An air trip can easily be ruined when something goes wrong. Don't take the risk - use this list of tips to help plan and execute your air trip without mishaps. This is a useful checklist for any air traveler.

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.

Confirm the flight dates and times for all parts of your trip to make sure that it matches up with your ticket information, hotel bookings and so on.

Make copies 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. Remember to include phone numbers and addresses of where you can be contacted at each stage of your journey.

When traveling internationally make sure that you have any visas that may be required. Verify if there are business or tourist visas and which one best suits the purpose of your travel.

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.

Bring a copy of your medical history with you. This could simply involve listing any medical conditions, blood type, etc. If you are allergic to any medications, include this information. When traveling internationally try to have these items listed in the local language (if possible).

When you travel abroad, if you are not familiar with the local language it's a good idea to know some key phrases. Simply prepare a short list of words such as: yes, no, please, thank you, where is, help, and so on. All you need is a small slip of paper showing the translations of a dozen or so words that you may have to use.

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.

For tips relating to the air trip itself, see Air Travel Safety Secrets (contact details given below). This free ebook reveals extraordinary safety information that airlines don't tell you. I strongly recommend this free ebook to anybody traveling by air.