Casino ads always use the word gaming, their sneaky way to make gambling sound more socially acceptable. Actually, gambling is what it has always been since the first cavemen rolled bones to see who got the best-looking cave woman or the mastodon steak.

It’s putting your money down, and although the odds always favor the house ... the gam(bl)ing house ... you hope good luck will send you home a winner. Yeah, sure. Of course, gambling to excess is an addiction. Even the casinos admit it by posting insincere signs like ... please gamble responsibly ... as if they really mean it.

Considering how stressful flying has become to we humans, you can only guess the impact unfamiliar noises, confusion and delays can bring to your traveling pets. When making your travel plans, if not absolutely necessary, don’t take your pets on flights.

Second, if it requires checking your pet as baggage, consider all the possibilities. What are the total fees? Is the container clean, safe and comfortable? Is there adequate food and water? How long will the pet be caged in? What are the chances of airline errors and delays?

If your pet is small enough (check requirements) to be carried aboard, do you have the approved container? Will it be a problem for your seatmate and/or must you pay for an extra seat for the container?

Guest Senior Traveler Paul McD, Atlanta GA: I had a recent unusual standby experience. Scheduled a 3:45 pm return flight out of Los Angeles, but my business there was completed early, and I arrived at LAX at 11 am. I rushed to the gate clerk and asked if I could catch the just-boarding 11:30 flight.

He said all the seats were full, but put me on standby. I watched passengers load up and there were no standby seats. I ate lunch, did some Smartphone work, and then went to the gate where the next flight was scheduled for 1:30 pm.

Many domestic U.S. airlines no longer serve free meals for economy class travelers. If you want a halfway decent meal, you must pay $10 or more for it. Instead, and if the airline is feeling generous, you may get a free soda and a teeny foil package of peanuts or pretzels.

A simple way to eat well when flying economy class is to pack your own. You can purchase a sandwich and/or salad in an airport store before boarding. Or better yet, pack a sensible and nutritious meal at home.