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Airport Screening: “You Can Open It But There’s a Dildo In There”

Posted on September 20 2016

moi travel boxTraveling with Sex Toys

Sex toys aren’t something that I only keep stashed away in the bedroom dresser. I travel regularly and still like to enjoy myself while I’m away from home. Beyond adding an extra five to ten minutes to have my carry on bag inspected more thoroughly, I’ve never ran into any issue traveling with toys. Everyone may not be as comfortable telling an agent, “you can open it but there’s a dildo in there,” so here are some tips I’ve learned along the way.

*This blog post contains opinions based on my own past experiences and is in no way an all encompassing guide to traveling with toys. These “tips” are not based upon actual TSA or other airline regulations. As with anything, you should do your own research on rules and laws (especially when traveling abroad).

 

Know What Types of Toys Are Likely to Be Flagged

 

I’ve experimented with what gets through and x-ray machine without being flagged (and what doesn’t). This post, however, is to give you some things to think about when considering flying with sex toys. It is a far cry from an authorized list.


Silicone - While peeking at the digital x-ray screen from afar, sex toys made from silicone don’t seem to show up as anything out of the ordinary. I’ve carried my Lelo Ella G-spot Dildo and Lelo Insignia Alia Vibrator in the same luggage as other non-flight-friendly toys and they have never been indicated on screen as being the cause of the issue; sometimes indicated with a colored outline around the item. I recently decided to bring my We-Vibe 4 Plus, which is a wearable, couples’ vibrator complete with a remote and app. I thought this one might be a little more difficult to explain to someone unfamiliar with high-tech sex toys, but wasn’t questioned nonetheless.

Glass - My Crave Glass Dildo is my favorite travel toy, despite the fact that it is almost always flagged by security. My Crave has a lovely travel case and with two different size/shape ends, it’s like having two toys in one. A TSA agent once asked that I had a boomerang in there after seeing what was on screen.
"No, sir, just a dildo."
Another agency once commented on how “fancy” it was and asked where I got it, because he had only used a poor quality dildo that deteriorated over time. I obviously took advantage of the selling opportunity and tossed him a Primrose business card.

Stone - When I brought my Laid D.2 Dildo made out of moonstone, I knew I was asking to be stopped; and I was right. The agent this time told me it was the “first one of those he had seen made out of stone.” Again, there wasn’t an issue but simply had to be inspected.

Stainless Steel - The Crave Vesper is a perfect travel companion in my opinion. The discreet vibrating necklace has never been an issue for me. I have worn or packed it countless times. As with any piece of jewelry, just remember to take it off before stepping through the X-ray machine.

I’ve been tempted to pack my njoy Fun Wand, but fear it might be considered a weapon.

 

Pack Accordingly

 

If you’re traveling with BDSM toys, you should consider checking your luggage. While you might be only using those restraints for fun and pleasure, they could easily be mistaken for having another purpose and confiscated.

When you’re traveling with just a carry-on, be sure to put your toys on top. That way if an agent ends up riffling through your bag, they can quickly get to the items at hand without taking everything out.

I love my Moi Box Mini Travel Case, and have even had compliments from security on it! It easily fits several pieces inside and has elastic straps with compartments to keep everything in place. The antibacterial coating also discourages the growth of germs. On my most recent trip, I actually put this Moi Box in a bin (as you would a laptop or shoes/jacket) and found it to be an excellent decision. There was no opening of my luggage and directing the agent to what I presume they’re looking for was a breeze, so afterwards, I was quickly on my way.

Most of my vibrators are rechargeable and have strategically positioned on/off buttons. If you are traveling with a battery operated toy, you may want to remove them to avoid the risk of one turning on at an inopportune moment.

 

Be Prepared to Speak to An Agent (Just in Case)


TSA agents are no strangers to sex toys. I’ve had comments range from, “this is why I love my job” to “everyone has to take care of business,” but never anything negative. I’ve been offered private screenings, which I politely declined, although you may want to request one should you feel uncomfortable in public. I once asked an agent if he sees sex toys on a daily basis, and his reply was, “almost every hour.”

A typical inspection for me has simply included the agent discreetly opening the box, seeing the object that I’ve already informed them of, and running a swab around the internal lining of the bag to run through their on-site test. This seems to be no different than what I’ve seen others being flagged for, such as having liquids over the 3oz limit or an electronic device that requires a second look.

To bottom line it, just be honest. There should be no shame in self-pleasure or having some fun with a partner. My travel experiment is far from over, so stay tuned for more mishaps and tips!SaveSave

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