Flying with a Vibrator: Is it Allowed in Carry-On Luggage?

Weapons, tools, and large quantities of liquid clearly don't belong in carry-on luggage. But what about a sex toy or a snow globe? We clarify some of the less obvious rules.

Most people are aware of the ban on liquids in carry-on luggage. However, the rules for other everyday items are often less clear.

Did you know, for example, that jam is prohibited in carry-on luggage, as is a golf club? On the other hand, a magic wand or a vibrator generally doesn't pose a problem at security check.

The travel bettercities.net gives you an overview of which everyday items and curiosities are allowed on board-and which are not.

You may take sex toys with you on the plane. In fact, if they are vibrators or other electrically powered devices, they are specifically required to be in your carry-on luggage. For safety reasons, many electronic devices are not allowed in checked luggage.

There is an exception for devices with lithium batteries: They are generally not allowed in either checked or carry-on luggage because they could explode on board. If you own such a device, unfortunately, it must stay at home. The same applies to particularly large toys that could be classified as weapons.

To ensure that security personnel can immediately identify the type of item at the scanner, you should place the sex toys at the top of your carry-on luggage. Also, make sure that the device doesn't accidentally turn on during the trip. It's best to remove the batteries or the battery pack and transport them separately.

Want to be prepared when you get a little hungry on the plane? Foods like chips, cookies, fruits, or vegetables can be brought in your carry-on luggage. However, spreads and sauces like hummus, jam, peanut butter, or ketchup are not allowed. They are considered liquids and gels just like water bottles or hand cream.

The only exception is if you package a maximum of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) of your spread with other liquids in a plastic bag-but you'll have to decide if that's worth it.

Warning: In some countries, you are not allowed to bring in certain types of food. If you plan to pack food, check the rules before you leave or bring only what you can consume during your journey. Otherwise, you might have to throw your food away upon arrival.

Good news for both young and old fans of 'Harry Potter' or 'Star Wars': They can generally bring their wand or lightsaber on board without issues. In the hand luggage guidelines of the US Transportation Security Administration, both items are explicitly mentioned.

Regarding the lightsaber, there is an additional note: 'Unfortunately, there is no way to create a real lightsaber yet.' Therefore, a toy lightsaber is allowed in carry-on luggage. 'May the Force be with you.'

In Germany, there is no such clear statement in the hand luggage guidelines. Toy weapons that could be mistaken for real weapons are generally not allowed on the plane. If you want to be sure your magical toy weapon can come on board, it's best to check with your airline before you travel.

An urn containing the ashes of deceased individuals is indeed allowed in carry-on luggage. However, it must be packed in a securely sealed container and made inconspicuous so that other travelers do not recognize it as an urn.

To ensure the urn can be scanned at security, it should not be made of metal but rather materials like wood or plastic. You should also carry death and cremation certificates, as they may be required at the departure airport.

Sporting equipment like golf, skiing, or diving gear is usually much larger and heavier than allowed carry-on luggage and thus must be stored in the cargo hold.

Even smaller items like skateboards, golf clubs, or tennis rackets are not allowed in the cabin for safety reasons, as they could be used as weapons.

In many souvenir shops, you'll find snow globes with local landmarks in miniature form. A cute keepsake or souvenir, but not always able to pass through security.

Like a water bottle, the snow globe contains a liquid. If this is more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters), the souvenir cannot come on board.

Besides the amount of liquid, the weight of the snow globe could also be problematic. A large globe might be considered a dangerous item that could be used as a weapon. For safety, always transport a snow globe in checked luggage.