Long lines, delayed or canceled flights, lost luggage, bad customer service. Sound familiar? This is the experience some airline passengers are having when flying the not-so-friendly skies.

Wall Street Journal reporter Scott McCartney says after all the aggravation many customers fire off angry complaints to the airlines, only to get less than satisfying responses.

If you want a better response, McCartney suggests, be specific about what you want.

McCartney advises, "If you want a voucher for a discount for a future trip or a free ticket or a bump up in frequent flier miles or something like that, put a price on it. Tell them what you think you're owed because of their mistake."

Email complaints get answered faster than snail mail. Another common mistake, according to McCartney: telling an airline you'll never fly with them again.

"I think the better way to go about it is to say you know I have been a loyal customer. This is what I think I'm due in terms of compensation for what you did you me and let's go forward. Here's an opportunity for you to surprise and please me, and win back my loyalty."

Lose your luggage? McCartney counsels getting the phone number of the baggage office so you can call directly and get an update on your bags.

Some consumer advocates say they don't even trust the airlines with luggage anymore and recommend you ship your bags before you leave. There are even companies that ship your luggage for you.

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