Be sure that your passport is not about to expire. The expiry date needs to be at least six months beyond your return date of travel. Some countries may refuse entry unless the passport has at least six months validity still remaining.

It is important to decide what you will be taking as onboard hand luggage and what you will be consigning separately. Do this several days before you travel as it could affect what luggage bags you take. It could also affect your air ticket booking, particularly if booking online. Check that you know what luggage restrictions may apply.

Confirm flight times and dates for all portions of your trip to make sure that it matches up with your information.

Make a photocopy of your air travel itinerary and your passport photo page, and leave copies with your workplace and family members or friends. This is a very useful contingency in case you suffer a mishap or in case you need to be contacted in an emergency. Include phone numbers and addresses of where you can be contacted.

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 a photocopy of your passport, visas and other essential travel information. Pack this copy in your luggage in case the original documents are stolen or lost.

Take a copy of your medical history with you in case of a medical requerement. This simply means listing any medical conditions, blood type, etc. If you are allergic to any medications, or have special medical needs, include this information. When traveling internationally try to have this document translated to the local language of travel.

If you are traveling internationally try to have key phrases written in the local language such as please, thank you, where is, help, and so on. You just need a small slip of paper with a dozen or so key phrases.

Thieves and opportunists also travel by air. Therefore do not assume that the airline cabin is a theft-free zone. Never leave valuables on or near your airline seat - always take them with you when leaving your seat.

Airports are places where opportunists and thieves go with the intention of stealing. You should constantly be aware of your surroundings while in the airport.

For the latest tips relating to the air trip itself, see Air Travel Safety Secrets (see contact details below). This free ebook reveals air travel information that airlines don't tell you. Anybody traveling by air should see this ebook.