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.

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 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.

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 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.

Always be aware of your surroundings while at the airport. 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.

Dirt Cheap Airfare. Some folks think it’s impossible in today’s economy. But think again! Yes, the current gas price debacle and the U.S Dollar getting weaker by the day is making travel more expensive but you can fight back.

The last year or so has seen dramatic changes in travel costs but it really is possible to secure yourself some great prices on cheap airfare if you know the tricks.

Just remember this rule. Getting airfare at dirt cheap prices only means one thing and that is that the price you paid for your ticket cost way less than the price the guy paid sitting next to you.

1. Bump Your Way TO A Better Price.

This is an oldie but goody but getting harder to do these days. Basically what you are trying to do is give up your seat on an overbooked flight in order to secure another seat on a future flight at a comped rate.

This technique has lost it’s popularity over the years due to the sheer number of flights the airlines had running but I foresee a great comeback in the near future as less flights lead to more overbooking.

Just keep in mind that you must be flexible with your schedule and you must arrive for your scheduled flight early enough to let the staff know you will take a bump. This technique works better than you can imagine and once to do it a time or two it won’t be long until you are saving some rather big bucks!

2.The Bucket Shop Method

Almost everyone would agree that you can save quite a few buck by traveling Expedia, Hotwire and a few others but have you ever tried Bucket Shop?

It is possible to save up to %50 or more using this method. Even better is that these aggregators are just as easy to deal with as using the internet to book your flights.

These businesses are consolidators who buy their tickets in big blocks. They buy them at a fixed price and you never have to worry about restrictions or other airline rules.

It is quite common to find tickets for seats that are still available through consolidators that are no longer available through purchase from the carriers themselves.

There are many consolidators to choose from such as Bucket Shop, Travel Hub, Air Brokers and others if you know where to look. So, what are you waiting for! Get creative, save some cash!

3. Break Up Your Flight And Save Some Cash!

I know it might sound crazy but breaking up your flight just a little might save you a small wad of cash. Instead of buying that single trip ticket, “hop” your way to wherever it is you are going. If you can make your “hop” city a hub that the airlines must fly to anyway, the savings could be even more.

Sounds weird huh but I’ve save quite a bit by doing this. It works especially well by making your hop city a hub. They must fly there anyway and believe it or not…it works!

4. What? Just Ship Your Luggage?

That’s right! Because of all the extra charges the airlines are slapping on you for packing it with you, it just may pay you to ship your luggage via UPS.

You may find that by doing a little checking around with UPS, FedEx and others that you will come out quite a bit ahead by doing this.

Remember, this does work well if you have a large family or have several bags you need to check. And the best part? Your luggage is guaranteed to be there when your are!

These are but just a few tricks of finding airfare dirt cheap. There are many more if you know where to look. Stop paying full price! It’s easier than you think.