Dear Beth,
I’m heading out on a romantic weekend getaway and I want to bring some of my favorite sexy toys along for the fun. But I’ve never flown with them before, and I don’t want any moments at airport security or with my checked luggage. What do I need to know to make traveling with my sexy stash smooth and stress-free?
Rhonda P.
Hi Rhonda,
Oh, it sounds like you’re going to have such a hot trip- yay, you! I’m so glad you’re not leaving the good vibes at home. Traveling with sexy toys can add an extra layer of excitement to your trip, but I get that you want to avoid discussing your love life with a TSA agent, or being questioned about a strange buzzing in your suitcase. (Been there and felt all the stares, lol.) The good news? You can learn from my mistakes so you can pack your pleasure chest without a hitch.
First, let’s talk about airport security. When flying, the number one rule is to take out the batteries (if possible) or lock your toy (check the manual to see if it has that ability) before packing it. Otherwise, perhaps try to run out the battery on rechargeable items. The last thing you want is for something to start vibrating mid-flight check-in, setting off alarm bells (literally-argh!).
If your toy has a motor (like a vibrator, wand, or suction toy), it’s technically considered an electronic device, meaning it can go in your carry-on if you wish. However, if it’s large, bulky, or something you’d rather not have inspected in front of a crowd, consider putting it in your checked luggage instead. Most standard vibrators and dildos won’t raise concerns from security, but if you’re carrying anything metal (like a steel plug or kegel balls), just know that it might flag a closer look on the scanner. And yes, TSA agents have probably seen it all before, so they’ll probably just give you a “good for you!” grin—but if you’re worried, keeping your toys in a discreet travel pouch inside your bag can make any necessary inspection a little less, well, revealing.
Now, if you’re traveling internationally, check the laws in your destination before you pack. Some countries (like the UAE, Thailand, and parts of India) have strict regulations on sexual devices, and getting caught with one could mean fines, confiscation or worse.
Oh, make sure you remember the 3.4 oz (100ml) liquid rule. If your favorite lube comes in a big bottle, transfer it to a travel-sized container to avoid any issues. And always make sure the cap is tightly sealed—and packed in a sealed plastic bag…nobody wants to dig into their bag and find a slippery, silicone-scented disaster. (Again, been there!)
If you’re bringing BDSM gear, I suggest you check it. While it’s not prohibited in carry ons, I can tell you from experience that the TSA agents are often very curious! To be fair, it’s hard to know if you’re planning to tie up your willing rope bunny or an unwilling pilot. (Once, I ended up giving an intro to BDSM lecture to 5 security agents before they let me run to catch my plane.) So, if you’re determined to carry your kinky goods on the plane, at least be mindful that anything with metal—cuffs, spreader bars, dildos or certain butt plugs may trigger alarms.
If you don’t want to deal with extra screening and questions, consider bringing softer restraints (like silk ties or Velcro cuffs) instead of metal ones. And if you’re traveling with impact toys like paddles or floggers, just be aware that some might get flagged, especially if they have unusual materials. A simple way to avoid hassles if your bag gets searched and you’re feeling awkward, just confidently say, “It’s a personal massage device” or “It’s for fitness recovery.” Most agents won’t pry beyond that. Of course, if you’re feeling bold, I’ve found that “Yeah, well, I’m into kinky stuff” shocks them into silence, too.
Lastly, don’t forget to bring your cleaners with you. You want to be able to reuse things without risking your health and it’s unlikely that hotel soap will be suitable for your personal props. Bottom line: Traveling with toys doesn’t have to be stressful! Just pack smart, know the rules, and have fun. After all, vacations —whether solo or with a partner—should include lots of sexy fun and pleasure. So bring that vibrator, stash your lube, and enjoy your getaway, knowing you’ve got everything you need for a hot AF sexy adventure.
Wishing you safe travels and even safer orgasms,
Beth ?