Although the below article is in relation to the USA, I think most Transportation bodies would be the same including the UK & Europe. there is also an interesting article on Prodomme.com
Hitting the Road - Traveling with Bondage Toys"When it comes to flying with clothing and equipment commonly used for BDSM related activities, the applicable TSA rules are no different that rules applied to other items that you may your carry on or checked bags. While the TSA has no rules or restrictions related to clothing, equipment, or other devices commonly used for sexual activity, some items may be restricted from being carried in the aircraft cabin due to existing TSA rules on hazardous and prohibited items.
What is BDSM?
BDSM is a general term used to describe consensual adult sexual or erotic practices related to bondage, domination, submission, and masochism, and such activities often include the use of specialized clothing and equipment. While BDSM does not require the use of specialized clothing or equipment, it may include the use of sex toys and other devices or equipment.
What kind of equipment is used for BDSM related activities?
The kinds of equipment that can be used for BDSM activities are limited only by the human imagination, and can go far beyond the items described in books such as "Fifty Shades of Grey." When it comes to air travel, the kinds of BDSM gear that are small enough to be carried in checked or carry on bags, include the following:
- Paddles, whips, riding crops, slappers, batons, and other striking instruments
- Handcuffs, ropes, chains, and other restraints
- Dildos, anal plugs, anal beads, vibrators, and other sex toys
- Condoms, dental dams, latex gloves, and other protective devices
- Lubricants, massage oil, and other other liquids, gels, or creams
- Blindfolds, harnesses, chastity belts, ball gags, and other specialized clothing items
- Clothespins and other clamps
- Needles and other piercing instruments
- Knives and other cutting instruments
Is it legal to carry BDSM gear on aircraft?
In the US, air travel is subject federal laws and regulations, and there are no federal restrictions when it comes to traveling with BDSM related items. However, if those items happen to fall within categories that are restricted from the passenger cabin, you will not be able to wear it, take it beyond the TSA screening area, or place it in your carry on bag. In general, most items that include a blade are only allowed in checked bags, as are items lake large batons that could be used as a weapon; as well as liquids, gels, or aerosols in containers with a capacity greater than 3.4 ounces (100 ml). For details on what items may be restricted to checked baggage, visit the prohibited and restricted baggage items page.
Is it legal to travel internationally with BDSM gear?
In general, when you travel domestically within a country, what you are allowed to carry depend on the laws and regulations of that country. When traveling between countries, what you are able to legally possess will depend on the laws of the country you are traveling from, the country you are traveling to, and any country you may be passing through on the way to your destination. You should check with the appropriate authorities in the countries where you plan to travel to see what you are allowed to carry.
What to do if a TSA agent treats you unfairly?
Although traveling with BDSM gear and sex toys is completely legal in the US, you may still encounter TSA officials whose conduct toward you may be rude, inappropriate, or unprofessional. This may happen in the screening area, or it may happen out of your site if a TSA agent is examining your checked bag. If this happens at a security screening area, you should immediately request to see a supervisor to discuss the matter. If you suspect that TSA may have done something to your checked bag, contact the TSA as soon as possible.
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.
For detailed advice on how to complain about your treatment, you may want to review AirSafe.com's airline complaint resources.
What should you do if other airline or security officials treat you unfairly?
As with the TSA, you should insist that you be treated with fairness and respect when it comes to how officials treat you. If possible, contact an appropriate supervisor or manager as soon as possible to resolve your issue.
Tips for traveling with BDSM gear
There are a number of common sense things that you can do to protect your sex toys and to limit the likelihood that the TSA will cause you any embarrassment or excessive delays:
- 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." Airsafe.com
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