For most travelers, airport security is a stressful experience. Are you allowed three or four ounces of liquids? What do you do with the $8 latte you just bought? Do you really have to walk barefoot across the dirty floor?
If you’re thinking about bringing your vibrator on the plane, you now have one more thing to stress over. The good news is that it’s perfectly acceptable in most cases. Like any good trip, preparation is key. Know the rules before you pack that vibe.
Checked Luggage
If you’re thinking about kicking your romantic getaway up a notch with sex toys, checking your bags is the easy, obvious choice. Not only will you avoid a potentially embarrassing inquiry from a TSA employee, you can get away with packing several toys without worrying about space. To pack efficiently:
- Wrap toys in storage bags or Ziplocs for easy organization.
- Assume your bag will be randomly checked. Bring sex toy cleaner just in case.
- Remove batteries to avoid an accidental activation.
- Pack liquids, lotions, and lubes in plastic bags in case of spills.
Tips for Carry On Bags
While it’s not against the rules to bring sex toys on an airplane, it’s not like you’re going to be using them mid-flight. Checking your bag is the preferred solution. However, if your vibrator is the only reason you’d feel inclined to check luggage, go ahead and carry it on as long as you:
- Make sure sex toy-related liquids are in bottles no larger than three ounces.
- Opt for a discreet vibe that looks like a tube of lipstick over a seven-inch dildo. Then again, if you’re not that shy, do your thing!
- Prepare to answer questions if your bag is searched. If questioned, simply tell the agent it’s a sex toy or use a euphemism like “personal massager.”
- Remove batteries. Hopefully, the TSA agent will understand they’re handling a toy and be less likely to question you.
- Keep toys larger than seven inches at home. They’re not allowed past security.
Top Three Travel Worthy Toys
- We Vibe 4 Plus: Unless you plan on bringing your entire toy collection on the plane, this versatile vibe should be enough for any solo trip or couples retreat.
- Slim Teardrop Bullet: Highly rated and inexpensive. Airport security hassling you? Let it go and you’re out $5 max.
- Whisper Micro Heated Bullet: A small, quiet and discreet bullet vibrator. Perfect for a hotel room in Cancun.
Travel Restrictions
Like every rule, a few restrictions apply here. For starters, our tips are meant to serve as a guide for United States travel. If you plan to travel abroad, know the rules of the country you’re visiting. Sex toys are actually illegal in many countries. You don’t want your favorite vibrator confiscated, do you?
Also, if you and your partner are into BDSM, you may raise a few eyebrows (and warranted suspicions) by trying to bring whips and chains aboard. You might get away with some toys, but try to exercise common sense. If you can’t explain it rationally, it’s best to leave it home. You can always visit a hardware store at your final destination!
Traveling with your partner doesn’t have to be an embarrassing ordeal when you’ve got couples’ sex toys in tow. Just follow the TSA’s checklist to ensure your vibe is in compliance in terms of size. Happy travels!
