Recently there's been a deluge of negative press about the US domestic airline industry, and because every one of us have been on planes, tarmacs and terminals, we can relate to just how bad it can be. If there was ever time for some industry-wide collective counseling it's now.

One only needs to point out a few of the recent stories to get your face flushed and pupils dilated. Here's a list of events (followed by some calming salve) to help relax you during this difficult time.

The sad tale of Continental Express Flight 2816: What should've been a three-hour flight ended up taking fifteen with passengers aboard having no say as the events unfolded.

What can do if it happens to you? Take advantage of the power of social networking—let as many people know about your plight as possible, via the email, Facebook or Twitter. Squeaky wheels will always get some grease.

The rising fees for checking baggage: Unbundling operating costs is a godsend for the airlines but a scourge to consumers trying to find cheap tickets. The new status quo is to slap you with $15-$50 fees to check luggage too big to travel with you in the cabin. A word to the wise: keep in mind baggage fees when buying tickets, especially if you are one to check bags. They can make the difference between saving and losing money on a cheap ticket. Or else, simply bring less. Here's a handy chart. 

Why is it happening? The competitive market dictates that airlines must keep the lowest "looking" fare available. But they can make their money back on baggage, change and in-flight services fees. To them it's business, to you it's nuts.

The sheer lack of courtesy by domestic airlines: in an ultra-competitive market it seems outrageous for airlines to treat their bread and butter like floozies, demanding obedience while gouging our wallets if we don't comply.

The bright side: big airlines will listen when forced to. The viral hit United Breaks Guitars is a perfect example.

The seemingly deliberate way airlines have of crossing their customers: There is a new rule coming that says passengers can't keep personal items in the seat pocket in front of them during their flight. Sadly, there's not much you can do about this ridiculous rule.

So what can you do to protect yourself?

Educate yourself: Write, call, harass your congressmen and women. They have the ability to pass legislation to enact controls and limits of price gouging and rule tampering. Tell them you're fed up with unfair treatment and that you don't want to take it anymore.

Organize: Tell as many people as possible with as many means at your disposal. With any luck, momentum will develop and your message will be heard. Eventually the corporate heads will decide it makes better business sense to spend the money and actually address the problem than to ignore it.

You can also check out the best site for passengers rights currently on the web:

http://flyersrights.org/

* image credit Diego Cupolo (via Creative Commons)