else have helpful tips to share?