Traveling on Planes
With increased security, airlines in particular have tightened security measures. The amount of goods once allowed in carry on bags has changed drastically…. the Transportation Security Administration Website (www.tsa.gov) gave some basic information:
Carry-on luggage - Prohibited Items – (According to Website)
Billy clubs, Bullwhips
Cattle prods, Hunting knives
Knives (any length), Martial arts devices
Metal scissors with pointed tips, Razor blades (not in a cartridge)
Religious knives, Replica weapons
SCUBA knives, Sabers
Straight razors, Stun guns/shocking devices
Swords, Toy weapons
Screwdrivers, Hammers
No items that may be used as a weapon or striking implements: Includes:
Floggers, Wooden paddles
Leather paddles, Riding crops
No restraints of any kind:
Leather cuffs, Handcuffs (metal or plastic)
Rope (any length), Chain (any length)
Arm binders, Straightjackets
No 'sharp' items (or items that can be converted to 'sharp' items):
Scissors of any type, including EMT scissors No knives, decorative or otherwise
Marlinspikes (to loosen knots), Needles
Sabers or swords, CBT toys with spikes
Whartenburg wheels, Collars with spikes
Finger knives, or sharpened metal nails, Fur toys with hidden ‘nails’
‘Tweezers’ type nipple clamps (rubber ends can be removed)
No electrical 'stunning' devices: Includes:
Violet wands, Electric flyswatters
Cattle prods, Tasers
***** Passengers should be aware that there are no provisions for returning banned items to them when they are left at the security checkpoint. In addition, those who attempt to bring banned items through the checkpoints are subject to civil penalties of up to $1,100 per violation in addition to criminal penalties.
So... what CAN you bring in your carry on luggage??
ALLOWED in carry –on luggage:
Vibrators, Dildos
Cock rings, Leather clothing including harnesses
Cock and ball toys (non-spiked), Collars (non-spiked)
Body paints
Nipple clamps (clamp type only - not 'tweezers' types)
Fur toys (except for fur and leather slappers or fur and wooden paddles)
Needles, IF you have a prescription for them
According to TSA, security checkers have seen their share of sexual objects, and are not shocked or surprised by what they see.
If an item is unfamiliar to the guard, the item may be scrutinized at the security check in…so be prepared to answer questions.
According to TSA at Portland, the staff does their best NOT to remove items from bags that may be deemed embarrassing... it is not their intent to embarrass customers.
To assist security personnel, put all sex toys into the original boxes and bags that clearly identify what they are…this will help to avoid questions. If you do not have the original packaging, place the items into Ziploc bags with labels on them…this will also speed up the process.
KEEP IN MIND - it is normal procedure for random passengers to have their carry on luggage thoroughly searched. During slow times, this may be done away from the gate, in a private area, however, during busy times, it is usually done on a table near the gate, in full view of other passengers, so if you are worried about being embarrassed, DON’T bring BDSM toys in carry-on luggage!
Attitudes
Don’t panic If your bag gets tagged for a random check, OR if something unusual is spotted inside your bag. Bags get inspected for a number of reasons – usually because something on x-ray was not distinguishable.
Beat them to the punch – If you suspect a certain item in your bag is the cause of the problem, discreetly mention the object to security as you pass the security area – then security personnel can make an informed decision. Chances are they will still look in your bag, but they will be able to identify the item quicker.
Be polite and courteous. Chances are the guard will only question the item and it’s function then, if it is deemed safe, send you on your way.
Be honest when answering questions. Don’t try to make up stories or excuses. It is better to say something is a ‘sexual toy’ than refuse to answer questions and get in more trouble. Security check in sees this stuff every day – it is no big deal to them. You are one person in thousands of strangers. You, and your sex toys, will be forgotten in a matter of minutes.
Answer questions with a hint of humor – quietly let them know you are going to visit a girl or boyfriend you haven’t seen in a while – they’ll figure out what the ‘stuff’ is for!
But don’t overdo the ‘humor’ - when the x-ray machine beeps, don’t loudly declare "OOOPS!! Looks like all my whips and chains set off the machine!" You will quickly find yourself surrounded by armed guards escorting you off to a private area. Be discreet.
Don’t cop an attitude if security asks you about something…they are doing their job to keep YOU and everyone on the plane safe. If you feel they have unjustly harassed you regarding an object, quietly move aside, ask to speak to a supervisor, and voice your complaint politely.
If you feel you have been harassed or unfairly treated – if you have some spare time before your flight, or upon your arrival at your destination, call the airport and ask to speak to the Transportation Security Administration office (each airport has one) – they can assist you with your grievance.
If something is considered questionable to security, be prepared to kiss it goodbye. Airports do not ‘save’ items for later pick-up. Confiscated items are destroyed.
Don’t Go Looking For Trouble - don’t purposely attempt to carry on items that you KNOW will be confiscated. And don’t make a scene if you get tagged for doing so – you end up looking like an ass, it reflects badly on the entire BDSM community – and, worst of all, you will most likely be stuck on a plane with the pissed off people that you held up at the security gate!
One last word on bringing toys on to a plane:
Airline travel is stressful to say the least. Make the flight easier for you – and nicer for the folks you are flying with - by NOT incorporating play into your travel routine!
Many Dominants like to outfit their subs with metal cock rings, harnesses, etc., under clothing in order to set off metal detectors and ‘humiliate’ the sub. This may be great for you and your partner, but to the weary business traveler or the harried parents with three whiny children, this is NOT appreciated.
Games at the metal detector not only slow down other travelers, it causes unnecessary work for airport security. It also makes them non consensual ‘partners’ in your games.
So do everyone a favor. Play before you leave, and play when you get to your destination. Sitting on a plane with 75 people that YOU held up at the security gate is NOT FUN!
Checked Luggage – Items Allowed
Toys CAN be packed in checked in luggage – all in belly of plane – no access, no worries.
Pack your toys in with your clothes – this will protect them during flight
Place toys where they can easily be identified. This will speed up the x-ray process and prevent you bag from being pulled and hand searched.
Remove batteries from toys – it doesn’t take jostling of a bag to start a vibrator... and a buzzing bag will draw a lot of attention!
IF you are not overly concerned with airline officials knowing you are kinky, be sure to put your name, address, etc inside the bag in case the luggage tags get lost - this way your bag - and your expensive toys - can be returned.
Bags will be x-rayed, and may be opened if something looks out of the ‘ordinary.’ but security at checked baggage area expect to see items like knives, sporting equipment, and other unusual items.
Bags usually opened only if checkers suspects a possible bomb of some type or if something within the bag is unidentifiable.
But, checked bags are also subject to random searches, so check in toys (and bags) with the understanding that, no matter what, they may be opened and searched. Unless you have undeclared guns or hazardous materials in your bag, it will be passed on to the airplane.
When checking bags, let the check-in personnel know you if have knives or other ‘weapons’ in your bag – then they can ‘tag’ your bag for the x-ray personnel and they won’t be surprised and feel the need to open and visually inspect your luggage. For further information on procedures for transporting knives, call the airport or the airline you are traveling with.
If You are STILL Worried About Traveling with Your Toys – the Best Solution:
If you have doubts, pack all items, and have them shipped overnight or next day delivery to your destination hotel.
All hotels will receive packages for people who are registered to stay at that hotel - simply call the hotel ahead of time to let them know you are forwarding 'supplies' that you don't want to haul to the airport.
Upon check-in at the hotel, simply have your box delivered to your room.
On the return trip, arrange to have the box sent to your home - your hotel staff can assist you with this.