Pack for Pleasure: Flying with Sex Toys
Whether it’s a weekend getaway, trip for work, or off to see your bestie tie the knot, you’ve probably like many of us who’ve got some traveling coming up. But leaving home doesn't mean you have to leave behind all your comfort and pleasure. Many of our toys make excellent travel companions!
Tips & tricks for traveling safely with sex toys:
Being discreet with your sex toys:
If you're bringing your toys in a carry-on and don't want to have awkward eye contact with a TSA agent brandishing your realistic dildo- try something that doesn't obviously look like a sex toy to the untrained eye, or opt for a smaller motorized toy that won't flag the security monitor.
Toys come in all shapes and sizes: pocket-sized mini vibrators, minimalist and discreet toys, even toys that hide in plain sight as everyday objects like a tube of lipstick! You still may have to explain to the agent why your makeup has a motor, but at least everyone behind you in line doesn't need to know what's up as well.
Don't cause a buzz:
For vibes and other toys that may make noise- make sure that batteries are taken out and stored separately. For rechargeable toys, either wear out the charge before traveling (just don't forget to pack the charger!) or see if your toy comes with a travel lock, which many now do!
Portion control:
Many airlines restrict bringing liquids in containers over 3.4 ounces (100mL). Lots of great brands like Babelube and Sliquid offer handy 2oz sizes of many of their products, or you can get an empty travel container and fill it up with your favorite lubricant from home (just make sure it's sealed tight before take-off!).
Know the rules:
For glass or metal dildos or plugs, and many BDSM toys, especially items that could be considered weapons - like Wartenberg wheels / pinwheels, e-stim devices, or large-sized impact toys - understand that these items may be confiscated for safety, and could potentially compromise your travel plans.
Also, always keep in mind where you're headed off to- some countries have restrictions on and laws against the possession of sex toys (like Thailand, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Maldives, and the UAE to name a few) - and that applies no matter how small or discreet your pleasure products may be. Do your research so you can come prepared.
Check it and bag it:
Put your toys in a clear bag, on top of clothes + other items- so if they come up on the scanner, TSA doesn't have to go digging through your stuff, and having a container where the agent can see all of the contents without opening it can prevent direct handling of your precious bedside friends.
Own it!
TSA staff are trained to pick out travelers that seem extra anxious during screening, as this can be a red flag of a passenger trying to hide something. These agents are on guard to make sure that nobody is trying to bring through anything dangerous or illegal, and - with the exception of the international restrictions mentioned above - sex toys are not one of those concerns.
Remember, TSA agents see the insides of a lot of luggage, and the chance of you being the first-ever person to bring a sex toy through that line is extremely slim to none. If you get questioned about the more personal contents of your bag - don't freak! Be chill, be honest, and own it - saying "yes, that's my vibrator" is basically saying hell yeah, I deservingly prioritize my pleasure. There's no shame in self-care and self-love, babe.
Want more? Check out our educator-curated list of our fave travel-ready sex toys to add to your packing list on your next adventure.
