Scotland

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.

Check your passport expiry date. Ideally it needs to be valid for at least six months beyond your travel return date. Some countries actually require that your passport be valid for at least six months into the future.

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 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.

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 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.

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).

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.

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 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.