Traveling is stressful, but sex toys can help. As proud as we hope you are about your sexuality and pleasure, we’ve all shared a collective cringe at the TV show scene where someone has an awkward encounter with TSA while bringing their battery-operated companion on a trip.
What takes place in this scene goes something like this: a TSA agent sees a suspicious item while scanning someone’s luggage (read: it’s their favorite dildo.) The agent shuffles through someone’s items, undoing their perfect Marie Kondo folds. What’s worse, is that they handle items after going through countless luggage from other travelers. To avoid this moment, read on for discreet ways to stow your sex toys.
How to Travel with Your Sex Toys
Bag it
You might be wondering what sex toys you can travel with and how to get through luggage screening without a second glance. While you may not be able to control a TSA screener opening your bag, you can avoid them directly touching your toys. To circumvent a dreaded moment when a stranger handles these items, place your toys in clear plastic bags. This way, if a TSA screener handles your clit sucker, while they’ll pick it up, you’ll avoid germs and an unpleasant future association with your toy being touched.
When you pack, you might also consider placing your toys in your cosmetic bag as they can likely pass as wellness products.
Check out local laws
It bears a quick mention to check local laws before flying to other countries—sex toys are illegal in some countries. Import, sale, or possession of sex toys is illegal in a few places—and penalties range from having a toy confiscated, to paying fees, and even prison time. Alabama has a law banning the purchase of sex toys, but not possessing them.
Take out your batteries
You don’t want to drain your battery power before you need it! Also, sometimes en route, sex toys can bump into other items in your bag that may power it on. Some sex toys have travel locks, so you don’t have to fear an accidental rumbling in your bag when you scuttle to your gate. You can also wrap your toys in clothing so they are less likely to break or turn on.
Smaller may be better
According to TSA regulations, “tools” measuring 7 inches or smaller are allowed in your carry-on. Large dildos or toys may raise concerns if a TSA agent can’t properly see that it’s in fact a sex toy until they remove it from your bag. Smaller toys, like bullet vibrators, may be easier to conceal without raising suspicion.
Exercise caution when it comes to kink
Depending on the toy, some BDSM or kink-specific toys can be seen as a weapon. Metal handcuffs, pinwheels, and whips, for example, may elicit a raised brow from TSA. Unfortunately, it’s up to an individual TSA agent’s discretion about what they might flag. Packing your handcuffs? You might want to rehearse a quick one-liner that it’s for sex.
Check liquid regulations
When packing lube or other sexual wellness serums, make sure to check that the container follows liquid regulations. TSA allows travel-sized liquids up to 3.4 ounces. Know you’ll need more lube? Check your bag instead of carrying it on.
If your lube or other sexual wellness balms contain CBD, you’re allowed to fly with them as long as they contain less than .3% THC.
To check or carry on?
Whether you decide to check or carry on is entirely up to you. It’s important to note that checked bags can still be opened and rummaged through by TSA, but it won’t be in front of you if that’s a plus. If you’re checking items, make sure to still place your toys in clear plastic bags.
When in Doubt, Breathe it Out
If a TSA screener does announce they’ll go through your bags, you can always request a private screening. TSA agents look for nervous passengers, so keep calm by taking some deep breaths, and reminding yourself that sex toys are a marvelous innovation—owning one shows you prioritize pleasure and feel comfort with your sexuality. If your bag is subject to scrutiny, it’s a great time to practice your best “no shame about a healthy relationship with sex” face.