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

Everyone knows about the ban on liquids in carry-on luggage. However, the rules for other everyday items are often less clear cut.

Did you know, for example, that jam is prohibited in carry-on luggage, as is a golf club? However, a magic wand or a vibrator generally poses no problem during security checks.

This travel report provides an overview of which everyday items and curiosities are allowed on board and which are not.

You can take sex toys with you on the plane. If they are vibrators or other battery-operated devices, they expressly belong in your carry-on. For safety reasons, many electronic devices are not allowed in checked baggage.

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

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

Want to be prepared when hunger strikes on the plane? Foods like chips, cookies, fruits, or vegetables can be included in your carry-on. However, spreads and sauces like hummus, jam, peanut butter, or ketchup are not allowed. They are considered liquids and gels just like a water bottle or moisturizer.

The only exception: You pack a maximum of 100 milliliters of your spread with other liquids in the plastic bag - whether that's worth it is up to you.

Warning: In some countries, you are not allowed to import certain types of food. If you want to pack food, make sure to check the regulations before departure or only bring what you can consume during the trip. Otherwise, you may have to discard your food upon arrival.

Good news for big and small fans of 'Harry Potter' or 'Star Wars': Magic wands or lightsabers can generally be taken onboard without issue. The Transportation Security Administration's carry-on guidelines explicitly list both items.

Regarding the lightsaber, there's an additional note: 'Unfortunately, at this time, real lightsaber technology does not exist.' Therefore, a toy lightsaber may be carried in a carry-on. 'May the force be with you.'

In Germany, the carry-on guidelines don't have such a clear statement. Toy weapons that could be mistaken for real weapons are generally not allowed on planes. To ensure your magical toy weapon makes it onboard, it's best to check with the airline before traveling.

You can actually carry an urn containing a deceased person's ashes in your carry-on. However, it must be packed in a securely sealed container and made inconspicuous so that other travelers don't recognize it as an urn.

To ensure the urn can undergo security screening, it should not be made of metal but, for example, wood or plastic. You should also have death and cremation certificates with you, as they may be required at the departure airport.

Sports equipment like golf, ski, or diving gear is generally much larger and heavier than allowed carry-on luggage and must be checked.

But even smaller items like a skateboard, a golf club, or a tennis racket are not allowed in the cabin for safety reasons, as they can be used as striking weapons.

You'll find them in many souvenir shops: snow globes with a miniature version of local landmarks. They're a charming keepsake or gift, but they don't always make it through security.

Like a water bottle, snow globes also contain liquid. If it's more than 100 milliliters, the souvenir can't be taken onboard.

Besides the liquid amount, the weight of the snow globe can also be problematic. Security personnel may classify a large globe as a dangerous item that could be used as a weapon. It's advisable to transport a snow globe in checked luggage.