If you pack a vibrator, don't get shaken by TSA

 via The San Francisco Chronicles

This article is for all people planning to travel for the Pride celebrations this weekend.

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."

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