Packing and Flying

[Guest Wanderer ~]

Hello,

I was wondering if anyone here has had any experience flying while packing. I have a trip soon and can't really see myself not packing for over a week but I don't want to run into major complications. If any of you wouldn't mind sharing your expierences, it would be greatly appreciated. Also, whether or not you had to deal with those body scanners.

Thanks, Warren.

[Guest aleon515]

Well according to the law, the TSA can't examine your prosthetic (which is what you would call it), require you to remove it, etc. That doesn't, of course mean, that there aren't ever problems, because there sometimes are. You could carry the policy info on you and be able to spout it, if needed. I know of people who flew and asked for a pat down and they found the packer and were quite nice about it. I am personally worried about a pat-down due to my autism. I really dislike being touched, esp the way that they would touch you in a pat-down. BTW, I heard that the x-ray scanner things are so expensive they are not fixing them if they go bad. They keep them up and pretend or just do the other type scans.

How long is your flight? Are you okay without it for that period, if so you can pack it in your luggage. If you don't want any problems at all you can put it in your regular luggage. I am guessing it might be embarrasing to put it in your carry on luggage. I am also guessing even if they figured out what it looked like that they would be more embarrassed than you to actually mention it.

I am flying pretty soon. I am planning on putting my packer in the carry on, as I would not put something as expensive as the RM basic packer in a suitcase that I might never see again. I am guessing if they run across it they wouldn't point it.

I am pre-T myself.

--Jay

[Guest Wanderer ~]

I've thought about putting it in luggage but its a 4 hour flight. I dont really feel comfortable going that long without packing especially in public.

And I haven't even thought about looking up the laws and such, would you mind sending me a link?

As far as those scanners- I've been through them before but I wasnt packing...I'm just worried they can somehow tell its not..."connected" or something and then raise questions.

[Guest Madrone26]

Here's the guidelines from the TSA:

http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/transgender-travelers

Somewhere on youtube there's a video of a transguy describing his interactions with TSA. His experience was the scanner did read his packer as "not attached" and that the TSA pulled him out for a patdown. He responded by pulling out his packer, and weirding out the agent, which you do not have to do!

If you're uncomfortable with the possibility of a pat down you could put the packer in your carry on for screening and then put it back once you've gone through security and before you're on the plane. I'm also thinking through these possibilities as I'm flying in a few weeks and my gender marker on my ID hasn't been changed.

[Guest Raging Shadow]

i packed mine because i knew id have less anxiety from not packing than i would about possibly having issues. ive heard that even thought ur not supposed to be asked to show/offer to show ur prosthetic, some agents get rather...persnickety and insistent. but i think if you recited their guidelines enough times and called for a supervisor person u'd get through eventually. might be an issue if you're late for ur flight though...

[Guest aleon515]

The guy who weirded out the TSA agents-- funny guy. Sounds like his personality. Even he did not have to do this. I do not recommend this at all.

I do not always pack but need it in certain situations that's why I'm putting it on carry-on. I don't want to put a $100 packer (Reel Magik) that took a month and a half to get to me in my luggage and possibly never seeing it again. I feel that a penis shaped item in carry-on might make them stop and do a double take but I think it will be thought of as a sex toy by security which has probably seen weirder stuff!

I believe looking at the regulations and being ready to call the supervisors is your best option. You can also print them out. They can't ask you to remove it and that kind of thing.

Get to the airport early and any delays will be no issue. I've actually heard more problems with the ID than with packers.

Memorize the word "prosthetic" as I think this word is more meaningful to the TSA which must run into all prosthetics imaginable.

I'm guessing that the scanners would pick it up, and that it would depend on the experience of the screener as to whether they would pull you aside for a pat-down. I have heard of people going thru a scanner without incident or being pulled out.

--Jay

[Guest Wanderer ~]

Thanks for the responses. And I've seen that video before lol-I think I'll print out the guidelines. I have been thinking a bit though how they would respond to an underage solo flyer with ...technically whats considered a sex toy in his bag . Also where I'm flying-even though it'll be in major cities, its also in the southern US which worries me a tad more but I'm not sure if that worry is founded.

[Guest Gregg Jameson]

Hi guys,

Interesting discussion!

I would also suggest printing out policy and having it on hand. The suggestion the know the word, "prosthetic" is a fantastic suggestion!

I had traveled across the country and back, twice this calendar year. The intensity of the search of body and of carry-on had varied.

In all cases, if there was any question, at all, about anything in my carry-on, they simply pulled it all apart... no questions asked of me... just tore it apart, emptying it right then and there, in public view. They never said a word to me before attacking the carry on.

In the case where they really did a number on the bag, it was because of "chapstick" in the carry on. Yes.

The second time, it was because there was a small pack of chewing gum in the carry on. Yes.

Our luggage (non-carry-on) was fine at all times, but was totally wrecked (inside) just once. We had used the TSA-approved locks and they went into one and rummaged through. Have no idea as to why. Maybe just random.

If there was a packer in my carry-on, it would have likely been on the counter for many to see.

The TSA would have likely considered it a sex toy, yes. Anyone else around may have thought the same. No big deal.

You are taking a chance, either way. Sorry its true.

If you wear the packer, I'd highly recommend you have chapter and verse of the TSA guidelines printed out and, as Mike suggests, use the same terminology as in the TSA policies/guidelines. "PROSTHETIC"

Enjoy your trip!

Brad

[Guest aleon515]

If my packer weren't worth $100 and didn't take 1 1/2 months to get to me, then I'd put it my bag and take my chances. I think age is a factor here. An underage person with what would be considered a sex toy, well that would cause some talk perhaps. OTOH, they aren't really looking for it, and really aren't worried about them. But I am thinking that a person in their sixties with what they will think is a sex toy, well I think they will be as embarrassed as I would be.

I am guessing that there is a chance that they go thru the luggage and a chance they won't. I am going to make sure there are no other items that could set them off (liquids, gels, etc.)

BTW, it was I who mentioned the use of the word "prosthetic". To us it is meaningful, but only prosthetic is meaningful to the TSA.

--Jay

[Guest Gregg Jameson]

Hi Jay, It was YOU!

You had mentioned the word "Prosthetic" and I had erroneously attributed this to Mike in my last post!

My apologies!

It's a brilliant suggestion, by the way!

Enjoy your trip!

Brad

[Guest aleon515]

The policy clearly relates to prosthetics, they have no idea what a "packer" is. We make a differentiation here between packers and prosthetics (the later being much more expensive and realistic) but the feds would not.

--Jay

[Guest Edu]

Here are my two cents:

A couple of times, I have flown carrying some adult toy in my backpack (which I brought in as hand luggage, so I wouldn't have to pay for checked-in bags). Although I won't go into details, I have to mention that the thing has a couple of AA batteries and some metallic / electronic pieces, so it'd would be noticed when my backpack was scanned. The folks at the airport would then manually check the contents of the bag and, although I could know from their faces they had noticed it and knew what it was, they didn't mention anything.

So, one option worth considering would be to take the packer into your hand luggage. Then, as soon as you pass the security check, you might go to any restroom and pack again. That would reduce the time you have to go without packing down to a few minutes. It's up to you to decide if you'd be OK with that time; and keep in mind that the security people at the airport might actually mention / ask about it anyway. In any case, this is just an option, the final choice is yours.

Regards,

Ethain

[Guest aleon515]

Of course a packer, um I mean prosthetic, does not have batteries and metal parts. I've heard the advanced ones may have innards similar to C4, but I don't think that's the case with the cheaper ones. It's a good idea.

If you have an idea what you might say, or are ready to talk about this as your prosthetic it might be easier.

--Jay

[Guest aadenr]

I don't see why you couldn't just wear the packer instead of making a big deal and putting in a handbag? You don't have to go through those scanners if you don't want too. Its not required. They will just say that you'll have to be patted down, and from my experience they can't tell between a fake penis and a real one. It all feels the same when they pat you down.

[Guest (Lightsider)]

One of the biggest problems I have with the TSA is the violation of personal space. But we allow it to happen. But that is a rant for another post. I do believe Aadenr is correct.

[Guest aleon515]

I don't see why you couldn't just wear the packer instead of making a big deal and putting in a handbag? You don't have to go through those scanners if you don't want too. Its not required. They will just say that you'll have to be patted down, and from my experience they can't tell between a fake penis and a real one. It all feels the same when they pat you down.

Well supposedly the pat down is done with the back of your hand which is not as sensitive. I've heard of TSA agents figuring out that it was somehow detached. Many scanners now don't work so I am guessing more people get subjected to pat downs.

--Jay

[Guest Wanderer ~]

Hello, thank you all for the replies. I still have yet to go through the Atlanta security where I've had to go through the scanners but went through the Texas security and all was fine. Ended up just packing without the harness I have because it has a metal snap-didn't want to take chances. They didn't even look at me twice when I went through today.

[Guest aadenr]

I don't see why you couldn't just wear the packer instead of making a big deal and putting in a handbag? You don't have to go through those scanners if you don't want too. Its not required. They will just say that you'll have to be patted down, and from my experience they can't tell between a fake penis and a real one. It all feels the same when they pat you down.

Well supposedly the pat down is done with the back of your hand which is not as sensitive. I've heard of TSA agents figuring out that it was somehow detached. Many scanners now don't work so I am guessing more people get subjected to pat downs.

--Jay

What do you mean with the back of your hand? I'm confused.

I'm guessing they are able to feel its some how detached because of the type of underwear. I wear boxer briefs so things stay in one place and pretty tight. I've never had a problem, and I'm sure if you were wearing just boxers I'd be easier to tell that its not attached to you. I just really feel like the only way they would be able to tell its detached is if they grab you down there like theres no tomorrow haha

[Guest aleon515]

They are supposed to touch private part areas with the back of their hand.

No no they are never ever supposed to grab. I think it would be grounds for a law suit.

I have heard of them figuring out someone had a packer and in some cases not figuring it out. It might be the underwear or it might just be how experienced they are.

--Jay

[Guest Gregg Jameson]

If you have a "pat down," by hand, you may have this done in a totally public area or you may ask for some privacy.

If you fear prosthetic will be discovered and questions may follow, you may request some privacy during the pat down.

Otherwise, the pat downs are often done out in the open, which I think is safer, personally. Yet, others feel otherwise.

I was at the airport to drop off a friend the other day and we could all see all the detailed pat downs at the gates. There was glass separating us from the TSA and those being screened, but we could see everything.

Yes... in a pat down, they use the back of their hands when they approach the genital area, etc.

Enjoy your trip!

Brad

[Guest aadenr]

Oh I see what you meant by the back of hand now

[Guest Gregg Jameson]

Oh I see what you meant by the back of hand now

Yes, they use the "tops" or "backs" of their hands, where the knuckles are on the top.

They press this part of their hand(s) against the genital regions, etc.

For the rest of the pat down, they use the palm side of the hands and can grasp a little more with this hand position, although they still don't grasp much. I am mentioning the ability to grasp with this side of the hand(s) just to clarify which side of the hand is being used.

I hope this helps to clarify!

Brad

[Guest aleon515]

I just flew this week. Leaving from Albuquerque, I had a fun experience. I was carrying my RM packer in my carry on due to the cost of it. Anyway I actually got stopped and they wanted to search my carry on. Oh boy, I was sweating this. I decided I would say taht that I was trans and that this was my prosthetic. Anyway, they weren't the slightest bit interested in it. They just said I had so much stuff in the bag that they couldn't search it. Btw, it was in a little black sack so that was kind of nice.

--Jay

[Guest Gregg Jameson]

I just flew this week. Leaving from Albuquerque, I had a fun experience. I was carrying my RM packer in my carry on due to the cost of it. Anyway I actually got stopped and they wanted to search my carry on. Oh boy, I was sweating this. I decided I would say taht that I was trans and that this was my prosthetic. Anyway, they weren't the slightest bit interested in it. They just said I had so much stuff in the bag that they couldn't search it. Btw, it was in a little black sack so that was kind of nice.

--Jay

Great! I am glad that all worked out so well for you!

The little black sack helped out quite a bit!

Thanks for sharing with us here!

Brad

[Guest aleon515]

Great! I am glad that all worked out so well for you!

The little black sack helped out quite a bit!

Thanks for sharing with us here!

Brad

I'm guessing that if I hadn't had it in the sack, someone might have had a bit of a surprise (perhaps one of a few for the year).

A great idea for carrying a packer on the carry on. Not sure where the packer sack came from, though I think it is actually a little sack/sock used for packing in underwear. No hole for the shaft though.

--Jay