money belts and security checks

If there's any metal, it may beep, which means you would be subjected to a secondary screening. If there's no metal, it will be fine. My hidden pocket has a metal zipper pull, so I take it off, but since it hangs off my belt, that doesn't involve disrobing.

With the new "microwave" type scanners that are used at most larger airports now, you must remove EVERYTHING- not just metal! ABSOLUTELY NOTHING can be in your pockets, not even a kleenex or a dollar bill. So a money belt would reallly 'upset' TSA and their 'systems'. My son was pulled just 2 weeks ago for a 'frisk' because he forgot a loose dollar bill in his pocket (he was heading to Florida to catch his honeymoon cruise). I was pulled this past weekend on a trip to Tahoe beacuse of a button on my shirt sleeve that hit right at my elbow- go figure. Additionally, you are going to be needing to access your passport, etc. for check-in and security- so why have it in your belt and your belt on already. Put the money belt on AFTER clearing security. Just keep it in your day bag then go to the restroom and put it on.
You won't go thorough 'security' after landing- just passport control (immigration), and a 'walk through' area of customs- unless you tell them you have something to declare.

Congrats on your first trip to Europe!!! You must be so excited! My money belt doesn't go on until after I've cleared customs. What works for me is a passport neck wallet. Been doing it this way pre and post 9/11. Holds a credit card and debit card and an emergency $20 bill as well. Hangs there for all to see. Haven't ever been asked to remove it while going through security. You will have made xerox copies of the passport, credit card, debit card or loaded the info on a flash drive and secured it in your carryon for back up. I find no discomfort in wearing this under my sweater or blouse for the entire flight. Once thru customs I find an ATM, take out 200 in whatever currency of the country I'm visiting, put the money in the neck wallet, slip the wallet back under my blouse or sweater, make another restroom stop and transfer the passport, credit card, debit card and most of the money away into the money belt. Keep enough for a coffee and transport monies in a small coin purse in a pants pocket. The neck wallet is rolled up and put inside the carryon. I freshen up and I'm off to enjoy Europe. You'll need to figure out what works best for you of course, but that's how I roll. Have a wonderful trip!

Thank you all so much for the good advice.
Happy and safe travels to all.

Claudia This will be our 4th trip to Europe - have always used a RS Silk money belt - credit cards, passport, train tickets and money. Have never been pulled over going thru scanners. Is these scanners something new within the last 2 years??

'If there's no metal, it will be fine.' 'Haven't ever been asked to remove it while going through security.' Both are really old scoop. See Toni's comments

That is not fine! The new scanners at the Amsterdam airport pick up nonmetalic objects, such as my plastic and nylon belt. It is a good idea to to put all nonclothing items in your carry-on bag or underseat bag.

Like Monte, I have a nylon belt with a plastic buckle. I bought it years ago so I could go through the metal detectors without removing it. Now I have to take it off anyway. Follow Toni's advice.

Shelly I didn't mention metal, Toni did. Traveled last year LAX to LHR, used same old method and didn't remove the neck wallet. No problem. However, things evolve so be prepared.

Yes- the TSA just began using the newer machines in the past 12-18 months. They are not in every airport and they are not used at every checkpoint in the airports they are in. They are slower than the 'older' x-rays. They take 3-5 seconds for each passenger and then you have to wait to be 'cleared' by the TSA agent. So sometimes when the lines back up too much, we have seen them open an x-ray line in addition to the 'new' lines. With the new machines you step into a glass 'chamber', spread your feet, and raise your arms. Then a 'bar' moves around the chamber (it takes about 3-5 seconds). Finally, you step out and wait for the TSA agent to clear you. sometimes they will pat down only a certain portion of your body if there are problems (like with my elbow). Other times they may pull you for a full pat down if there are problems. You can refuse the new scan- but then you get the full, more 'invasive' pat down.

Flying to heathrow airport in 4 hours. Olympic traffic is up. I hope I can make it to my next flight to Shannon.

Some are a little behind. Everything off and out of pockets. Wife came through screening at Frankfurt two years and forgot to take off money belt. Received a special trip to the little room where they make you take off everything. Slightly overweight, retired,blonde, school librarian is threat to security that cannot be taken lightly. In Chicago left a sales receipt abut inch wide and two inches long in my hip pocket. Again, cannot be too careful. The resulting manual pat down was extensive.