Adult toys already have a reputation for being a little bit naughty, and that feeling only grows when you’re thinking about travelling with your vibrator. But there’s no need to feel daunted. Here’s our guide on how to travel with sex toys…
Firstly, let’s clear the air a little. If you are considering travelling with your adult toys you are not alone. In fact, while talking about bringing sex toys on the plane might bring a slight flush to your face; it’s actually one of the most frequently (if sneakily) Googled questions when it comes to sexual wellness and travel. In fact, many travellers are asking the same questions: “Can I bring a vibrator on a plane?”, “Should I check my sex toys or keep them in hand luggage”, and “How can I get my vibrator through security discreetly?”
And, because you are asking, we are here to answer (and take the shame out of the question too). After all, despite there being nothing wrong with wanting to enjoy some self-pleasure when away from home, travelling with adult toys can feel a little bit awkward if you want to be discreet and you certainly don’t want to find yourself on the wrong side of the law.
So, from advice on how to avoid an embarrassing dildo-in-hand encounter at security to whether certain vibrators are actually allowed on airplanes, here’s how to pack sex toys for travel to ensure you get through any airport security regulations hassle-free.
First up, are sex toys allowed on airplanes?
If you’re wondering if vibrators are allowed on planes, we have good news: the answer is generally yes. Most sex toys like vibrators and dildos are perfectly fine to carry with you on airplanes (or any other type of transport for that matter, as long as they stay in your bags, of course!). However, there are some exceptions and things to keep in mind when packing your adult toys to avoid awkward moments and unnecessary delays.
Should you pack your sex toys in checked luggage or keep them in your carry-on bag?
It depends a little on the sex toy in question (and ultimately, its power source), but while you might think popping your vibrator in your checked luggage provides extra discretion, you might be better off carrying it in your hand luggage, unless the toy does not contain batteries, or only uses standard ones that can be taken out.
In fact, most importantly, if your chosen toy contains lithium-ion – aka rechargeable – batteries (as many modern vibrators do), it actually needs to go in your carry-on for you to fly with it. This is because airlines restrict lithium batteries in checked baggage due to fire risks, and being found with a lithium-ion toy in checked baggage could lead to an awkward run-in with security or even your airline denying boarding. (Basically, treat your vibrator like your portable charger when flying).
If you’re worried about keeping it discreet, smaller toys like bullet vibrators or love eggs are less likely to draw attention in your carry-on bag. That said, for larger items that don’t require batteries, checked luggage is probably safer to avoid triggering further security checks- as explained below…
Will my vibrator set off airport security scanners?
While most sex toys won’t set off airport security scanners, sometimes the material and size of your sex toys can raise some eyebrows, meaning your bags are more likely to be flagged for a thorough security search. That can obviously be a little embarrassing (and delay you at security) even if they don’t end up being confiscated. Large metal toys are the most likely to trigger alarms and warrant further investigation, while small silicone vibrators usually pass unnoticed, so the latter may be the safer option for frequent travellers.
Are there any sex toys you can’t bring in your carry on?
As mentioned, while not strictly prohibited, larger metal toys are more likely to be flagged on security screenings, so are probably better left at home or checked into your hold bags (if they don’t require rechargeable batteries). Similarly, anything that could resemble or be used as a weapon will likely be confiscated – after a security agent has a good old rummage in your bags. So if you do happen to want to travel with your cheeky handcuffs or bondage gear, these should probably be checked in.
Can I bring BDSM toys on a flight?
As alluded to above, yes, you can travel with BDSM toys, but to avoid confiscation or delays, it’s safer to pack your BDSM items – like handcuffs, whips or paddles – in your checked luggage to avoid security deeming them as weapons that aren’t allowed with you on the plane. If you’re traveling internationally, you should also research the local laws at your destination because some countries classify certain BDSM gear as pornographic material which could leave you in legal hot water if you try to bring them into the country.
What happens if my bag does get searched?
Ultimately, if your bag does get flagged for inspection, don’t panic or be embarrassed. The security staff are trained individuals who are experienced in handling such situations discreetly, and they have probably seen it all before, we promise. If you can, try to treat the interaction exactly as you would if you had forgotten about a bottle of water in your bag – be respectful, calm and answer the security officer’s questions clearly and simply. The security officer is likely to do the same.
Most inspections only involve a visual check or a swab test for safety (so don’t worry about having to answer a hundred or so questions). That said, larger toys may potentially require some additional screening, which can delay you slightly. The worst that is likely to happen is that your toy may be taken off you, but this is rare if the item can be clearly identified as a personal massager. Often, you’ll just be asked to show what your sex toy is to check that it is suitable for in-cabin flying. To minimise embarrassment, it might be helpful to pack your toy in a dedicated easy-to-open case labelled ‘personal massager’ so that you (and others) can quickly identify it without too awkward a conversation.
Top tips: How to pack sex toys for travel
To make security screenings super smooth when travelling with sex toys, here are our top tips:
- Remove the batteries or lock the toy
A word of warning! Some vibrators can turn on unexpectedly due to pressure changes in the cabin, and, of course, they may accidentally be switched on when being bumped around in your luggage. To avoid this, remove the batteries if you can, pad them when packing, and, for the best holiday-safe sex toys, look for one with a travel lock to ensure it only turns on when you want to be too.
- Use a discreet but labelled case
Keeping your sex toy in a storage case not only maintains privacy and hygiene when travelling. It also means you can easily find and identify it if asked by security staff, which saves you have to unpack your whole bag in front of everyone. Having it marked up as ‘personal massager or wellness device’ can also highlight to staff exactly what you are travelling with. Keep some spare batteries (or the charging cables) in there as well to ensure your toy never runs out of charge.
- Don’t forget about lubricants and wipes
If you want to bring accessories such as lubricant with you to use alongside your toys, make sure they are in your checked luggage or are under 100ml to ensure they comply with liquid restrictions. Don’t forget wipes or toy cleaning sprays too, to make sure you can clean your toy while travelling.
- Choose quieter/smaller toys if you are nervous
There should be no shame in using sex toys of any kind, but if you are a little subconscious travelling with them, smaller toys and stimulators in more subtle colours might be the best approach for you, such as bullet vibrators, mini massagers or love eggs designed for discreet travel. Choosing one with a whisper-quiet motor can also mean you can enjoy using them in hotels without worrying about your neighbours.
- Check airline policies beforehand
If you’re still unsure and still wondering whether can you bring a vibrator on a plane, always double-check your airline’s guidelines. Some airlines may have specific rules about carry-on batteries or prohibited items, so it’s smart to check ahead of time.
Are sex toys illegal in certain countries?
While airport security staff in the UK won’t bat an eyelid at the sight of a standard dildo (they have seen it all before, we promise), not every country is the same. In fact, in some countries sex toys are classified as pornographic material, meaning your adult fun could be confiscated or at worst, place you in legal hot water, including big fines, so it is definitely best to leave them at home.
Always check the legal status of sex toys in the country you are travelling too before packing, something that’s possible through a really quick Google search. Be sure to check for any nuance on the rules too, as some countries may allow small, discreet devices while banning larger or more explicit items (and you want to avoid any grey area).
It’s also sometimes better (and the only legal option) to leave your sex toys are home. Thailand, Saudi Arabia, Dubai and the Maldives are just some of the destinations that have banned sex toys and that includes customs authorities actively monitoring for these items. That means you may be stopped if you have them in either your carry-on or checked luggage, leading to confiscation at best, and large fines or even denial of entry into the country at worst.
If you are still unsure, you can always check with your airline to confirm that your sex toys are fine to travel with too, but if in doubt, leave them out.
The final word on travelling with sex toys
It is 2026, so travelling with sex toys shouldn’t make you beetroot red with embarrassment and travelling with them should be as normal as packing your skincare routine if you wish. But just as you plan ahead when ensuring you only have 100ml bottles in your carry-on, knowing the best ways to bring a vibrator on a plane or take one in checked luggage can save you embarrassment and hassle. After all, being savvy about how you carry sex toys through airport security will definitely save you any stress, so you never have to leave your pleasure behind…
Becki Murray is Citizen Femme’s Beauty and Wellness Director. As one of the only UK journalists to hold a Distinction-grade diploma in cosmetic science, she combines her unique knowledge with an editor’s eye to help you make smarter choices about beauty, wellbeing, and aesthetics. Becki also heads up CF’s spa guide so you could say she’s an expert in the science of relaxation too…
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