Page 54 - AVN May 2013

Feat_Hit Road/Travel.5.13 4/18/13 5:10 PM Page 54
By Sherri L. Shaulis |
Tips for Traveling With Toys
S S
ometimes, flying the friendly skies can be a
less than friendly experience. There’s been
more than one story of an airport shut
down because someone’s vibrator turned
on. And if you are involved in the pleasure products
industry, chances are you’ve received a notice from
the Transportation Security Administration that
your bag was searched, or you were stopped at the
security checkpoint to be questioned about the
contents of your carryon.
ases
FEATURE
While the TSA has in the past published guidelines for traveling with sex toys
(vibrators are safe to pack in carryon luggage, as are whips, chains, leashes
restraints and manacles), we thought it best to get it straight from the horses’
mouths—those who travel with sex toys for a living.
“First, never be embarrassed,” said Michael Guifoyle, president and COO of
Masque Sexual Flavors, and a man who traveled more than 200,000 miles last
year for pleasure products-related business. “Whatever you’re traveling with,
TSA has seen 10 times more. We’ve returned from shows with entire suitcases
full of things that people give us. Whenever we’ve been stopped for additional
screening, the TSA agents have been jealous rather than mortified.”
Lynda Mort, director of public relations for Topco Sales, notes that taking
batteries out of vibrators helps cut down on the chance they will turn on at an
inappropriate time.
“Always remove the batteries from your toys before packing them!” she said.
“Sure, it sounds obvious, but every day people are pulled out of line because
something in their carryon bag is vibrating. And do you really want to get your
favorite pink dildo with the bunny ears out in front of all those people who are
already cranky from waiting in line?”
The traveling pros also recommend treating lubricants and other liquids and
gels with care.
“Treat liquids and gels just as you would toiletries,” Guilfoyle said. “Anything
over 3.2 ounces in your carryon will probably get pulled. And put your liquids
and gels in a plastic storage bag no matter what. Nothing is more fun than
getting there with a checked suitcase of clothes coated with silicone lube …
although your zippers will probably work better than they ever have.”
Putting vibrators, dildos and other toys in their own plastic bags or
containers also helps.
“Wrap it up!” Mort said. “This is very familiar sexual terminology, but used
in a different context here. Wrap your sex toys in a sealed, clear plastic bag so
you have less of a chance that some TSA agent has had their grubby mitts all
over your favorite love rod.”
Also note that size matters, especially when it comes to airport security. Mort
suggests planning to bring small, discreet items. The TSA allows sex toys under
7 inches in carryon bags.
“While you may have some real epic toys in your chest at home, the best to
bring along for a trip are those you can easily conceal,” she said. “Unless, of
course, you’re looking for that kind of attention at the airport (and trust us,
you aren
’t).”
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Not sure if your items are small and discreet
enough? Then pack the items in your checked
luggage. It could save you from an embarrass-
ing situation in the security line.
“Why risk it?” Mort said. “That way you
are far less likely to be the object of countless
giggles across the terminal.”
And finally, know the law. Not only are
there restrictions on sexual products in some
countries (Thailand has a ban on “obscene
items”), but there are some rules in a couple of
American states, too. When in doubt, ask a
good First Amendment attorney.
And know that even if you take all the
precautions and are well within the rules, and
even though traveling with sex toys is legal in
most of the U.S., “you might still encounter
TSA officials whose conduct toward you may
be rude or unprofessional,” notes the website
AirSafe.com, a website created by noted
aviation safety expert Dr. Todd Curtis.
“If this happens at a security screening area,
you should immediately request to see a
supervisor to discuss the matter,” the site
recommends. “You also have several options
for submitting a formal complaint. You could
email the TSA’s Contact Center at
TSA-ContactCenter@dhs.gov, or if you
believe you have been the target of
discriminatory conduct you contact the
TSA Office of Civil Rights and Liberties.”
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