Q: We know the rule for getting to the airport is one hour before a domestic flight and two hours for overseas. We’ve always complied, but lately we’ve often seen people run to the check-in at the last minute and they’re allowed through. How can they get away with late arrivals?

Jack P, Portland OR

A: The rule is still in effect. Some late passengers may be allowed to board, but airlines are getting more and more strict about it. These days, once the gate is closed, they could be banned from boarding that flight, and charged $75 or more to book another one.

No matter what the excuse, whether it’s heavy traffic getting to the airport, baggage check or slow security lines, late-arriving passengers may still be banned from their scheduled flights. Additionally, during heavy check-in times between 7 and 9 am, 4 to 6 pm and holiday weeks, you should get to the airport another hour earlier than required.

Q: We’re flying cross-country non-stop to attend a family wedding. Because of business commitments, we can only stay one night. Here’s our dilemma. Cheapest way is to be dressed for the wedding as we board the flight. That means no baggage and we can pay tourist.

However, we’ll be aboard for six straight hours, and it would be more comfortable to go casual. We’d check our dress-up clothes and fly higher class. However, the cost for two would go from $800 to $2,000. What do you suggest?

Mario D., Chicago IL

A: Of course, that’s a heckuva price difference. If you don’t want to put out the extra money, consider booking the cheap seats and consolidate without checking luggage.

You shouldn’t need too many items for just a single night, so use one or two carry-ons, plus backpacks, if necessary. Carefully fold flat your dress-up clothes in individual plastic bags into the carry-ons. Take all extras in the backpacks. When you get to your hotel, and if your stuff needs ironing, find a nearby quick-service tailor shop.

We’re taking our first cruise, and some of our friends tell us we should take formal clothes with us. They say everyone dresses that way for dinner. Our travel agent says it isn’t necessary, and just cost us extra for baggage. What should we do?

A: It’s your call. Some passengers still get all gussied for dinner, especially the first night, when the captain makes a welcome speech. However, the time when it was compulsary to dress formal is long gone. On even the most luxurious cruise ships, about the only restrictions for the dining rooms are no bare feet, shorts nor swim suits.

Q: We’re taking our young teen grandsons on a Disney cruise. We know they’ll have a great time, but what about us? Will we have to deal with hundreds of screaming kids running around all over the decks, pools and dining areas?

We enjoy cruising, but how do we survive this Disney ocean-going playground experience?

F. Miguel, Chicago IL

A: Senior citizens can have an adult time of of their lives on a Disney cruise, even with your grandkids and all the other junior citizens doing the same. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at the opportunities you’ll find to have your own fun.