Taking holiday cash through airport security and other newbie traveller questions

Bronnie

interstellaflyer wrote: »

I could see it if the belt just went missing, someone could grab the belt and dissapear, but to unzip, take money and (presumably) zip it back up takes time, surely this would not go unoticed and would raise susspision, there are usually security people at both ends of the scanner.

I think the best advice would be, don't take holiday money in cash, use Travelers Cheques or a Pre Pay card, if you must take cash, only take the bare minimum, ie enough to get you by between the departure airport and your transfer coach/taxi.

Agree unlikely, but when my tray was unattended at the end of the belt, that end of the belt was not being directly supervised for the duration, and there were a few trays and a small cluster of travellers fiddling with their stuff.

jellymid

Thanks for all the advice. I want my DD to be prepared, but haven't flown for about 18 years, and a lot has changed since then. I'll go with the discreet bag for her bit of cash (prepaid card and Halifax Clarity card already arranged) in her hand luggage, and delaying the tray going through.

Many thanks, any other tips gratefully received.

thegirlintheattic

Also make sure your hand luggage is not left unattended on the plane at any point, either put it in front of you or in the luggage locker opposite (or opposite and to the front of you) to keep an eye on it.

Bogof_Babe

Can I tag a question onto this thread rather than start another one?

With Ryanair's "one carry-on bag only" policy, if I wore a money belt would that be seen as having an extra "bag" and rejected? No concerns about it being scanned in the tray, but wouldn't want to get told I had to check something in to the hold just because I was wearing a money belt. Does it count as an item of clothing or a bag?

cashbag

Doubt the cash was stolen at that point - as said above more likely someone would take the whole belt. However I have had anxious moments when my stuff has been sent through the scanner & then I have been held up either by the person in front being stopped or having a pat down myself. On one occasion my small backpack was nowhere to be seen when I got to the other side! Panic! But it had apparently set off an alarm & had been sent back through the machine for a second scan. I do carry all my holiday money as cash, but it is well hidden in a secret spot in the depths of my hand luggage. If someone ran off with the bag I think airport security would be on to them before they had taken out all my tightly packed gear & found the money. Have considered concealing cash notes folded in a hanky down the front of my knickers until through security - not sure if this would show up or what they would make of it!!

My partner has to remove his belt with metal buckle, but I am usually fine as mine is plastic. Perhaps a money belt with plastic zip/buckles around your body under your clothes would pass OK. I once put all my money in a cloth pouch (velcro, not zips) hung round my neck under all my clothing layers - I was asked what the bulge was but not asked to remove it - perhaps they did not savour the idea of me stripping off to get to it right there & then!!

thegirlintheattic

If it is under your clothes I think it would count as clothing.

Ponkle22

You have to take money belts off. Just put it in your bag.

In the July getaway at Gatwick there were tons of people faffing about at the end of the converyor belt whilst I was being searched. I was aware that anything could go missing as it was hectic and no-one official monitoring that part of it. So it is possible.

I was also told that the security beeps randomly. That will explain why some people set it off.

ferf1223

I used to put our cash in an over-the-shoulder money thingy I wore under my clothes...it has zips and poppers and never set off any alarms. I stopped using it as once it was on for a bit I kind of didn't notice it was there and I would panic thinking it had (somehow, heaven knows how) fallen off. Now I just put the bulk of my cash in an inside zipped compartment of my handbag...so long as I have my handbag, I have my cash.

I think you would have to be pretty unlucky to have another traveller steal from your stuff at security...possible, yes...likely? I wouldn't think so.

ponymad_3

I do think that in very busy security check in areas your bag should not be out of sight and therefore I do not put anything into the tray loose, including my passport... there are plenty of travellers of all desriptions passing thro and it has to be best to be cautious. It is much easier if you are held up to keep sight of your travel bag - tie a ribbon round the handle to identify if its the same as many others - and that exactly what I do . . Don t be distracted as is the tip when on holiday!

No customs officer has time to open a money pouch so this did nt happen at the UK security area.

Also everyone can help with being ready to remove belts coats money phones etc from pockets - it drives me nuts that people complain as they re emptying their pockets...

All4ABargain

I see this thread is an old one, but hopefully somebody might see this question ... probably a silly one but ... do underwire bras set the metal detectors off?!