How to travel with a sex toy (and not get held up at security)

No one likes an awkward  bag search

Unsure whether you're meant to pack your vibrator in your luggage or carry on? Here's everything you need to consider before packing your sex toys for a trip.

When packing for an overseas trip, a few essentials can often stump us. 

Deodorant, portable chargers, our foundation and makeup remover bottles that look a little bigger than we remember, our vibrators. 

Do you put them in your luggage or carry on? Leave the batteries in or take them out? Double bag them? Lay them on top of your clothes or hide them at the bottom of your bag?

Different countries have different rules on travelling with sex toys, so you may want to read this before packing for your next getaway.

Can you fly with sex toys?

If you’re constantly having to sit on your suitcase to zip it up, you naturally probably want to pack your smaller toys for your holiday. Any extra space is a bonus, plus smaller toys are less likely to concern security. 

The mental image of a stranger pulling your vibrator out of your bag is never a pretty picture. Placing your toys in a clear plastic bag can help to make sure security can immediately see what’s showing up in the x-ray, and avoid the need to handle your toy.

The fear of your vibrator going off in your bag all through the airport is real. Luckily, most toys now have built-in travel locks so you don't need to worry.  Image: Pexels

The fear of your vibrator going off in your bag all through the airport is real. Luckily, most toys now have built-in travel locks, so you don't need to worry. 

But if your rechargeable toy doesn't, and you're not going on a spontaneous last minute trip, consider draining the battery in the days before your flight so your luggage isn't buzzing on the carousel. 

Toys such as those involved in impact play can be considered weapons by security. So you might want to leave your paddles, ropes, handcuffs and metal-based toys at home to avoid confiscation.

Sex toys - the choice is overwhelming. Image: Pexels

Do you pack your vibrator in your luggage or carry on?

No matter how much we study the guidelines, we’re never really sure which bag our toys are meant to fly in.

You can take removable batteries out of your toys and leave them bagged up in your carry-on, so your toy can stay in your luggage. But rechargeable vibrators often contain lithium batteries. 

Different airports and countries have different rules around flying with these batteries, but it’s generally a good idea to pack your rechargeable sex toys in your carry-on to limit risk.

So many people travel with sex toys, and security in most airports will likely be unfazed if they come across yours. Image: iStock

So many people travel with sex toys, and security in most airports will likely be unfazed if they come across yours.

But founder of sextech company Ohdoki, JP Wilhelmsen said, “it’s important to be mindful of where you’re travelling. Sex toys are considered illegal or heavily restricted in some countries, and packing one without checking the local laws could lead to embarrassment, confiscation, and even fines. Always research your destination ahead of time, and if you're unsure, leave them at home in your bedside drawer.”

Consider leaving your vibrator at home if you’re travelling to these countries

The ultimate honeymoon destination completely bans sex toys. Image: Unsplash

United Arab Emirates

Sex toys are prohibited in the UAE and regularly confiscated. You could also possibly cop a $2100 fine. 

Maldives

The ultimate honeymoon destination completely bans sex toys, with customs classing them as pornographic material.

The sale, import, and possession of sex toys is banned under Thailand’s obscenity laws, so not only could your favourite vibrator be confiscated, but you may also be slapped with a big fine. Image: iStock

Thailand

The sale, import, and possession of sex toys is banned under Thailand’s obscenity laws, so not only could your favourite vibrator be confiscated, but you may also be slapped with a big fine. 

Malaysia

While enforcement may vary, the possession, distribution, or sale of objects classed as obscene, including sex toys, is a criminal offence. 

You risk a fine or up to three years in jail if you bring your toy on your trip.

Customs can confiscate anything that can be interpreted as a sex toy. Image: Unsplash

Saudi Arabia

All forms of pornography, including sex-related devices, are banned in Saudi Arabia

Customs can confiscate anything that can be interpreted as a sex toy.

India

While India doesn’t explicitly ban sex toys, customs officers have reportedly been known to confiscate toys in line with obscenity laws.

The US

As we know, some US states aren't so keen on sexual health, so you may want to be cautious when travelling through the south. The sale of sex toys is restricted in Alabama, while Mississippi and Georgia have seen several attempts to follow suit in the past. 

Originally published as How to travel with a sex toy (and not get held up at security)