Air travel can be very stressful, and made more so by today’s ever-increasing costs, crowds, delays, weather cancellations and security hassles. Also flipped-out unruly fellow flyers. Recent news reported in-air antics of two wealthy passengers, each causing considerable trouble during flights.

One was a spoiled Middle Eastern princess and the other an out-of-control scoin of a big hotel dynasty. Because of the severity of their threats and disturbances, both may face prison terms.

So, what can a not-too-agile senior do when this happens in the next seat or nearby during a flight? A simple rule should help you get through the ordeal.

When a nearby passenger starts shouting in anger, unless there’s actual physical danger to you, don’t argue nor attempt to pacify the person. The noise should quickly attract an attendant, who is trained to deal with the disruption.

If you believe you’ll be attacked personally, unless trapped in your seat, get up and away as quickly as possible. If you’re incapable of defending yourself due to age or other disadvantage, don’t just sit there. Loudly let the flight attendant know, as well as everyone else nearby, you fear for your safety.

First scan the internet and check with your travel agent for special cruise prices, including last-minute deals. Once aboard, you don’t have to scrimp, but there are many ways to save.

Upscale Dining: It costs $50 per person or more to have a posh dinner in special on-board restaurants. Instead, eat in the regular dining rooms and buffets. The food is just as good without a private waiter hanging over you.

Drink Free: Although cruises are advertised as all-inclusive, many drinks are extra, including booze and sodas. Coffee, tea and lemonade are usually free at meals and elsewhere aboard. Also, at a sales pitch art sale, if you can sit through it, you may get a free glass of champagne.

How many times have you heard it? You don’t need to spend a lot of money to have a great trip. Considering the ever-increasing costs of airfares, hotel rooms and dining out, it gets more difficult to do anything without emptying your savings.

Actually, if you do your planning right, it is possible to travel high class on a low class budget.  Here some ways our veteran travel experts apply to get the best for the least:

Last-minute cruise: With a favorite travel agent and/or by scanning cruise line websites daily, the bargains are there for the taking.

Cruising is statistically much safer than flying and driving. However, cruise ship problems, such as health and cleanliness issues, always make the news.

Seniors cruise because they’re very convenient. Once aboard, everything is just a few steps away: entertainment, pools, spas, sunning, scenery and dining. When visiting ports, there are excursions, shopping, and other diversions.

A cruise vacation can be even more enjoyable when you’re constantly aware of safety. These five key tips help make your sailings a pleasant experience:

Bring All Daily Meds x 2: Check with your physician before sailing and stock up for double the number of days of the cruise. This allows for unexpected delays that could result in running out of meds.

In case of emergency illness or injury aboard, carry proof of insurance, Medicare, and other applicable IDs. If you take special med equipment, be sure it's in good working condition.