The airline industry

The airline industry is being assaulted from many different directions.

American Cancels Hundreds of Flights Wednesday

Flight cancellations at American Airlines continued Wednesday as the airline recovers from devastating tornadoes that swept through the Dallas area Tuesday,

CNBC,

4 April, 2012

American Airlines spokeswoman Andrea Huguely says 424 flights were canceled Wednesday in and out of Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) airport, including flights by regional carrier American Eagle, as planes were pulled out of service.

She confirmed 791 flights were canceled Tuesday due to storms that damaged dozens of planes, which face inspections and repairs. She said 94 American and American Eagle aircraft remained out of service Wednesday.

DFW airport spokesman David Magana said about 1,400 stranded travelers spent Tuesday night in terminals, and that the airport distributed cots, blankets, pillows and toiletry kits to passengers who requested them. The local chapter of the American Red Cross offered additional blankets.

Thousands of other passengers relied on area hotels or made other arrangements for lodging.

My frequency of travel increases the chances I'll be delayed or stranded overnight somewhere without my checked luggage. That's why I always travel with an emergency kit in my carry-on for situations just like this.

I use an amenity bag from a previous international flight as my case and stock it with the following essentials:

Toothbrush, toothpaste and mouthwash

Eyeshades and earplugs

Deodorant

Shampoo

Hand sanitizer and body lotion

Q-tips

Antibacterial wet wipes

Deodorant

Whenever I stay at a hotel, I always take the bathroom amenities when I check-out, as they are ideal to restock a kit like this when your supplies run low. Having these essentials can make sleeping at an airport a little more tolerable if you're unable to book a hotel for the night.