Geordie Shore star Charlotte Crosby recently had to plead with Dubai airport security not to arrest her for unwittingly carrying a sex toy into the country. This is because it is illegal to bring pornographic material into the UAE.
To avoid such drama, consider packing a small butt plug or cock ring, instead of your big dildo. And always pack lube and sex toy cleaner.
1. Check with your airline
Taking vibrators on flights can be a bit of a risk. After all, the last thing you want is to be pulled aside by a suspicious customs inspector in a foreign country with your buzzing dildo. While many airlines don’t have a specific rule against them, it is worth checking with your airline before flying to make sure you won’t run into trouble.
In addition to checking with your airline, you can also check with the laws of the countries you’ll be visiting. Some countries, such as Saudi Arabia and Vietnam, prohibit travel with sex toys or pornography, so it’s important to check the rules before traveling abroad.
If you’re concerned about getting pulled aside at the airport, you can try to hide your vibrator in a way that won’t draw any attention. For example, you can wrap it in clothing or put it in a clear plastic bag. This will let TSA screeners see your toy without having to touch it. Plus, it’s more sanitary than letting strangers stick their grubby fingers into your luggage.
You can also try to conceal your vibes in other items, like a travel toothbrush or a lipstick case. Just be sure to keep the packaging and a description of your toy with it in case security needs to take a closer look.
2. Check with your hotel
If you’re traveling internationally, it’s a good idea to check with your hotel about whether or not they allow vibrators in their rooms. This way, you can avoid any issues with airport security and enjoy your trip without worrying about sex toys.
Vibrators may look suspicious under X-ray, and the more they’re visible, the more likely you are to get stopped. If yours is particularly suspicious, you might be asked to open it up and show the TSA inspector what’s inside. But it’s important to remember that the TSA is just doing their job and you shouldn’t be nervous about it. In fact, acting nervous will only make you appear more suspicious, which will lead to more questioning and possibly a full-on bag search.
Try to buy a silicone-based vibrator, which will pass more easily through X-ray machines. They’re also skin-safe and compatible with most water-based lubes, making them ideal for traveling. Plus, they’re a lot less bulky than other varieties.
Some countries, like Saudi Arabia, have very strict laws about what travelers can bring into their country. Lying to customs inspectors could land you in some serious trouble, so don’t even think about trying to sneak anything into a country with banned items on the list. You’ll be better off packing light and shipping your devices to your destination ahead of time.
3. Check with the local law
Some countries have strict laws on sex toys, so it’s best to check before you travel. For example, Saudi Arabia’s Sharia law prohibits pornography, including sex toys. However, you may be able to get away with it if you can convince the security guards that your sex toy is actually a tension massager for sore muscles, an eraser, or a make-up applicator.
Most vibrator manufacturers make special storage containers for their products. These usually feature brand insignias for silent marketing and help the device pass more easily through metal detectors. In addition, they also protect the device from moisture and damage while keeping it discreet. If you want to go the extra mile, try to find a container that matches the toy’s original packaging to further camouflage it.
Lastly, don’t forget to pack some lube and sex toy cleaner. This will help you avoid any issues with TSA and will ensure that your sex toy is ready for play when you arrive at your destination. It’s also a good idea to remove any batteries or run down your rechargeable ones before traveling, so that you don’t have an unexpectedly buzzing pleasure toy at the airport. This will not only draw unwanted attention, but it might also put you at risk of being detained or fined by security.
4. Pack light
While we’re all for packing your favourite sex toy for your trip, it’s best not to overdo it. Your toy will get rumbled around in your bag, so it’s going to collect lint and other debris that could cause a short circuit and set the thing off. It’s also best to whip those batteries out before you fly (most toys have a travel lock option for this), as leaving them in can corrode the device and drain the battery.
This might be hard to do if you’re traveling with a giant Hitachi Magic Wand, but you should always try to pack your vibes as discreetly as possible. Opt for smaller ones, or even wearable vibrators that can double as a body massager. If you’re worried that security might flag your vibes for inspection, take a look at some of the options on the market that are designed to not look like vibrators or dildos – you can even find a few that are shaped like USB sticks or erasers.
It’s worth bearing in mind that sex toys can still be illegal in certain countries and regions, so be sure to check with your local laws before packing. If you’re really concerned, you can always play dumb and pretend it’s an old tensions massager or a makeup applicator when security opens your bag!
