Vibrators, whips, and chains allowed on planes

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Even in these jittery times, can any air traveler be expected to part willingly with his precious electronic devices?

And not just devices that play music or games. But devices that play. Or, to put it another way, devices that jitter.

Those devices.

The Transportation Safety Administration, whose job it is to consider fully such matters, has decreed that vibrators are OK. The TSA says whips, chains, leashes, restraints and manacles are OK, too. Any law-abiding citizen has the right to carry any such device onto an airplane.

So why are so many otherwise sensible travelers reluctant to do so? Why is there embarrassment and shame, hemming and hawing? It's all so unnecessary, say experts, because traveling with an electric vibrator need be no more difficult than traveling with other problematic items, such as aerosols or toddlers.

Being nervous is counterproductive. Inspectors are trained to spot nervous passengers, resulting in extra scrutiny and more nervousness.

TSA spokesman Nico Melendez said passengers could save time with a little common sense. Inspectors are doing their job. They are trained professionals and they know a vibrator when they see one. They will not confiscate a vibrator. But they are trained to pay attention to electronic devices.

"Inspectors inspect," he said. "If you don't want us to see it, don't bring it."

Carol Queen, the celebrated San Francisco sex expert, lecturer and proprietor of the Good Vibrations chain of sex stores, has traveled the world with her carry-on bags full of vibrators and other paraphernalia. Vibrators, she says, are not the problem. Shame about vibrators is the problem.

"There's no reason to be embarrassed," said Queen. "If an inspector asks you about it, look him in the eye and tell him it's your vibrator."

That simple statement, said Queen, coupled by a gee-whiz shrug of the shoulders, invariably puts an end to the matter. There isn't a lot left to say.

Vibrators are common. Vibrators are mainstream.

"They sell vibrators at Walgreens," said Good Vibrations salesman Mike Korcek. "You can't get more mainstream than that. Remember, vibrators have been around longer than airplanes."

Some studies say half the women in the United States have one. That's more than 50 million vibrators, not counting women with multiple devices or the few million owned by men, who also travel with what are known in the industry as rings and "sleeves" (the truly curious can find a thorough description of these elsewhere).



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