Here is a list of tips to help you plan and execute your air trip without mishaps. These tips are a useful checklist for anybody traveling by air.

Make sure your passport is not about to expire. Most people never think of this until it's too late. It needs to be valid for at least six months beyond your return dates of travel. Some countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months or you may be refused entry.

Decide what you will be taking onboard as hand luggage and what you will be consigning separately. Do this several days before you plan to travel as it may affect your luggage plans and even the method of booking your flight. Make sure you know what luggage restrictions may apply.

Check and confirm flight times and dates for all sections of your trip to make sure that it matches up with your travel plans. If the trip involves several modes of transport, prepare a separate itinerary.

Make a copy of your air travel itinerary and your passport photo page, and leave copies with your key contacts (workplace, family, travel agent or friend). This can be useful in case you suffer a mishap or in case you need to be contacted urgently. Remember to include telephone numbers and addresses of where you can be contacted during your trip.

If traveling internationally make sure that you have the correct visas that may apply. Check whether you need a business or tourist visa and apply accordingly.

Make photocopies of your passport, visas and any other pertinent travel documents. Pack copies in your luggage as a contingency in case your original documents are lost or stolen.

If you use special medication or if you have special medical needs or allergies create a brief report and have it translated into the language of your travel destination. You made need this information in an emergency so keep the document with you.

If traveling abroad here is a great tip: prepare a list of key phrases written in the local language such as thank you, please, where is, help, how much, and so on. You just need a small piece of paper showing a dozen or so key phrases.

Theft is always a concern at airports, but it also happens on flights. Therefore never leave valuables on your seat or near by - take them with you if you leave your seat.

Constantly be aware of your surroundings while in the airport. Many thieves go to airport specifically to steal.

Once you're on board the aircraft you're still not 'home and dry'. For tips relating to the air trip itself, see Air Travel Safety Secrets. This free ebook reveals extraordinary safety information that airlines don't tell you. To get this free ebook see download information below.