So you’re going on vacation or heading back to your parents house for the holidays and you want to bring some of your favorite toys to help with the relaxation or help you connect with your partner(s). You’re not alone! In fact, 50% of Americans say they are more likely to be intimate with their partner while on vacation. Now the tricky part comes in, how to travel with these sexy items without arising awkwardness.
- Check local laws of anywhere you’re going
- Even in the USA. For example, in Alabama, the sale of sex toys is a criminal offense, so avoid bringing any sexy toys for sure!
- Check the laws especially in other countries! If you’re lucky enough to be planning a vacation, consider traveling to places that are LGBTQ friendly. If your end destination isn’t optional, make sure to check what is allowed there. Countries like India and the UAE have strict laws regarding adult products and you will receive much worse than a glare.
- Make sure it’s dead
- No we aren’t talking about spiders or snakes. Make sure your toys are completely spent out or remove the batteries. This ensures you won’t have any awkward buzzing going off before or during your flight. You really don’t want to be sitting next to an old lady when your vibrator starts going off in your carry-on overhead.
- Choose your toys carefully
- If the TSA thinks it can be used as a weapon, they aren’t going to let it onboard. In general, BDSM gear is going to trigger their alarms more frequently than other sex toys, just based on the nature of the items.
- Luckily, TSA has a What Can I Bring search tool on their site where you can type in your item and see if it’s allowed.
- We recommend the following toys:
- Vibrators: In this case, go for the battery operated! These bullet vibrators are discreet and the battery pops right out so that your toy won’t go off accidentally. Just don’t go around advertising you have a “bullet” in your bag in the airport… that’ll be sure to get you stopped.
- Dildos: It may seem risky to pack your favorite dildo, but there are ways to discreetly pack these items. There is even a travel friendly stand to offer a fucking machine while on the go.
- Cock rings and butt plugs: Silicone, silicone, silicone. The last thing you want to explain at the airport is why you’re setting off a metal detector with no discernable metal on your extremities. Consider rings like this one and plugs like these, remove the jewel if you want to be extra safe.
- Place them in a plastic baggy
- Not only do you not want lint and excess dirt to get all over them, but in the case that they are inspected by security, this way they won’t be rubbing their hands all over your very personal items.
- This goes for your liquids too! As many Americans know, any liquid in your carry-on should be in bottles of 3 oz. or less and in a clear bag. This is per TSA rules as well as a best practice to minimize leakage. If you’re going to be bringing lube, toy cleaner, or any other liquid, make sure to follow these rules.
- When in doubt, check your bag.
- If the thought of someone waving your thrusting dildo around in the middle of your hometown airport fills you with dread (which is completely normal btw) you can always play it safe and check your bag. If you can’t check your bag, try to pack your toys with your toiletries. Neck massagers look a lot like some of my favorite items, TSA might think so too! For your larger items like dildos, packing them in your shoes will also help conceal and hopefully keep security glazing over your bag.
Finally, just own it. We’ve spent a while telling you how to prevent embarrassment while traveling with sex toys. But honestly, short of your items being confiscated, who the fuck cares. Even if the TSA does wave your toy around or you have to pull it out of your bag because it started going off mid-flight, at least you’ll know that you’re going to have a better trip than the tightwads judging you!