Last Updated: July 12, 2023
Can You Bring Condoms on a Plane? A Complete Guide
If you are sexually active and planning a trip somewhere you probably don’t want the risk of not finding your favorite brand of condoms at your destination. This begs the question, can you bring condoms on a plane?
As you would have probably guessed, taking condoms on a plane is allowed but there are some things to be aware of, such as where you pack them, as it can affect how well they work.
Join me as I run through everything you need to know about taking condoms on a plane so that you can do it the right way, make sure they work at your destination, and save some possible embarrassment along the way.
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Can You Carry Condoms on a Plane?
The TSA doesn’t actually have any specific rules about condoms. You can’t find a single piece of information about bringing condoms on a plane on their entire website.
But, they did happen to answer the question when someone asked on Twitter. The answer was yes, the TSA does allow you to carry condoms on planes in both your carry-on baggage and your checked baggage.
This is because condoms are not considered a dangerous item, and even condoms with some lube inside don’t count as liquids either.
Where Should You Put Your Condom When Traveling on a Plane?
The best place to carry condoms when traveling is in your carry-on baggage as this ensures they remain at a sensible temperature that doesn’t damage their effectiveness. The World Health Organisation recommends keeping them in a dry, dark place that does not exceed 30 degrees Celsius.
If you put condoms in your checked baggage during an international flight, they will suffer under cold conditions and big temperature changes which can cause them to weaken and then break or create holes during use.
Checked baggage travels at the bottom of the plane where temperatures are less regulated. This means your condoms will be at a normal temperature, then get rather cold, and then warm up again.
How To Pack Condoms on a Plane
The best way to pack your condoms for carrying in your luggage on a plane is to:
- take them in your carry on
- keep them in their original packaging
- put that in a zip lock bag
- keep them away from very warm or sunny areas
That way, they should arrive in great condition for use at your destination!
Can You Carry Condoms in Your Pants?
Yes, you can carry a condom or two in your pants when going through the airport. However, I would advise that you move them into your carry-on for airport security.
The foil packaging that condoms come in can cause the metal detectors at airports to go off. If this happens, you will have to take the condom out of your pocket and show it to security, and all the other passengers waiting in the queue.
So, to avoid some embarrassment, remove any condom from your pants when walking through the airport.
How Many Condoms Can You Bring on a Plane?
There are no limits on the number of condoms you can bring on a plane according to the TSA. You can travel with a carry-on full of condoms and a checked bag full of condoms if you choose to.
Are Condoms Allowed Through Airport Security?
Yes, condoms are allowed through airport security. If you are traveling with condoms in your carry-on, your bag will not be flagged due to having any number of them inside.
But, if they look like something illegal, airport security does have the right to check. If they do check your bag individually, once they discover the condoms, nothing will happen, they will send you on through.
Do Condoms Set Off Metal Detectors?
It is possible, as I already mentioned, for the foil packaging of condoms to set off the metal detectors at airport security. It doesn’t happen every time though so I guess it depends on the condom’s packaging and perhaps the sensitivity of the metal detector.
For safety’s sake, as it is not worth having the metal detector go off due to a condom, check your pockets and put your condoms in your carry-on before going through the metal detector.
Can You Buy Condoms At The Airport?
Yes, condoms are readily available at pharmacies both before security and after in duty-free. This means that you can grab some on your way to wherever you are going just in case you forgot to pack some.
But, be warned, the number of different condom types/brands available may be restrictive and if you have a favorite type, then it is worth remembering to pack some at home.
Can You Bring Lube on a Plane?
Yes, you can bring lube on a plane as long as it is no larger than 33cl or 3.4 oz.
Lube is classed as a liquid and therefore you must follow the liquids rule in order to bring it onto a plane.
The TSA 3-1-1 liquids rule allows you to pack lube in your checked baggage in a container larger than 33 cl or 100 ml or 3.4 oz.
But, to bring it on the plane in your carry-on it must be in a container of 33 cl or 100 ml or 3.4 oz less. Plus, the bottle of lube must fit with all your other liquids within the single 1-quart size plastic ziplock bag they give you at the airport.
The plastic bag must also be able to be sealed with all your liquids inside it. If it doesn’t close, you are going to have to sacrifice something so that all your other liquids can travel with you.
Can You Bring Adult Toys on a Plane?
Most people are a little embarrassed about traveling with adult toys but the TSA allows all passengers to travel with them in both their checked baggage and carry-on bags.
But, this does depend on the type of adult toy you are planning on bringing with you. A vibrator, for example, is allowed in your carry-on but handcuffs and a whip should probably go in your check baggage as they can be deemed as a weapon and not allowed in the cabin.
It is in fact advisable to pack an electronic vibrator in your carry-on as they have batteries that should not be in checked baggage, as they can catch fire. But, when carrying an electric vibrator through security, chances are they might stop you.
If they do, it might be a little embarrassing but they will let you go with your vibrator once they know that is what it is.
It is always worth remembering that adult toys are not legal in every country in the world, so do your research before you travel. In Muslim countries around Asia, for example, they are illegal and you are not allowed to bring them with you.
Other Contraceptives You Can Bring on a Plane
So long as the contraceptive is not a liquid in a container above 3.4 oz, 100 ml, or 30 cl, and is not dangerous (no contraceptives are ), then they are allowed on a plane in your checked baggage and your carry-on.
Birth control pills are probably the most popular contraceptive after or alongside condoms. You can bring them in both your checked and hand luggage without any worries.
If you are going away for a long time, you might want to carry a few months’ worth of pills with you. This is very much so legal but it would be wise to carry your prescription for them with you.
Not every flight or airport will require you to have your prescription for your birth control pills with you but it is not worth taking the risk. Birth control pills are not cheap and finding your preferred brand is not easy in a new country either.
Verdict: Condoms On A Plane?
Yes, you can bring as many condoms as you like on a plane in both your checked and carry-on luggage.
But, remember to pack them in your carry-on baggage as the temperature changes in the hold of the aircraft could make them defective, which no one wants.
The chances of them setting off a metal detector are slim but possible. Check your pockets and move them into your bag before you go through security to save yourself any embarrassment.
About the Author Roger Timbrook
Roger is a little obsessed with travel. He has been to over 40 countries, broken 3 suitcases and owned over 10 backpacks in 12 months. What he doesn't know about travel, ain't worth knowing!
