Are You Getting Bumped by Airlines? Here's what you should do.

A stunning photo capturing a rare 'rainbow contrails' behind an airlines heading towards Heathrow Airport

The above image captured an aircraft flying over a photographer's house in South London. The sun catching millions of ice crystals trailing behind passenger airliners. Sunlight catches these crystals at different angles leading to the stunning spread of colors across the light spectrum.

My early memories of flying began decades ago from London, Heathrow to Gothenburg, Sweden. I flew on a propeller passenger plane that took forever to take off down the runway.

Leaving on the jet plane: SAS - A Scandinavian Airlines on the runway

Traveling all over the world still, holds a tremendous amount of interest for me - even to this day. I remembered going through 10 different airports on one of my trips to the United States, and remained optimistic! My longest trip to date was from Heathrow London to Tokyo. The nonstop trip lasted 13 hours!

The controversial United Airlines flying the not-so-friendly skies

Unless you live under a rock, I'm pretty sure by now, you have heard the news of a man being 'bumped' off United Airlines. There's no getting away from it, getting bumped is a huge inconvenience. However, fliers so need to remember that they have a few rights under these circumstances.

Let the airlines know that you are willing to give up your seat, if the situation calls for it. What do you have to lose?"

Here are a few tips if you'd like to reduce the risk of being bumped while traveling:

• Book a seat assignment.
• Check in early. 
• Follow the airline's rules.
• If you're traveling with family/group, make sure you're all on the same reservation. In the United States, passengers are required by federal law to comply with crew instructions. When an airlines member say you have to get off a plane, federal law requires you to comply, but they are not allowed to beat you to a pulp! Sadly United Airlines took being bumped to a new level. It's worth noting that the airline company stated it is now reviewing its training programs and policies for handling over-booked flights by April 30. One of their spokespeople stated: "This horrible situation has provided a harsh learning experience from which we will take immediate, concrete action." I have a small business which teaches business ethics. I think we all need reminders, don't you?

Rule No. 1 while traveling on an aircraft: Never argue with a cop.

For decades, I've developed the art of being bumped or getting upgraded. Here are a few things I've learned along the way:

• Firstly, never arrive home the day you are supposed to start work.
• At the check-in desk, let the staff know that you are willing to be bumped, or being placed on the next flight if they need your seat.
• Afterward, wait and see if they call you. On the majority of times, I've been upgraded to business class and on a handful of times, to first class.

Traveling in Style: Qatar Airways' Dreamliner Business Class

Singapore Airlines Holds the World's Number 1 First Class Travel

The Luxurious Emirates Airlines: Euphoria or Fantasy? You decide

When push comes to shove, most airlines will offer you money and/or hotel stay. When you find yourself in these circumstances, it's high time for you to hone your bartering skills. The first offer is never accepted, you need to negotiate a deal. Remember, I have been doing this for decades, and there's no limit to the skills that could be used in a barter situation. Try it! It's fun.