I have recently been traveling more frequently. Anyone who I have had the pleasure of seeing can attest to the vast assortment of toys and lingerie I bring with me. LOL
Besides unintentionally leaving the batteries in "the juicer" and it vibrating my entire bag upon arrival at the baggage claim- how hysterical was that- LOL
When your luggage goes through the X-ray machine how can you tell if it was rummaged in, searched, or opened?
I had a feeling my bags were gone through on more than one occasion and besides not wanting anyone just randomly handling my personal equipment for lack of a better description or the fact I am somewhat germaphobic about people touching those things without washing hands first is there anything I can do short of sending my toys overnight to the hotel?
Any advice would be appreciated- and you can make a few comments about the vibrating luggage too- LOL Can you imagine what was going through the baggage handlers mind? ROFLMAO
-- Modified on 3/1/2006 2:55:09 PM
it would be pretty funny to see a horny lady such as yourself working your way thru customs with a carry on full of appliances. Our brilliant airport security guys trying to determine if your double ended jackhammer dildo is some sort of WMD or something.
Funny, embarrassing, red face situation, I would think.
NSF
I worked as a flight attendant with a major airline for several years and I still do a fair share of traveling. Often I have clients fly me to their city of residence or where they may be doing business.
I bring my little bag of goodies/toys with me and decided to check them at departure after having my bags gone through in full view of everyone at the security check in one day. They were not sure as to what one of my vibes was and so did a ba search. I was a wee bit embarrassed.
Even though my bags are often gone through when I get them back at baggage claim, I just wash my toys off when I get to my destination. I always carry alcohol wipes with me.
Whenever they go through your bags, most airlines will put a notice inside your luggage or a sticky stamp somewhere on the outside.
I've learned when I've toured to always remove the batteries from my toys, and then I seal each toy in it's own clear Ziploc bag. That way if they do search my luggage, they can see the toy through the plastic and either leave it alone, or X-ray it without removing it from the baggie. Also, if the bag is open, I know that they've touched it and can sterilize accordingly.
Generally when they search bags, I've found a little card in my luggage telling me it's been searched... but I imagine this isn't always the case.
I'll never forget the day I took my toys with me in a carry-on bag... and this little old man was hand searching my bag. I was distressed at first, then relaxed, realizing there was nothing I could do. "Well," I said regally, nose in the air, "If you must search my bag, please don't turn on the vibrator, you'll run the batteries down."
xxxooo
Beverly ;-*
You beat me to the punch. Ziplock - for all the right reasons.
Searching of bags is something that you will not be able to prevent if there is reasonable suspicion to search. I would guess that through an x-ray monitor various toys would rouse some suspicion if not curiosity.
One suggestion would be to package your toys in clear, sealable storage bags. Then fold part of the bag over and seal it with a good tape. An additional failsafe measure after doing this is to initial or mark the tape with a permanent ink pen. This will allow the items to be viewed and inspected manually, but allows you clear evidence if the bag has been opened. If, during an inspection, a storage bag has been opened this will alert you to disinfect the item.
Placing a combination lock on the luggage itself will aid in protecting your items. (You might want to remember to remove batteries from here on out too. Very funny)
It's all clearly stated by the airlines in their policies and at baggage check-in areas.
They leave a note inside your suitcase and will often secure your bag with one of those ties.
The ziploc is an excellent idea. Also, using a condom on the toys will allow for a squeaky clean surface every time.
Best,
Kate
...or are there too many toys for that? If you're concerned about being embarrassed and they wanted to search your carry-on bags in front of you then I guess that wouldn't work either, oh well.
I carry a lot of "toys" to do my job when I travel as well. Unfortunately, these toys are not for pleasure but electronic test gear that could show up as a suspicious device in an Xray.
When my bag was searched, I have had a card left by the TSA that said they had searched my bag. In your case, they may be a bit embarassed to admit that they were only in there out of curiousity.
I can't tell you exactly what to use because I haven't done it myself. However, there must be something such as a piece of ribbon that you could tie into both sides of the bag while it was open just a bit. This ribbon would be able to be seen by you if it was in tact when you go to the room or torn showing that somebody who didn't know it was there would have torn it while opening the bag.
There is really nothing you can do about it if you do find it has been opened but you will satisfy your curiousity as to whether this is happening or not.
when they hand search bags. However that doesn't mean they don't lube them up and use them on fellow TSA employees during slow hours. Most screeners are assholes, after all.
I agree with Beverly Fisher & Misty Bay:
I always find a card in the bag if they go through it....-BUT-.. I usually do not check bags. Not only is it an inconvenience but I hate the intrusion. I always have toys in my carry on and they have never searched it. Hopefully they will allow us to pay the $100 pretty soon so that we can be expedited through security ...(*yes, that was sarcastic $100 to not be search and harassed ... gheez*) kisses ~Tori
I am in a transportation field, but not airlines. TSA FAQ procedures can be found at this website, and you can also find information posted on the website of the airline you are using. If they decide to search your checked bag and it is locked, they can legally cut the lock. From their FAQ:
"TSA suggests that you help prevent the need to break your locks by using a TSA recognized locking mechanism. TSA is not liable for damage caused to locked bags that must be opened for security purposes."
Toys are not on the list of prohibited items, but you have to think that over time these folks see just about everthing. 
Though I rarely check bags when flying, when I have several toys, excessive lingerie, and too many clothes for a long trip, I do check a bag or two. Inspectors can go through it if they need to (never had a problem with this, and of course, they wear gloves). It surely beats the embarrassment of security checks when they open your bags in plain sight of others, lifting each item for oh, so long!
But bags do occasionally get lost, so if you can't fathom this possibility, will have to be brave and ready for the display, keeping everything in carry-on.
You can send packages to your hotel pretty efficiently and cost-wise... give it a try. When I used to speak at conferences and do exhibit shows, I never carried my work tools in my own luggage. These services have a much better track record than the airlines for getting things on-time and to the "right" place.
However, I can still bring my sexy & lacey lingerie, silk scarves and oils.
Hugs,
Ciara
There is a luggage lock that TSA can open without damaging it. An indicator will show that it has been opened and relocked. Sometimes TSA also leaves cards in your luggage.
-- Modified on 3/2/2006 6:10:22 PM
I already carry my toys in the little plastic boxes they come in- no pun intended- LOL Ever notice huh toys attract fuzz or dry out if you don't store them properly?
Oh and here is a picture of the juicer AKA the Dolphin- Mine is Blue, but never sad- LOL
