Jazmin Li
Travelling with sex toys can be a daunting experience, especially for those who identify as LGBTQ+. While some countries ban sex toys altogether, others have specific restrictions on the types of toys that can be brought into the country. For example, toys that contain lithium-ion batteries cannot be packed in checked luggage. To avoid any issues, it is recommended to put sex toys in a clear plastic bag, labelled sex toys, and to place them in checked luggage to avoid awkward conversations with TSA officers. Additionally, travellers should be aware that they may need to go through multiple security checks, including metal detectors, body scanners, and pat-downs, which can be unpleasant and humiliating for some.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can you take a penis extender in hand luggage? | No, it is advised to put it in a suitcase or checked luggage. |
| Can you take a penis extender in checked luggage? | Yes, but it may be confiscated depending on the destination. |
| What to do if questioned by security? | Breathe, smile, and calmly tell security it is a personal item. |
| How to avoid embarrassment? | Choose a penis extender that does not look like a sex toy, such as a Tenga Egg or a wearable, vibrating ring. |
| What to do if you have gender dysphoria? | You may need to go through metal detectors, body scanners, and TSA pat-downs. |
| What countries should be avoided? | Anti-transgender countries, and countries where sex toys are banned such as the UAE, Malaysia, and Indonesia. |
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What You'll Learn
Penis extenders/pumps are allowed, but may cause embarrassment
Penis extenders and pumps are generally allowed in airports, but travellers should be aware of potential issues that may cause embarrassment. Firstly, it is important to check the laws and restrictions of your destination country. For example, countries such as Alabama in the US, Iran, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Malaysia, Indonesia, India, Vietnam, and Thailand consider sex toys illegal. In these countries, travellers risk large fines, deportation, or even imprisonment if they are found carrying such items.
When passing through airport security, travellers typically have the option of being scanned or patted down. While penis extenders and pumps may be allowed, they could potentially be flagged by security agents, leading to awkward or embarrassing situations. To minimise potential embarrassment, travellers can consider using smaller, more discreet alternatives or choosing products that do not resemble sex toys.
Additionally, travellers should be mindful of the liquid restrictions at airport security. Lubricants, for example, are subject to the same liquid restrictions as other items and must be transported in containers no larger than 100ml. It is also recommended to secure the lids of lubricant bottles to prevent them from popping open during flights.
Travellers who use penis prosthetics or packers may encounter additional challenges due to the implementation of body scanners at airports. Body scanners compare scanned data to anatomical standards and flag any deviations for further inspection. This can lead to unpleasant situations for transgender individuals, and it is recommended to pack prosthetics separately when possible to ease the security process.
Overall, while penis extenders and pumps are typically allowed in airports, travellers should be aware of potential embarrassment arising from security screenings, liquid restrictions, and cultural differences in their destination countries. Being informed and prepared can help minimise any potential discomfort during the travel experience.
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Some countries ban sex toys, including penis extenders
While there are no explicit restrictions on carrying penis extenders or other sex toys through airport security, some countries ban sex toys and consider them "obscene objects" or "pornographic materials". These countries include the United Arab Emirates, Thailand, Vietnam, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, and certain US states like Alabama, Texas, and Georgia.
In these countries, the sale and possession of sex toys may be illegal, and bringing them into the country could result in confiscation, fines, or even arrest. For example, in Thailand, sex toys are on the list of prohibited goods, while in the UAE, they are prohibited under Islamic law. Similarly, in Alabama, the 1998 Anti-Obscenity Enforcement Act criminalizes sex toys, and owning more than five is considered illegal.
It is important to check the local laws and restrictions of your destination country before packing sex toys in your luggage. If you are unsure or concerned about potential embarrassment, it may be best to leave them at home or send them discreetly to your destination address.
Additionally, when travelling with sex toys, it is recommended to remove any batteries or avoid pre-charging them to prevent them from turning on accidentally during transit. Choosing smaller, more compact toys or those that don't resemble traditional sex toys can also make the process less awkward.
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Scanners and pat-downs may be unpleasant for transgender people
Scanners and pat-downs at airport security can be unpleasant for transgender people. This is due to shortcomings in the technology and insufficient training of staff. Full-body scanners require TSA agents to select either a "male" or "female" scan, which often results in additional and invasive searches for transgender travellers. The machines may show a yellow box over the groin area of transgender people, flagging them as potential security threats. In such cases, transgender people are subjected to pat-downs, which can be humiliating and stressful.
In one instance, a transgender woman, Terra Fox, was travelling from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Orlando, Florida, when the body scanner showed a yellow box over her groin. She informed the officers that she is transgender and that the machine was detecting her genitals. Despite requesting a female officer, two male officers brought her to a private room and instructed her to pull down her leggings and show them her genitals. The screening lasted so long that she missed her flight.
In another case, a transgender man, Allister McGuire, was taken to a private room after the body scanner displayed a yellow patch on his chest. Two male officers told him to remove his chest binder and lifted his breasts with their hands. He was allowed to leave but had to take anxiety medication immediately after.
To address these issues, the TSA has implemented several changes. They are updating their policies to "remove gender considerations" when verifying IDs. Additionally, they are introducing an "X" gender marker in their Trusted Traveler and TSA PreCheck programs and U.S. passports. The TSA is also replacing its "Advanced Imaging Technology" scanners with technology that will not be based on gender. These changes aim to reduce delays, confusion, and invasive searches for transgender travellers.
While these updates are a step in the right direction, there is still room for improvement in staff training and sensitivity. Transgender people may continue to face challenges at airport security until these issues are adequately addressed. It is important for airport staff to be educated on the unique needs and concerns of transgender travellers to ensure their safety and comfort during the screening process.
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Non-phallic, discreet vibrators are available
If you're planning to travel with sex toys, there are a few things to keep in mind to save yourself some stress at the airport. Firstly, check the laws of your destination country, as some countries consider sex toys illegal. Secondly, if you're taking electronic devices in your hand luggage, ensure they can be turned on at the security gate, or you won't be allowed to take them on the plane.
Now, if you're specifically looking for non-phallic, discreet vibrators that you can travel with, there are plenty of options available. Here are some features to consider:
- Design: Discreet vibrators come in various designs, including those that resemble objects such as lipstick, beauty blenders, necklaces, USB sticks, or even a bunny-shaped showpiece. These designs allow you to carry them around without drawing attention.
- Size: Mini or travel-sized vibrators are more compact and easier to pack in your suitcase or handbag.
- Noise: If discretion is a priority, choose a vibrator with a noise level of 50 decibels or lower, which is considered very discreet and won't attract unwanted attention.
- Power Source: Battery-operated vibrators are a good option for travel, as you won't need to worry about charging them or carrying adaptors. However, if you do opt for rechargeable vibrators, ensure they are fully charged before your trip.
- Waterproof: Waterproof vibrators offer more pleasure opportunities, and some even resemble beauty blenders or makeup brushes.
- Remote Control: Remote-controlled vibrators can be beneficial for long-distance couples, providing an extra layer of closeness even when physical encounters are difficult.
- Lipstick Vibe: This vibrator from Smile Makers is designed to look like lipstick and operates on batteries. It offers three speeds and two pulsation modes, providing gentle, non-penetrative pleasure.
- Wink+: This vibrator is about the size of a mascara tube and is made of stainless steel with a removable silicone cap. It features five power levels, a long-lasting battery life, and is waterproof and whisper-quiet.
- Bloomi Aesthetic Vibe: This vibrator has a dual-sided design, with vibrations on one side and soft, non-vibrating silicone on the other. It's simple, affordable, and waterproof, with three speeds and three vibe settings.
- Rocks-Off Silicone Pink Vibrator: This rechargeable vibrator has a sleek, sculptural form with smooth curves and dual action.
- Big Teaze Pink Duckie: This waterproof clitoral vibrator has a playful design and is powerful yet discreet.
Remember, when packing your vibrators and other sex toys, consider placing them in your checked luggage, especially if you want to avoid any potential embarrassment at the security checkpoint. Additionally, if you're worried about losing or damaging your favourite vibrator during travel, consider taking a cheaper alternative or a mini version instead.
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Lubricant is allowed, but must be under 100ml
While I could not find information on penis extenders specifically, I did find some general advice for travelling with sex toys and other intimate items. Lubricant, for example, is allowed, but it must be under 100ml. If you are worried about the shape of your sex toy being flagged by an X-ray machine, you can invest in a toy that doesn't look like a sex toy. There are plenty of vibrators on the market that don't have the famous "rabbit" shape, including ones that look like necklaces, USB sticks, and body massagers.
If you are travelling with a penis pump, this should be fine, as they don't have any batteries or circuit boards to operate, so they tend to go through airport security with no issues. If you are travelling with a packer, it is important to mention that travelling with a packer in your baggage and with the packer on your body are very different. If you can put your packer in your baggage, make sure it is packed in a bag, and you can add a card that indicates what is in the bag. However, if you need to travel with your packer on your body, you may need to go through all three checking points in the airport: metal detectors, body scanners, and TSA pat-downs. Body scanners can be unpleasant for transgender travellers, as they register every deviation from anatomical norms as an abnormality and require further inspection.
Some other tips for travelling with sex toys include:
- Choose smaller toys, such as bullets, small butt plugs, and cock rings, which can be popped into your suitcase without too much bother.
- Consider taking your cheaper toys on holiday, just in case they get lost or damaged during your travels.
- If you are taking battery-powered toys, pack spare batteries. For mains-powered vibrators, take an adaptor. For rechargeable toys, make sure they are fully charged before you leave.
- If you are worried about your sex toys being confiscated, you can send them to your destination address and put your name on the box.
- If you are travelling with bondage items, be aware that whips, floggers, and paddles could be classed as self-defence items and confiscated. Handcuffs, rope, nipple clamps, and hoods are usually considered okay and should be stored in your checked luggage.
Finally, it is important to check the legalities in the country you are visiting, as some countries have restrictions or bans on sex toys. For example, sex toys are illegal in Alabama, Iran, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Malaysia, Indonesia, India, Vietnam, and Thailand.
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Frequently asked questions
Penis extenders are considered sex toys, which are generally allowed on flights. However, some countries, like India, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Maldives, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, have restrictions on sex toys, so it's important to do your research before travelling.
Yes, it is recommended to put sex toys in a clear plastic bag. This makes it easier for security agents to identify the item and avoids any awkward conversations. It is also more hygienic as it prevents strangers from touching your belongings.
It is recommended to remove batteries from battery-operated sex toys before travelling to avoid any embarrassment if they accidentally start buzzing.
If you wear a penis extender due to gender dysphoria, you may need to go through additional security checks at the airport, including metal detectors, body scanners, and TSA pat-downs. It is important to communicate your situation calmly and clearly to the security agents and know your rights.
