If you have a car-alarm system, are over age 50, or are a longtime customer, you can probably reduce your tab even further.

CNN: Your one-day financial makeover

As a longtime customer of Dell's hardware and competitor in it services while at EDS, Schuckenbrock insists he knows how to help the division.

FORBES: On The Cover/Top Stories

As a longtime customer of Dell's hardware and a competitor in it services while at EDS, Schuckenbrock insists he knows how to help the division.

FORBES: The Second Coming

About two months ago Regal-Beloits Durst power transmission division in Beloit bailed out a longtime customer when the customers supplier couldnt deliver a certain axle shaft in time.

FORBES: The sweet smell of oil

Volkswagen, a longtime Corning customer and Peugeot rival, asked Corning to start production immediately, even though Corning was still testing it.

FORBES: Glass Menagerie

As a longtime Apple customer, I share that faith.

FORBES: What Do Apple Employees Think Of The iOS 6 Maps App?

As I said, when things go bad, you need someone in your corner to advocate for you, someone with both knowledge and access to the reservation systems, and you certainly cannot count on the airlines, even if you are a loyal longtime regular customer.

FORBES: Hurricane Sandy's Lesson to Travelers: Use A Travel Agent