10 Tips for Traveling with Sex Toys

It's holiday travel season, and for lots of us that equals hot, steamy, experimental, hotel-room sex!

Of course there are certain, ahem, accoutrements some of us like to travel with, to enhance the romance. Since stringent TSA rules can make traveling with your romance kit a wee bit intimidating, we came up with 10 tips to make packing for that amorous jaunt a little easier.

1. Remove the batteries from your toy, whether you check baggage or carry-on.
This ensures your toy can't switch on accidentally (horror of horrors!) when your bags are being handled, or placed in the overhead bin.

2. If your toy is rechargeable use travel mode (if it has one) to lock it into the off position.
If your rechargeable vibe doesn't have a travel mode (like the GiGi or Nea from Lelo), consider securing the switch in the off position with tape. Tape residue can generally be removed with a gentle soap and water wipe down, if you remove the tape upon arrival.

3. Place your toy(s) inside a see though plastic bag when traveling.
If an agent must search your bag, this keeps strange hands from fondling your naked toy. Because, ew.

4. Lube and lotions. Keep 'em small, and bag 'em.
All liquids containers in carry-on bags must be 3.4 oz. (100mL) or less. Keep in mind, it's the size of the bottle, NOT how much liquid remains, that matters. All carry-on liquid containers must fit in a 1 qt. see-through, zip-top plastic bag. And you only get one bag per person. Aerosol containers are not allowed to fly.

5. Keep toy size in mind.
TSA rules state that tools in carry-on baggage must be under 7", and we assume vibes could fall under the "tools" umbrella, so keep it petite. If your toy is large enough to be used as a bludgeoning weapon it will be confiscated. That could get expensive fast, since many popular rabbit style toys are over 8" in length, when you factor in the shaft and controls.

6. Keep the metal stuff in your checked baggage when possible.
Whips, handcuffs, and other restraints are currently listed as ok for checked and carry-on baggage. But these items might freak out an overzealous TSA agent if they show up on the x-ray of your carry-on. TSA agents have a lot of discretion as to what they can pass or confiscate, so you may may want to place these items in checked baggage.

7. Keep the toys in the bag, instead of on your body, when possible.
There are no rules about this, but any "irregularities" during a scan or patdown are likely to trigger further screening. Most people we know would prefer to avoid the scenario where they have to remove a cock ring in a small, windowless room, in front of uniformed strangers.

8. If a TSA agent questions the contents of your luggage, calmly explain that the item of concern is a sex toy.
Stating outright what an item is will usually keep an uncomfortable situation from escalating quickly. There are no rules against flying with sex toys in the US. If you feel like you are being harassed or singled out because of your carry-on toys, file a formal complaint with TSA.

9. If you are concerned about your sex toys being confiscated or handled, consider shipping them to your destination.
Address the box to yourself, c/o your destination, and require an adult signature upon delivery. Call ahead to inform the destination that you are expecting a package, and ask them to hold it for your arrival.

10. Some countries do not allow sex toys or porn of any kind.
Remember if you are leaving the country that your destination may have laws against sexual items, and forbidden items may be confiscated upon arrival.

For up to date info on prohibited items visit the TSA site here or here for tips on what can go in your carry on.