Traveling With Vibrators
CAN I BRING VIBRATORS THROUGH AIRPORT SECURITY?
The answer depends on where you are traveling and their laws on adult toys and sex work. Yes, in some countries sex toys are illegal, so make sure to check their legality before packing. Some airlines may have additional restrictions as well.
CARRY-ON OR CHECKED BAG?
For travel to and from the US, the TSA website classifies vibrators as okay for carry-on and checked baggage. The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority says lithium batteries within their devices are allowed in carry-on and checked baggage if the battery falls below a certain power level, and vibrator batteries fall below that threshold.
SEX WORK LAWS
Sex work laws may impact your safety when traveling with sex-related items. For example, being suspected as a sex worker when traveling from Canada to the US can lead to a ban from entering the country. If you have ever been involved in any sex work, take caution when traveling with toys as they may bring suspicion to you. Thoroughly research the sex work and travel laws between your travel countries.
MENTALLY PREPARE
Many people pack their vibrators in their carry-on baggage to ensure the expensive item is not lost with misplaced checked luggage - or for easy access. If this is you, be aware of the possibility that a security agent will see and potentially handle your toys. They may be examined for looking suspicious on the monitors (eg. suspected as an improvised explosive device) or your toy may be flagged simply because the security agents are unsure what it is. Remember to pack your toys in clear plastic bags to ensure hygiene when the agents handle them. And remember, airport security has seen it all.
DO YOU HEAR THAT BUZZING?
Many companies are opting for a rechargeable design, where you cannot remove the battery. That’s where the travel lock comes in. Essentially, the travel lock provides a way to ensure that rechargeable vibrators will not turn on if the buttons are pressed. This helps you avoid mysterious buzzing from your bag which may lead to uncomfortable conversations. The tedious alternative is making sure it is out of battery when traveling, charging it when you arrive, and draining the battery before traveling again. Some toys come out of the box with the travel lock on, so keep that in mind if your toy doesn’t turn on after the first charge.
Below is a list of brands at Honey Gifts that have travel locks and how to activate/deactivate them. Oddly, this information can be hard to find online.
- Dame: Hold the button for 10 seconds to activate—the LED will blink the count and flash red at the end. To exit Travel Mode, just plug it in to charge.
- FemmeFunn: Supposedly some of their products have travel locks but the specifics are elusive.
- Fun Factory: To lock your toy click the “-” button (or the small point button) and the FUN button at the same time for about 1 – 4 seconds. To unlock your toy click the “+” button (or the big point button) and the FUN button at the same time for about 1 – 4 seconds.
- Happy Rabbit: hold down both buttons for 1-3 seconds, this will lock and unlock the travel lock.
- Le Wand : Press both the + and – (at the same time) for three seconds.
- Lelo: To lock or unlock your device, press the + and - button at the same time and hold for about 5 seconds. The blinking light will confirm you locked/unlocked your LELO.
- Naked Addiction: To unlock, press and hold the button for 4 seconds until you feel a quick rumble and see the LED lights flash twice. To lock, repeat this process. (Position Reset: Once locked, there is a 1-minute period for position reset. During this time, quickly press the button until the product has returned to the position of your choosing.)
- Swan Mini Wand: To lock, quickly press the button three times while off. To unlock, quickly press the button three times.
- Vedo: Press the power button twice fast to turn the lock on or off. For rabbit-style (dual stimulation) you may need to do this for each separate button.
- We-Vibe: by holding the “+” and “-” buttons at the same time for 2 seconds. The toy will pulse twice and your device will lock - do the same again to unlock.
- Womanizer-Liberty only: Hold down the “+” and “-” buttons.