Going through security in SFO this time disturbed me and stressed me quite a lot. Because I have enough jewelry that I can't take off, I always trigger the alarm and have to go through manual check.

Anyway, the TSA agent had me take off my money belt (never happened before) which did not alarm me too much and then she proceeded to do a very thorough job of patting and also whisking me with the wand. Of course she didn't find anything.

She then told me that she had to put my money belt through the x-ray machine. My pocket money of 500 euros plus $600 emergency cash plus all my ATM and credit cards were in it.

Okay, I better keep an eye on her. But then I have all my other stuff, my husband's stuff plus my husband to keep an eye on and I lost sight of her momentarily and I had a small panic attack. She actually went to the main x-ray machine to do the job and there were other people going through the security line.

I just read in fodors in the last few days that TSA stands for "Taking Something Always". So will I get everything intact?

When she returned the money belt back, the pocket where all my cards was unzipped. Fortunately everything was still in it, I think.

It took me quite a while to calm myself afterwards.

So, next time, no money belt through security. What's the sense, anyway??

Rather unnerving, I'd say. It's funny because it seems to be VERY different every time you go somewhere. It can even be the same airport during the same time frame, and WOW so different. I don't think there are very standard standards.

Laura

The credit cards would be checked because you can now by a knife on the internet designed to look like a credit card.

In a way, the money belt needing to go through x-ray is not horribly surprising. Other items, including purses and wallets are required to go through security all of the time. TSA could care less what the bag's purpose is, only that it is screened properly from their perspective.

I have just gotten used to making sure that all of my carry on items can fit into two of the bins. Shoes and coat into one, purse and everything else into another. DH does the same with sometimes up to three (laptop takes an extra one). We're comfortable keeping our eye on two bins each and whoever gets through the screening first is in charge of corralling all of the bins and pulling them down to the end of the area for redistribution.

I think it's best to put your moneybelt deep in your purse, when going through security. At a later point, you can rearrange yourself in the bathroom, if you are choosing to wear a moneybelt under your clothes.

In general, I think it's quite sensible to use a moneybelt, particularly if you are carrying large sums of cash, such as for an apartment rental, and if you are taking public transport. But I always keep at least one credit card separate from the others.

quote:

Originally posted by CDT:
The credit cards would be checked because you can now by a knife on the internet designed to look like a credit card.

If this is the case, why do they not remove credit cards from wallets etc?

quote:

In a way, the money belt needing to go through x-ray is not horribly surprising.

It was to me. I have been wearing my money belt through security since 9/11 since it only ever had paper and credit cards with no problems.

Anyway, I will not wear the money belt through security anymore.

I don't carry a money belt but a friend of mine had a similar experience. It's good to hear he's not alone.

I carry my passport etc. in a neck pouch. I take it off at the last moment or sometimes they let me walk through with it on. RR