Anyone considering getting behind the wheel in Turkey should take note of a special U.S. State Department briefing about driving hazards. It begins: "The cardinal rules of safety to survive Turkish driving are: drive very defensively, avoid driving at night and never let emotions affect what you do."

We're planning to get married and honeymoon in Fiji, preferably a small, all-inclusive resort. What is the most economical and reliable way to plan this type of trip?

You can start by checking out the "Fiji Islands Travel Guide" of the Fiji Visitors Bureau, where you'll find a link for weddings and honeymoons.

Most resorts there offer wedding packages, but of course you'll want to check them out thoroughly to make sure you're not disappointed. Ask the resort for testimonials from couples who have already visited.

The Visitors Bureau also offers a honeymoon guide with contact information for operators and packages. Call the bureau at (800) 932-3454.

There's a Fiji section in "Romantic Wedding Destinations: Guide to Wedding & Honeymoon Getaways Around the World," by Jackie Carrington (Innovanna Publishing, 1997). The book provides marriage license requirements, plus the names of wedding consultants with their addresses and phone numbers. It can be ordered by calling (800) 577-9810.

Finally, look at one or more of the guidebooks to Fiji aimed at independent travelers. They may have information about the islands that you won't find in package brochures. Among good guides are "Fiji Islands Handbook," by David Stanley (Moon Publications, 5th edition, 1999), and "Fiji," by Robyn Jones (Lonely Planet, 4th edition, 1997).

I was bumped off an international flight by US Airways despite arriving 42 minutes before takeoff. But I was forced to wait in the check-in line for over half an hour. What recourse do I have?

I'd be mighty mad if I missed a flight under the circumstances you describe, but I don't know if I'd be madder at myself or the airline.

US Airways does have a 30-minute rule for international flights -- but that means you have to be at the gate within that period, not out front at the main baggage check-in counter. And that means you don't really have any recourse.

Airlines sometimes have agents working the lines to deal with passengers in danger of missing flights, but not always. Passengers who find themselves in this position should attempt to notify an airline agent ASAP, in the hopes that processing can be expedited.

Any way you cut it, arriving 42 minutes before an international flight is asking for trouble. Even if the line out front isn't exceedingly long, it takes a bit longer to check in because of the passport check, and often passengers have more luggage on such flights. Then you still have to go through security -- another line during busy periods -- and also a gate check. When you're flying a jet that carries 300 or more people, there's often a jam at the gate, too.

Most airlines recommend arriving two hours early for an international flight.

Here's US Airways's rule for boarding, from its Web site: "To help ensure on-time performance, US Airways requires that passengers present themselves at the boarding gate at least 10 minutes (30 minutes international) before the scheduled departure time of the flight even if you have already checked in for the flight at a location designated for such purpose. Failure to meet this requirement may result in cancellation of your reservation and make you ineligible for denied boarding compensation."

An easy way to find out rules -- as well as what rights you have as a passenger -- is to consult "Terry Trippler's Rules of the Air" at 1travel.com. The site offers plain-English explanations on topics found in an airline's contract of carriage, which accompanies each ticket purchase.