Q: We're worried about being stuck on the tarmac. Friends say they sat for five hours last week and were not allow to get off the plane. What's the latest rule?

A: We’re sure everyone now sitting in a delayed flight on the tarmac for the past six hours will appreciate the latest government regulation. It orders that airlines with flights within the U.S. can no longer keep passengers on board delayed flights for more than three hours on the tarmac. Now the passengers must be allowed to leave the airplane and go back to the comforts of the terminal.

Of course, there are all kinds of ifs and buts in the rruling that allow the airlines to find excuses to ignore the order, such as weather delays, equipment repairs and others. Does that include time required to sober up the pilot?

Remember back in the days when stewardesses were all nurses?

If tarmac delays continue to stretch out, they may be needed again!

Try a singles cruise or group trip to meet new friends

Q: We were college roommates who just got together again after more than 30 years. We’re both divorced, and our kids are on their own. We’re still young enough to want to get back into the dating game. We both enjoy traveling. What do you suggest?

A: Lots of ideas for you to consider. Here are just a few to reintroduce you to singles scenes of fun and games:

1. Singles cruises: Because you enjoy travel, the best way to refamiliarize you to the dating scene is to sign on for a singles cruise. They’re relatively inexpensive, all-inclusive, and feature many onboard and excursion events that get the singles to mingle.

Will Paris force us through a gauntlet of smoke?

Q: We’ll be attending a business meeting in Paris for a week this spring, and although the beautiful city has much to offer, we’re worried about being exposed to smoke. We don’t want to be choked by cigarettes in cafes, open-air tables, meeting rooms, hotels and everywhere else in the city. We’re both very allergic to cigarette and cigar smoke, and want our time in Paris to be smiling, not wiping tears from bleary eyes. What can we do about it?

A: Yeah, we’re familiar with all the movies showing lovers in Paris. Remember Bogie and Bergman smooching in clouds of smoke. When we were in Paris in 2002, everyone ... people, cats, dogs, kids ... seemed to be puffing and coughing away in all places, inside and out. There was absolutely no escape from the smoke.

However, in 2007, France began banning cigarette and cigar smoking in public places, including museums, trains stations, trains, cafes and taverns. Smoking is still permitted outside, so anyone walking into a bistro or on the sidewalk nearby still must stagger through clouds of smoke.

We suggest you check with the hosts of the Paris business meeting and tell them of your aversion to cigarettes. If they can’t keep you totally free from smokers, at least they may be able to get you rooms in a smoke-free hotel, and suggest cafes and other places in the city you can visit where the air is unpolluted by smokers.

World War II bomber pilot still believes he can fly solo

Q: Grandpa has always been a fiercely independent guy, and still insists he goes on commercial flights alone. After all, he says, “I flew a B25 during WWII, and I can still take care of myself in the air at age 90.” He uses a walker, and is slowing down physically and mentally. Now he wants to fly cross-country for an Air Force squadron reunion, and absolutely insists on going alone. What do you suggest?

A: You should strongly consider preventing Grandpa from flying alone. If you believe he’ll be OK if a companion goes with him, find one that won’t anger him. For example, send a teen grandkid who tells Grandpa he/she is interested in an Air Force career. Check on rules many airlines apply regarding aged and handicapped people who fly without companions.

Here are a few of the more specific regulations. Many airlines won’t allow you to travel alone unless you’re able to independently work your seatbelt and oxygen mask, get to an emergency exit fast and hear/understand flight attendant instructions.

Additionally, attendants can’t help if the passenger needs help to eat or use the onboard toilet independently. Attendants can’t help if boarding or deplaning requires help or the passenger is confused after landing in the airport facilities.

Even if you’re considering allowing Grandpa to attend the reunion alone, you must be certain someone actually escorts him to his airplane seat before take-off, and someone meets him immediately when the airplane arrives at his destination.

The bottom line is: If you have any doubts about his capabilities or potential for troubles, don’t allow Grandpa to fly alone.