When packing for a trip, you cover all the essentials: clothing, toiletries, chargers – and depending on the nature of the vacay, maybe throw in a couple sex toys, too. Whether it’s a solo trip or a romantic getaway, better to be prepared for a fling (or a choice moment of privacy) than to wish you had your favorite vibrator you left back home.
There’s nothing taboo about packing sex toys for a trip: according to a 2023 survey from adult toy company Le Wand, more than 85% of participants reported bringing sex toys with them out of town. Not only that, more than half of participants said that their sex drive is significantly higher on vacation, which checks out: you’re relaxed, energized, and away from your to-do list, pretty much the ideal conditions for intimacy.
Traveling with sex toys is perfectly legal, safe, and doable, so long as you know the rules. We’ll go through all the TSA fine print to get you through security without a hitch, and share expert tips for discreet packing, keeping your toys clean, and making sure they don’t buzz off mid-flight!
TSA & Security Rules
First off, let’s go through the TSA sex toy rules. The official line from the Transportation Security Administration, found on tsa.gov, is that Toys (Adult) are permitted in both carry-on and checked bags. They do include a caveat that “The final decision rests with the TSA officer on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint.”
Can you take toys through airport security?
Yes, you can take sex toys through airport security. If any of your sex toys are powered by lithium-ion batteries, be sure to pack them in your carry-on luggage, as they aren’t permitted in checked bags.
One key thing to remember: If any of your toys use lithium-ion batteries, which is the case for most rechargeable sex toys, those must go in your carry-on. That’s because TSA does not allow lithium-ion batteries in checked luggage. If your toys use standard alkaline batteries, those can be checked, but make sure you remove them from your toys so they don’t go off mid-flight.
Even though travelling with sex toys is totally above-board, there are a few scenarios that might lead screening agents to ask questions. If the X-ray image of a large dildo, for example, looks suspicious to them, they might want to double-check it. If any of your packed toys start to go off in the security line, that would also warrant a closer examination. And as mentioned before, if an agent detects a lithium-ion battery in the luggage you’re planning to check, they would flag it and ask you to remove it.
Remember, there’s nothing to be ashamed about: flying with vibrators is perfectly legal. If a TSA agent has any questions, simply tell them that the device is a sex toy, and follow their instructions.
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TSA rules |
Lithium-ion batteries |
Alkaline batteries |
Sex toys |
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OK in checked luggage? |
No |
Yes |
Not if they use a lithium-ion battery |
|
OK in carry-on bags? |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Packing Smart: How to Avoid Awkward Moments
While it’s perfectly legal to travel with sex toys, it’s still a good idea to practice a little discretion with your packing, especially if you want to avoid potentially awkward moments with TSA, or someone you don’t want to accidentally stumble upon a toy in your luggage.
Luckily, there are a number of discreet sex toys on the market that can easily go unnoticed.
Dr. Stacy Friedman, clinical sexologist, certified sex coach and host of the podcast Purple Passion Project, recommends packing smaller, unassuming vibrators, like a lipstick vibrator you can easily fit in your purse. In your luggage, a slim wand can pass for a back massager, while glass wands can be safely wrapped in a towel or clothes, and give off the appearance of a household item like a vase. (As a bonus, they don’t vibrate, and are sturdy because they’re made of the same material as pyrex.)
Friedman recommends removing batteries from all your toys. In the case of rechargeable toys, she recommends wrapping them in clothing or a towel, or even a sock, so that they stay in place during the flight and won’t push up against anything in your bag and accidentally go off. You could also use a storage bag, a discreet storage case or pouch that came with your toy, or if you want to be extra private, a lockable pouch. Never leave toys loose in your bag, she says.
Friedman notes that you’ll want to pack your sex toys separately from each other so they’re not touching during flight–for good hygiene, to keep them from bumping each other and accidentally going off, and because they might interact negatively. For example, two silicone toys might melt together if it gets hot on the plane. Pack them in separate ziploc bags to keep them clean and in good condition, she recommends.
Do’s and Don’ts for packing sex toys
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DO use a lockable pouch.
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DO separate chargers.
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DON’T pack liquids (like lube) over 3.4oz in a carry-on. Place in a ziploc to prevent spilling
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DON’T leave toys loose in your bag
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DO carefully wrap toys
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DO remove batteries and be sure to put lithium-ion batteries in your carry-on, not your checked luggage.
Special Rules for Vibrators & Wands
Can you bring a vibrating wand on a plane?
Yes, sex toys are permitted in checked and carry-on luggage. However, if your vibrating wand uses lithium-ion batteries, you’ll need to pack it in your carry-on, as lithium-ion batteries are not permitted in checked luggage.
Large wands or dildos are naturally going to be more attention-grabbing than small bullet vibrators. If you’re planning on flying with vibrators, go with more discreet sex toys, or carefully wrap bigger ones in clothing, a towel, or a storage bag in your suitcase.
It bears repeating: don’t forget that rechargeable lithium-ion batteries must go in your carry-on, per TSA sex toy rules. Standard alkaline batteries can be checked, but be sure to remove them from your toys so they won’t be at risk of going off during flight. With rechargeable sex toys, you have two options: make sure the toy has fully run out of charge before you pack it (but then you have to remember to charge it on your trip), or carefully wrap it so it won’t press up against anything else in your bag and go off during flight.
Hygiene & Safety While Traveling
When it comes to sex toy hygiene, you always want to clean your toys before and after use. You can use antibacterial soap and warm water, or pack travel-friendly cleaning wipes or spray (but if it’s more than 3.4 oz, it’s gotta go in your carry-on).
Friedman stresses that you want to pack your sex toys separately from each other so they’re not touching during flight–for good hygiene, and because depending on the material of the toys, they could be damaged. For example, two silicone toys might melt together if it gets hot on the plane. Pack them in separate ziploc bags to keep them clean and in good condition.
It’s always a good idea to use organic sex toys made with hypoallergenic materials and 100% body-safe silicone. At LOLA, our Mini Vibrator is gynecologist-approved, made with FDA-grade silicone, free of BPA, parabens, phthalates, and latex.
International Considerations & Cultural Sensitivities
While TSA says sex toys are a-OK to travel with, the laws can vary internationally, with some countries restricting sex toys. Before you fly with vibrators, double check the travel advisories where you’re headed.
If you’re travelling to the US, Canada, or the European Union, you should be OK. But the UAE, Maldives, and Saudi Arabia strictly prohibit bringing sex toys into their countries; they’ll be confiscated and in some cases you could be met with a fine.
Choosing Travel-Friendly Toys
The best travel-friendly sex toys are compact, rechargeable, waterproof, and quiet. LOLA’s Mini Vibrator can easily fit in your purse, and even if it accidentally went off—follow our aforementioned tips to help prevent that from happening!—it’s whisper-quiet, so it could almost go unnoticed. The Mini Vibrator is rechargeable, which means you will need to carry it on, per TSA sex toy rules. And don’t forget your charger, hypoallergenic cleansing wipes, and travel-size Personal Lubricant.
Discretion Tips
Remember: there’s no shame in prioritizing pleasure. It’s perfectly legal to travel with sex toys (with the exceptions of UAE, Maldives, and Saudi Arabia; always double-check travel advisories if you’re headed somewhere outside of the US, Canada, or the EU), and there’s no reason you shouldn’t prep for the sexiest vacation you can have.
If you do want to minimize any stress around flying with vibrators, or avoid a kid or family member stumbling upon your toy, it’s a good idea to pack discreet sex toys and travel-friendly vibrators. Think bullet vibrators you can fit in your purse, and smaller wands you can easily wrap up in a towel, discreet storage case, or even a lockable pouch in your suitcase. You deserve privacy in your pursuit of pleasure.
Traveling with sex toys doesn’t need to be stressful, so long as you pack smart, clean well, and follow the TSA rules. LOLA is here for women’s health and pleasure with safe, trusted products. Think gynecologist-approved, hypoallergenic, body-safe, and free of harmful ingredients like BPA, parabens, phthalates. We’re always ready to help you set the ~vibe~ for the most fun and pleasurable trip you can have.
FAQS
Can you take toys through airport security?
Yes, you can take sex toys through airport security. If any of your sex toys are powered by lithium-ion batteries, be sure to pack them in your carry-on luggage, as they aren’t permitted in checked bags.
Can you bring a vibrating wand on a plane?
Yes, sex toys are permitted in checked and carry-on luggage. However, if your vibrating wand uses lithium-ion batteries, you’ll need to pack it in your carry-on, as lithium-ion batteries are not permitted in checked luggage.