Traveling With Toys

(Suggested by and adapted from a Newsletter from Kinky Cards written by Micah Jericho)

The airlines are pushing travel again and in spite of some rather intense inconveniences the traveling public is beginning to return to the skies. In traveling for business and pleasure, I have followed all of the FAA rules and regulations as well as arrived at airports at least two hours prior to departure. So far, I have not encountered too many ungodly delays. Most of the time, I have checked bags and passed through security checkpoints with minimal discomfort. Granted, there have been times and airports where shoes and belts had to be removed and X-rayed, but generally speaking, I have had little frustrating or embarrassing moments.

I was recently visiting a friend and decided to take a few playthings along for our fun and enjoyment. I did get concerned about a few things. Do I pack the toys in checked luggage or in a carry-on? What if security scanners wanted to search my checked bag at the ticket counter? What if they put the bag through the huge X-ray scanner and saw the kinky stuff I was carrying. How would I explain those items without attracting stares and glares? Fortunately, I didn’t suffer the ‘slings and arrows’ of curious security scanners and my partner and I did enjoy the toys that I had packed.

Not long after this trip, I received an Email from one of my Email subscription lists (Kinky Cards) and decided to share the ideas in the Email as well as add a few of my own. So, this discussion is based on that Email as well as personal experiences in traveling with toys.

Maintain a Sex-Positive Attitude

If you decide to travel with toys, keep a positive attitude, particularly a sex-positive attitude. People with narrow minds can snicker and glare all they want, but if you carry an attitude that you enjoy sex and sexuality, someone finding a toy during the screening process will probably not embarrass you.

If a ticket agent or security screener searches your checked bag and finds something that he or she is unfamiliar with, answer any questions they may have honestly and forthright. Chances are they will be more embarrassed than you. During my recent trip, I had packed a couple of vibrators and a butt plug along with some bondage toys. I was fully prepared to answer any questions about the toys. “Yes, that is a butt plug. We enjoy anal as well as vaginal and penis stimulation when we have sex.” I was somewhat disappointed when I didn’t get the chance to use that line!

Pack Your Toys in Checked Bags

There are some remote controlled vibrators on the market for some ‘play’ at a distance. Don’t even think of bringing one of these on board the airplane. First, you are dealing with radio frequencies that, in all likelihood will not interfere with aircraft electronics, but why take that chance. Second, finding the control unit in your carry-on will result in a lot of questions about the remote device. If the remote vibe is being worn, your interrogation by security personnel could prove to be very interesting!

By putting your toys into checked luggage, it will reduce the chance of arousing suspicion and getting questioned by security staff.

Remove Batteries

If your toys use batteries, remove them from the toy and pack the batteries in in a baggie inside your suitcase. Put the batteries in a baggie to keep them together so you can find the batteries quickly when you need them. Many years ago on a trip across the country, my now-ex and I took toys with us but were making a few stops before heading to the airport. At one of those stops, I heard a strange buzzing sound from the suitcase. We opened the luggage and found that her Rabbit Pearl was cranking at full speed. After laughing hysterically, we quickly removed the batteries and managed to avoid a potentially embarrassing encounter at the airport.

Some Words About Lube

Bring it, but pack it in a baggie (zipped sandwich bag) to prevent the lube from leaking onto your packed clothing. We are all familiar with air pressure changes inside aircraft. We frequently have to ‘clear’ our ears when taking off and clear them again when landing due to air pressure changes inside the plane. These pressure changes will also affect what’s packed in your luggage. Air inside the tube of lube will expand after take-off and may cause the lube to leak out of the container. One idea that may reduce the chance of leaking is to squeeze out excessive air from the tube. After excess air has been removed, tighten the cap on the tube and place it in the baggie. You can also remove the top of the lube, place cellophane over the opening, and tightly replace the cap.

Ship the Scary Stuff

If you enjoy bondage and similar play using a variety of toys for what might be called ‘weapons of ass destruction,’ ship these to your destination rather than pack them in checked luggage. While some floggers and whips might be OK to take along, some of the heavy-duty toys might arouse suspicion. Nipple clamps, chains, ropes, CBT toys, and other implements used in pleasure/pain play should be shipped by commercial carrier such as UPS or FedEx.

Have a Great Trip

Yes, you can travel with your toys. If you remember a few security precautions and pack your vibes, dildos, other implements of fun in your checked luggage, you can travel with little risk of embarrassment and a high level of fun to nearly anywhere!