By FROM STAFF AND NEWS SERVICE REPORTS Air travelers suffering from summer sticker shock might find some relief this autumn.

CHICAGO _ In an acknowledgment of the frustrating experience flying can be, the government Wednesday unveiled new rules doubling the amount of money airlines must pay passengers who are bumped from their flights.

By Sheryl Jean, Pioneer Press, St. Paul, Minn. Jun. 26--Northwest Airlines has canceled flights at an escalating pace in June, the first month of a busy summer-travel season widely predicted to be a tough one for air travelers.

A Chicago-area reader who booked a flight to Ireland on Aer Lingus feared he would be charged for his checked luggage after receiving a confusing e-mail from the airline. But a phone call to Aer Lingus cleared up the mystery.

By MICHELLE HIGGINS By MICHELLE HIGGINS The New