Out of Town

by Kim Gustavsson

WHAT’S IN THE BAG?

An expert explains how federal rules affect some of the more, well, unusual items travelers can pack

As you make your summer travel plans, keep in mind the new rules for screening of checked baggage in the nation’s airports. The new federal regulation mandates that all checked luggage be X-rayed, and security personnel have the rights to open your luggage—even when you are not present. I know this has raised concern over what to pack and what not to pack. I have gotten questions regarding anything and everything from basic toys to video-head cleaners. So let’s run through some basics.

Grown-up toys. If you pack your favorites, put them in zip-seal bags. Why? Well, if you have toys in your checked luggage, you wouldn’t want anyone to put their dirty paws on them, would you? Secondly, you won’t have to worry about lint and other things getting stuck to your toys while packed. If you do put them in your carry-on luggage, make sure that you are not going to be embarrassed if someone asks you to take a look in your bag with you standing right there. Another thing to consider: Texas law prohibits butt plugs and only permits possession of one dildo at a time.

Chains and leather. There are to my knowledge no laws against leather gear in any state. I recommend that you keep basic leather in your carry-on. However, the chains, harnesses, and such probably will do better in the checked luggage. I know it is a pain to get gear custom-fitted should it get lost and the airline only pays penny on the dollar for what they cost. However, you are only allowed 7 to 10 pounds of carry-on luggage in most cases and on most airlines. For some of us, a pair of steel-toed boots will eat those pounds up and more!

Video-head cleaners and room deodorizers. Are you really going to be cleaning your videotapes while on vacation? There is also a critical point to consider. These products contain substances in the nitrate family. Something else in the nitrate/nitro family is nitroglycerine, which makes an excellent explosive. In some of the travel-related postings I have recently seen, writers have made a distinction between nitrate and nitro. Chemistry is beyond my understanding, but what is clear to me is that these are flammable liquids, thus not allowed on airplanes. As an example of the sensitivity of some of the machines used to detect chemical substances, I recall TWA 800, the flight that exploded in 2001 about 12 minutes after takeoff from New York’s JFK airport. Even though the remnants of the aircraft were pulled from the Atlantic, traces of nitroglycerine were detected at one seat. Later it was determined that the person in that seat had a heart condition and took nitroglycerine.

Kim Gustavsson, owner of Concierge Travel, wrote “25 Gay Hot Spots” for the May 2002 issue.

FIESTA BOUND?

If you are heading to Fiesta in San Antonio (April 19–27), try venturing outside the cantinas. Cornyation, though not specifically a gay event, is a lavish and popular pageant (April 22–24, Charlene McCombs Empire Theater) with plenty of camp appeal. Expects lots of adult clowning around and the crowning of Fiesta royalty. Hmm … sounds like a drag show. More info: www.fiesta-sa.org.

Also check in with the Gay & Lesbian Community Center of San Antonio for Fiesta events (611 E. Myrtle, 210/223-6106) in the works at press time. —Victor Zorn

OUTSMART HITS THE ROAD

Before you finalize those summer vacation plans, check out our special travel coverage next month:

• Top trips for 2003, including Olivia Cruises & Resorts, marking 30 years this year

• A unique summer camp for grownups

• The only gay/lesbian campground in the area

• First-class destinations, when money is no object

• Great finds to make traveling easier.

Check out these stories and more in the May OutSmart.

If you have any comments about this article, please email them to letters@outsmartmagazine.com.