Money Belt Going Through Airport Security

Normally it doesn't cause problem. But in Frankfurt it did and resulted in my wife being taken to another room and nearly stripped search.

PS. It did not set off the alarm. They found it during a pat down search.

I wear mine but with the new equipment I'm wondering if it will have to come off.

I take two--one, a neck pouch that I can put on and take off easily going through airport security--I take it off and put it in my backpack to scan through security--then I put it back on after security.

The other is a zippered pouch with a loop that I wear on a belt (inside clothing--pants, for example) once I'm in Europe.

As Audrey said, and Frank's wife experienced, it may no longer be okay to wear your moneybelt through security. I always have before, but not more.While mine has no metal, if chosen to go through the body scanners, you are not supposed to have anything on you except your clothes. The moneybelt will show up and possibly freak out the person viewing you. This could lead to what Frank's wife went through.

It is getting more and more likely in Europe that passengers flying to the U.S. will either get the full body scan or be patted down. And if they find something, it just increases the hassle and time wasted in security.

I now put my moneybelt in my carry-on when I go through security and put it on right afterwards--in private, or course. Do not put in on the xray belt directly. Put it in your carry-on.

I also had to go into another room and they check inside my underware at Frankfurt airport screening when changing planes to Tel Aviv.

Does anyone know if putting your money belt thru the x-ray machine will affect the credit cards that lots of people carry in there?

I'd think that if you had a waist belt, and a loose fitting shirt that went over your pants, you could temporarily have your money belt out over your pants. It would be easily seen/felt by the screeners, and you could tuck it back into your pants post screening. I'd prefer that over removing it and keeping it with your other items.

I've put my credit cards/debit cards through with no problems. However, they were not directly on the belt but either inside a wallet or moneybelt. Those were inside my carry-on.

Why wear your moneybelt through security anyway? You're entering an area that's only for ticketed passengers, it's hard to believe you are really at that much risk of your purse/carry on (with your passport and money inside) being stolen.

Everyone must remember...rules have changed in the last few weeks. What was done in the past may no longer work. I find that putting everything in either my carry-on or in a jacket pocket that goes through the x-ray machine lowers my chance of having problems. And then even if I am chosen for secondary, I sail right through.

Why give TSA any reason to do extra checks if you don't have to.

BTW--it doesn't matter where you're flying to when going through security in the U.S. It's the same for everyone.

I've never had a problem with it when going through security in the US. A few years ago, though, security at Frankfurt airport was routinely doing pat-downs on travelers to the US and they made me take it off and open it up. Has anyone been over recently and had different experiences?

In Frankfurt coming back to USA they wanted it in the Xray - as they did the wand inspection for each person at one of the multiple stops to get to the US bound termnals. In Zurich or Munich I dont remember ever having to take it off for the regular metal detect. But as the posters say X-ray means X-ray - and it will show up. Make it easier for them and empty the pockets or HOLD the passport & ticket if they let you.

Someone recently had posted a link to a mesh type bag that folded up and attached to your carry on. I'm too lazy right now to look it up for you.) That could hold money belt and valuables during security.

Post underwear bomber I can see how security would be much more concerned with carrying anything concealed (even if the metal detector isn't set off).

Probably the best thing is to do what was mentioned earlier. Put it in your carry-on (hold on to your ticket and passport) until you are through security.

There is an airport scam (I've never actually seen it - I assume they invest in a ticket to have access to travelers' valuables) where someone jumps in front of you in line after you put your stuff on the x-ray conveyor belt. The person carries change and keys in their pockets and holds things up while their partner (ahead of them) is able to take stuff that is already through the x-ray machine. If that happened, you probably wouldn't want your moneybelt to be visible.

Brad brings up a good point. Never put your stuff through the x-ray machine until you are ready to go through. If someone cuts in front of you, wait until it's your turn before your belongings leave your side. (This scam is less common now.)

BTW--never lose sight of your stuff. If asked to go through secondary screening or pat down, you can ask for your belongings to come with you. Even the TSA suggests never taking your eyes off your stuff.

Which leads to the idea--the more stuff you have going through the xray machine, the more stuff you can lose. I do what Brad does--one bag only. My daybag/flightbag is inside my main carry-on. The only things I have going through the machine are carry-on, kippie bag, shoes and a coat if I'm wearing one. (If I'm traveling for work, I may also have a netbook that has to come out. )

I've seen people empty their pockets into the tray...wallet, keys, coins, etc. You're just asking for trouble doing that. A wallet is easy for someone to pick up and pocket. A carry-on isn't.

I recently saw someone at LAX empty their pockets into a tray (wallet included). When he got through the scanner his wallet was gone!

My wife has had knee replacement and gets checked very closely.I go thru the security and when I am finished she sends her stuff thru as it always takes a while for her and I dont like her things sitting on the table.

Regarding Karen's mention of the mesh bag attachment -- it can be purchased from Magellan "Quick Pass Luggage Tag" $12.95.

Also, thanks again for all your information.

When I travel with my dad, getting through security is a real hassle due to his pacemaker. The TSA is generally fine about it, but all a sudden I'm responsible for keeping track of his stuff AND mine. We travel light, but 2 suitcases, 1 purse, 2 jackets, a liquids baggy, and 2 sets of shoes is a lot for one gal to manage.

Both of us bury our moneybelts (or wallet depending) in the bottom of my purse which is zipped shut and put in one of the bins with our shoes. Important to note we do this well BEFORE reaching the security line in case anyone is watching for easy marks.

We both take everything off, and dad's taken to putting his loose items of keys, change, pen, watch, etc. into a ziploc baggy at the very beginning which he can just toss into the suitcase. I always carry my id and boarding pass through with me and I've been fortunate to always beat my items through so I can round them up at the end.