We have all heard it, “Turn of all electronic devices or we will toss you out the door which is impossible to open after cabin pressurization…” So what exactly will happen, if you talk on your cell on the plane or you put your hard drive through security

by Suzanne Robertson

So what exactly will happen, if you talk on your cell on the plane? We give you the straight story on this mystery, and more.

Getting ready to travel is stressful. Where’s your luggage, where’s your travel-size toothpaste, hey, where’s your sanity?

And then there are all those confusing travel myths that can add to your anxiety. Take a deep breath and let FareCompare.com help you separate the myths from the facts.

MYTH #1 - What Can Cell Phones DO to a plane???

You hear it on every flight: Turn off all cell phones, BlackBerries, laptops, DVD players, iPods, whatever, because “they interfere with the plane’s navigational systems.” So, if you sneak out an e-mail after being told to turn everything off, or gab another few minutes on the cell, you’ll cause the plane to crash?

• FACT: No, the plane won’t crash because you were sending e-mails or sneaking a call. The FAA has tested all this fun electronic stuff for more than 25 years and no interference happens. But, the FAA lets individual airlines set their own policies for use of these devices, so DON’T ignore the announcement to turn everything off. For one thing, that would be rude, but more to the point, violating airline policy could make you subject to arrest. And if you think plane travel is uncomfortable these days, image what jail will be like!

MYTH #2 - There’s Only One Day of the Week to Buy the Cheapest Tickets!

Friends in the know tell you, the absolute best time to purchase a ticket directly from the airlines is Wednesday beginning just after midnight (til about 1AM), and you must make the purchase in the time zone of the airline’s headquarters (example: American Airlines is based in Ft. Worth, Texas, so you’d have to make the purchase at midnight Central Time). According to your friend, this is when airline computer systems dump reserved but unbooked lower fare reservations.

• FACT: Some held inventory is released EVERY day at midnight and most fares on hold aren’t necessarily all that cheap*.* Here’s a better idea: sign up for FareCompare.com’s email alerts, and we can tell you the moment the cheapest fares become available. And we alert you hours before the competition can, even before the airlines themselves can.

MYTH #3 - X-Ray Machines Can Erase Your Laptop’s Hard Drive!

You’ve heard this one a million times. What’s the deal?

• FACT: Not to worry. After all, there was that woman at Los Angeles International Airport who put her infant grandson in one of those bins for carry-on items, and he traveled on the conveyor belt through the x-ray machine, none the worse for wear (but need we say, try NOT to do this?). Anyway, your laptop will be healthy after its little ride, too. Lots of scientific mumbo jumbo explains this but in a nutshell: put your computer next to your shoes and send it through with confidence.

MYTH #4 - Delays, Cancellations? No Problem! The Airline Will Pay!

And we can thank Rule 240 for that, right? The federal rule that forces airlines to pay for your hotel and food when they mess up, right?

• FACT: Ummmm…no. Since deregulation, Rule 240 isn’t a federal requirement and airlines don’t have to have it in their contracts. What airlines WILL do for you when a flight is delayed varies from airline to airline, and in many cases, they simply say they will “try” to help you out, but make no promises. What to do? Look up your airline’s “contract of carriage” BEFORE you fly, to see what they will do for you if problems arise. And if problems DO arise, don’t lose your temper. Try to negotiate for some sort of assistance but stay calm and be polite. Remember this quote: “You can catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar.”

MYTH #5 - The “All Inclusive Cruise” Means Leave Your Money at Home!

You’ve seen the advertisment: a cruise is “all inclusive” i.e., all paid for. What do you need a wallet for?

• FACT: Face it, a lot of cruise ships take every opportunity to squeeze that green out of you; extras can include alcohol, photos, shuttles into port cities, spa services, frothy cups of cappuccino and more. The all-inclusive, at-sea vacation may not be such a good deal once you have a few umbrella drinks, get a massage and send e-mail. And yet, cruising can be a bargain of sorts, depending on the individual. What’s important is that the individual is aware that extras DO add up.