TSA Friendly Belt for Breezing Through Security

Arcade is one of our favorite brands when it comes to TSA friendly belt options. With the Atlas Belt, they’ve taken a belt we already like—the Ranger—and updated the better buckle. It's contoured to be extra comfortable against your waist, and trust us, when you’re sitting on a plane for more than 12 hours, that’s important! The soft and flexible webbing belt is also made with recycled materials, including 85% post-consumer recycled polyester.

It’s stretchy enough for your next all-inclusive trip, even if you enjoy creme brulee with every meal, and they're machine-washable so you can clean it up if your drink spills during turbulence.

While the standard belts can be a bit tall, you can also get a slim width that’s a quarter inch shorter. Find a precise fit with the micro-adjustable buckle, and you won’t have to struggle when one hole is too loose while the next is too tight.

• You can get it in standard and long lengths, as well as different widths
• It comes in a variety of neutral colorways to coordinate with any outfit

• Smaller users will have a lot of doubled-up belt due to tighter adjustment
• Not ideal for super-dressy situations

If you don’t want to mess with clicking a buckle, the simple two-piece design of the Grip6 may make it the carbon fiber belt for you. The “buckle” is a solid chunk of carbon fiber with a slit on the end that you slide the nylon belt through to tighten. It takes a little practice to get used to since you slide the belt in through the top instead of up from the bottom and then pull the slack facing toward your body tight. Nevertheless, it allows you to make micro-adjustments to the fit and stay put throughout the day. That’ll come in handy as you wine- and cheese-taste your way through France, that’s for sure.

This TSA friendly belt will stand the test of time, too. The high-tensile nylon can take up to 2,000 pounds before it breaks, yet it still feels soft to the touch and is flexible enough to curve around your waist nicely. Since carbon fiber is used in aircraft and fast cars, you can be sure it’ll last. In addition to the comfy strap, the slight curve of the buckle helps it sit better along the waist. And with no prongs, clips, snaps, or other fasteners, you won’t have to worry about catching your skin as you snap or digging in after a few hours in your airplane seat.

• It comes in lengths from 28-50 inches
• You get the professional look of metal without setting off the detectors

• The standard width may dig into your waist
• It’s rather slow to put on and take off

When you have to dash to the restroom right before the last call for boarding, you want a belt that’ll go on and off in a flash. The TDU Belt is super easy to use since it has the same basic style as the belts that came on your shorts as a kid. Slide the nylon in and over the plastic bar in the middle of the buckle, pull it tight, and off you go. There’s no real way to hide the slack, so be sure to get the size closest to your waist if you can, but they run up to 4XL to fit a variety of body types.

This tactical-looking belt is super durable, so it’s unlikely to break while you’re halfway around the world. However, since it’s a belt with plastic buckle, it’s definitely better for more casual situations, not checking out the latest Michelin three-star restaurant. It's a little stiffer right out of the box, but we don't think that's a deal-breaker since it should get more flexible the more you use it. You can get it in one of three colors, from safari-style Kangaroo to Ranger Green and Black, to go with nearly any travel clothing. And while it definitely looks plastic, that makes it a great non metal belt for airport security.

• This belt can convert to be a tie down or carry strap in a pinch
• Easy and intuitive to use

• Plastic buckle looks cheap
• You may have to order up to two sizes larger than pants size as they run small

If you’re not a fan of the fabric look but still want a non metal belt, you have options! The ITAY Metal-free Leather Belt has a sophisticated and stylish look. The only difference between it and your typical belt is this one has a high-grade black plastic buckle, so you don’t get stopped by the metal detector. It’s great for business travelers and vacation packers heading out on a cruise or to an all-inclusive where you may have a fancy dress night.

It comes in cream, black, brown, and blue to match just about any outfit, and you can even get a two-pack with brown and black if you’re a frequent traveler. This TSA friendly belt buckles just like a typical one and comes in a wide variety of sizes to fit waists from 30-50 inches. This non metal belt is also great for those with nickel allergies who may get irritated by traditional belts.

• It looks just like a traditional belt, so you don’t have to sacrifice if you prefer that style
• There are different colorways to match your travel wardrobe

• It looks so close to metal that TSA officers may still ask you to take it off
• These aren’t the most durable belts

There’s a good chance you’ll need to carry some cash the next time you travel, but depending on where you’re heading, you might not feel comfortable having it in your travel daypack. The Bulldog Money Belt looks like a regular belt, but it’s hiding a secret—a zipper pocket on the underside. The YKK zippered opening accommodates around 20 U.S. dollars along its 22-inch length; we find that stacks of about five folded bills work quite nicely, and you can line them up around your waist. Then you won’t have to worry about flashing all of your cash at once or about pickpockets.

The nylon blend strap locks into the ratchet-style buckle very easily and won’t slip when you pull, ensuring stability. While it only comes in two sizes, they include instructions to help you trim it to your perfect length to avoid a lot of extra dangling strap. Just be sure to leave enough room for all the strudel, pretzels, and beer you’re going to enjoy during Oktoberfest, or you’ll be sorry you trimmed it so tightly.

• The polycarbonate buckle is nickel and metal-free but looks and feels premium
• It’s much softer and more flexible than some other options

• Some might find the simple, classic style a bit bland
• There may be a learning curve to getting your money out without attracting attention

The Momentum Belt is a new take on Arcade’s line of travel belts. All the basics are still there: a plastic buckle so you don’t have to take it off for airport security, a stretchy band for extra comfort and versatility, and an easy-to-wash design that you can throw in the washing machine. So, what’s new? This belt features small holes for aeration, making it more breathable and slightly more flexible. This also adds texture, too, which gives it a unique look compared to other run-of-the-mill belts. It can be dressed up or down, from business casual lunches to hanging with your buds at the skatepark.

While it doesn’t feel as durable as other Arcade belts that we’ve tested, it’s only marginally so. The buckle is matte, compared to the glossy finish of other Arcade belts, which we prefer for most situations, but it may not work for every outfit. Overall, we appreciate the changes that Arcade made for the Momentum Belt and think it makes for a simple and versatile travel companion!

• It’s plastic, so you don’t have to take it off at airport security
• The materials are stretchy, which adds comfort

• It isn’t as durable as other belts on this list
• It isn’t dressy or rugged enough for certain situations