The navigation equipment on most airplanes is unshielded, and hence
subject to interference from electronic devices such as radios or
personal computers. The latest FAA advisory leaves it up to the
airlines to set their own rules, but prohibits the use of cellular
phones during taxi before takeoff and during takeoff itself. Many
prohibit the use of certain types of equipment belowt's probably best to keep them clear of *both*
the metal detector and X-ray machine, just in case.

Do not rest your film or notebook on top of the x-ray machine -- they
aren't as well shielded as they could, especially on top. The
electrical transformers in X-ray machines, if not properly shielded,
can harm magnetic media.

Unless you rub your wallet along the coils of the metal detector, and
the field strength is set very high, walking through is unlikely to
wipe the magnetic strip on your credit cards.

Some parts © 2009 Advameg, Inc.