Traveling with sex toys can be challenging. Motorized devices can turn on unexpectedly and some may be classified as prohibited items by the TSA. Even if your secret items don’t violate any travel rules, there’s always the chance that your luggage may still be searched. Having phallic-shaped objects yanked from your bags for all to see can be downright embarrassing, even if you’re the most sex-positive person you know.

Fortunately, there are some easy ways to make it easy to travel with your sex toys without having to feel embarrassed or ashamed. Instead, you’ll feel empowered since you’re prioritizing your pleasure no matter where your travels take you. In this guide, you’ll learn all about traveling with toys and get helpful tips for maintaining discretion on the go.

How Can I Travel Discreetly with Vibrators?

It’s important to make sure vibrators don’t turn on in your luggage for personal reasons as well as for safety purposes. If you’re in an airport, the buzzing will alarm other travelers and likely call the attention of TSA. If you’re traveling by other means, it’s still a bummer to find out when you’ve arrived at your destination that your toy is drained dead. That’s why we’ve put together the following tips for how to take a vibrator on an airplane.

Battery-operated vibrators: For any pleasure objects that are battery-operated, remove the batteries and put them in a small Ziplock bag for safe keeping. This sounds like a no-brainer, but even I’ve been tempted to pack up toys with the batteries installed. I usually make sure the vibrator is protected by soft items so there’s no way buttons could be accidentally pressed. Every single time, the toy somehow turns on anyway!

Rechargeable vibrators: If the vibrator is rechargeable, it may have an auto-lock feature. Consult the instructions to find out how to put vibrators in travel mode. If you no longer have the instructions, it’s important to know that many auto locks activate and deactivate by holding two buttons down at the same time for three to five seconds. Experiment pressing various buttons on the toy to see if this works. If you can’t get it to lock or your vibrator does not have a locking function, have no fear — there is another solution.

Most rechargeable toys come in luxury reusable boxes with padding or a protective pocket the toy sits in. The packaging is almost always designed in a way that prevents the toy from accidentally turning on during shipping. This is more likely to be the case if your toy was one that had a bit of a charge when you first unpackaged it. Save this packaging as it’s the perfect travel case. It will likely also have a built-in storage spot for a charging cord and/or charging base too.

What Sex Toys Does the TSA Prohibit?

According to the TSA prohibited items brochure, tools 7 inches in length or less are okay for carry-on luggage, but anything above that needs to be in checked luggage. A “tool” can be any type of stiff object including dildos and vibrators. This can also apply to BDSM toys with long handles, impact instruments or things like spreader bars. Depending on the item, they can be classified as tools, sharp objects, martial arts or self-defense items, many of which are prohibited for carry-on but okay for checked bags.

If you’re traveling with only a carry-on through an airport with TSA, vibrators and any other toys should be measured beforehand if you think might be close to the 7-inch cutoff. This will help prevent red flags from being thrown up when your luggage goes through the security scanners. Knowing about this rule in advance can also help you to make smart decisions while planning your trips. For example, many people find it well worth it to pay for a checked bag if it means they don’t have to leave some of their favorite toys at home.

My Favorite Travel Toys

Below are my favorite toys for traveling. If you see me in an airport, one or more of these will likely be in my checked luggage at any given time.

Silhouette S3

This powerful little external vibe doesn’t take up much room and it has a travel lock. Also, it’s not shaped like a penis or salacious item, so if it were pulled out in the security line, people looking on probably wouldn't take notice. The other items in the Silhouette line make great travel toys, too, but personally, I find this model to be the best travel vibrator.

Embrace Body Wand         

This toy has been a faithful traveling companion of mine for over a year. With 2 vibrating ends giving different sensations, it’s like having two toys in one. It’s also great for penile and external prostate stimulation, making it even more versatile. While it does not have a travel lock, that’s not a problem as long as you transport it in its nicely padded, sturdy luxury storage box. The Body Wand has been on a good 15-20 flights with me so far and has never accidentally turned on.

Scandal Bondage Bar

Even if you have a spreader bar that breaks down into smaller pieces, it’s still a problem if they are longer than 7 inches. This spreader bar does the job but is soft so it can be carried on. Here’s my instructional video on the Scandal Bondage Bar.

Powerplay Flickering Tongue

I love this little toy! Not only is it inexpensive, but it’s also very easy to travel with. It packs quite a punch in a compact, lightweight package too. Since it’s battery-operated, all I need to do is pop them out and I’m good to go!

These travel tips will help you pack a whole lotta sexy in your carry-on bag. Whether your next trip is for business or pleasure, make sure you bring along a little extra pleasure!

Sunny Megatron is an adult sexuality educator, public speaker, sex blogger, and pleasure advocate.