Air Travel with BDSM equipment

Much of the items we use (rope, scissors, gags, bondage tape, handcuffs, etc.) can look like kidnapping equipment.

Always check the TSA allowances for checked bags. Double check on your airline’s website to make sure they don’t have any additional issues and regulations. And if you’re traveling outside your country know the laws of the country/countries you are entering.

How To Pack Equipment? 
Separate batteries from vibrating devices. This allows TSA to see what's what without searching your carry on. (Putting the batteries in your checked bag is best)

Clean all your items on arrival. I recommend bring your toy cleaner or something to sanitize your things with.

Lubrication should be stored with a bit of plastic wrap under the cap and in a plastic bag. If you put it in your carry-on make sure it's less than 3oz.

Rope and handcuffs must be packed in your checked bag. Put them on top of your stuff in a plastic bag because when your bag is inspected you want the agents to see them without ripping apart your bag to find it. You can also use the rope around your clothing to hold them together.

Paddles, whips or crops should be packed in checked baggage.  

Check e-stim devices (& make sure your airlines would allow them) because x-ray machines can read them as bombs. (Sometimes having an instruction manual or a printout identifying the item can assist.)

Remember in some countries porn is illegal. Please know the definition of pornography in the country/countries you’re traveling to so you can avoid issues.

Condoms should be kept a safe container that's not going to get poked with sharp things.

Getting through TSA without excessive delays

This section is quoted from How to fly with BDSM related gear (http://www.airsafe.com/issues/baggage/bdsm.htm)

• Tell the truth: If a TSA screener or other security official asks you what is in your baggage just say what it is.
• Turn items off: If you have any battery-powered items in your carry-on bags, make sure they are turned off before you go through your security screening.
• Remove batteries from checked items: If you have any battery-powered items in your checked bags, remove the batteries before your flight.
• Put sensitive items in separate clear plastic bags: Keeping items in Ziploc type bags keeps them from being contaminated by handling by TSA screeners or other security officials.
• Don't pack banned items: Most sharp items, and liquid filled or gel filled items are typically banned from carry-on baggage, but can be packed in checked luggage.

This next part is not recommendations but some things I’ve done when I’ve experienced an agent who decides embarrassing a traveler is a fun thing to do.

I always respect the TSA (they keep us safe). But I’ll own my items and my joy of BDSM. I bat my eyelashes and ask if s/he wants a demonstration of the item in question… usually the offer mortifies the agent enough to make them stop harassing me.

If s/he's bold and calls my bluff: I simply show how a vibrator can take away migraines by massaging your sinuses and focusing on the pressure points. On occasion I gave big eyes and ask if s/he thought you used it to bring yourself to orgasm? Makes them sputter every time.

When you don’t speak the language: Using the word “medical” can help you move through quickly. Once in India, we landed in a smaller airport. I had items pulled out of my bags by several agents and they waved them around as if they were landing a plane. (It was like I watched a confused BDSM circus.) I uttered the words “medical” and if by magic the agents nodded and restored all my items.

Being Creative Can Avoid the Hassel

Simply find other items with dual purposes.

Shoes=paddles

Handcuffs=leather bracelet (See Etsy:  https://www.etsy.com/listing/289509367/bondage-cuffs-bdsm-leather-bracelet)

Predicament scenes can require not equipment

Or find items at your destination. (Finding sex shops at the destination can be educational because they show you a peek into what the country you’re visiting is into BDSM. BTW Germany Holy Hell those folks understand kink just saying.)

Always seek your own truth.

I’d love to hear from you so comment here or use the contact information to touch base with me privately.

Many hugs,

Z. Allora

To contact Z. Allora:

E-mail: Z.AlloraHappyEndings@gmail.com

FACEBOOK:   Z Allora Allora

Website: www.zallorabooks.com

Twitter: @ZAllora

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BIO: Z. Allora believes in happily ever after for everyone. She met her own true love through the personals and has traveled to over thirty countries with him. She’s lived in Singapore, Israel and China. Now back home to the USA she’s an active member of PFLAG and a strong supporter of those on the rainbow in her community. She wants to promote understanding and acceptance through her actions and words. Writing rainbow romance allows her the opportunity to open hearts and change minds.