"20/20" SORTS FACT FROM FICTION ON FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, WITH "TRAVEL: MYTHS, LIES AND DOWNRIGHT STUPIDITY"

When preparing for holiday traditions, despite the anticipation of food, family and fun, many people will also focus on a much more mundane topic -- travel arrangements. There are airline reservations to make, hotel rooms to book, perhaps even a cruise to plan. But be careful, because many common assumptions about traveling are nothing but myths. This week, just in time for the holidays, "20/20" examines several different travel myths that could change the way you think about hotel reviews, lost luggage, airplane seating and much more. "Travel: Myths, Lies and Downright Stupidity" airs on "20/20," FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14 (10:02-11:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network. Myths include:

* Online travel reviews: Can you trust online reviews of hotels? Lynn Sherr reports.

* Flight Delays: Who hasn't experienced flight delays? When the airline says your flight is on time, should you believe them? Sam Champion reports.

* Cars and Gas: Even when your car's gas gauge reads "empty," there is still more gas left in the tank. Is that a myth, or does empty mean empty? John Stossel reports.

* Safety on planes: Many people believe the back of the plane is the safest if there is a crash. But is that true? John Stossel reports.

* Cruises: The ship's doctor is a member of the crew � true or false? Deborah Roberts reports.

* Lost Luggage: You've heard it before � when it comes to your luggage, the airlines do a lousy job. But the airlines say this is a real myth. True? Jim Avila investigates.

* Resort Fees: When you pay top dollar for a resort, is everything really included? Chris Connelly reports.

* Ticket buying: When it comes to buying tickets and the internet, are coach fares always cheaper then first class? Bill Ritter reports.

* Lightning: Can lightning take down an airplane? Elizabeth Vargas reports.

"20/20" is anchored by Elizabeth Vargas and John Stossel. David Sloan is executive producer.