In this story:

• Other airlines may honor tickets
• Get paper tickets
• Turn to travel agents

From CNN Interactive Writer Marla Edwards

What are your options?

Legally, they are just about nil, according to some travel experts.

"Since labor action falls into the same category as 'Act of God' and 'Act of War,' the carriers have no legal obligation to do anything for the consumer," said Ed Perkins, a consumer advocate with the American Society of Travel Agents.

"There is a false perception out there that the airlines are required to compensate passengers when their flights are canceled or delayed, when in fact, they are only required to provide compensation to passengers who were 'bumped' from an overbooked flight."

However, airlines often will do something for ticket holders when there is a strike.

"Historically, airlines have sought to maintain goodwill among their passengers by providing them with some compensation or refund," Perkins said.

Other airlines often will honor tickets from a striking carrier, but getting a seat when you need it may be difficult, said Laurie Berger, editor of Consumer Reports Travel Letter.

"The carriers get flooded with flyers from the striking carriers. They may not be able to accommodate everybody on the same flight that they originally booked or a similar flight. They may put you on a flight on a different day," she said.

You don't have to sit back and wait for the airlines to decide your fate, Berger said. She recommends that ticket holders do some research when they hear of a strike.

"Find a carrier with a similar schedule that flies to the same destination and ask how they would handle it," she said.

Flyers should get a paper ticket if they have booked an electronic ticket, Perkins advised.

"While many passengers have become accustomed to electronic tickets, they are still not easily transferable to other carriers in the event that your original airline isn't flying," he said. "To ensure swifter service, make sure you have a paper ticket."

E-tickets are held by airlines until the flyer gets to the gate, Berger said. "Unless there is a major computer glitch, which there can be, technically, you should be able to get your ticket or get it refunded if you paid with a charge card," she said.

Both Berger and Perkins said flyers may find it easier to turn to their travel agents for help if there is a strike.

"If they are an agency that you have a relationship with and you have done business with before, they're going to be more inclined to help you out and find you the best, most comparable flight," Berger said. "A lot of travelers feel more comfortable in just going back to their travel agent and saying, 'Take care of it.'"

However, it is possible to make the arrangements yourself, she said. "You can do it on your own. It just takes work."