#transtravel

from my own experiences and research, here’s a few nifty tips for flying when you come under the transgender banner (so these can apply to nb, intersex, etc. people too):

wearing a binder whilst travelling? when going through security, try not to wear too many layers over it. a lot of airport scanners look for unusually thick areas under clothing and you could get a pat down if they think something’s suspicious (i’ve fallen a foul of this because i was wearing a shirt and a jumper over mine)

similar things go for packers and breast forms/bra padding - if you think you can put it in your luggage whilst you get through security/travel it might help. these may pick up on scanners as ‘suspiciously dense areas’.

also! gel-filled breast forms are typically exempt from the 100ml/3 ounce rule that applies to carry on luggage for air travel. do check the border control websites of your own country and your destination just to be sure.

if you have any concerns about anything you’re taking in either hand or checked in luggage, declare it when checking in your bag or going through security. (travelling fake dicks are more common than you think.)

australia, new zealand, and nepal currently offer an X marker (or similar) on passports for travellers who don’t identify with the binary genders. i think they’re the only countries right now but it’s worth checking out if your country does too.

also, Mx is a commonly accepted title you can use on your passport in many countries! you may require a change of name deed or deedpoll (or your country’s equivalent) to enact this, but check it out anyway.

the UK will change your gender on your passport with evidence of a name change and a letter from your doctor (generally your GP or whoever is taking care of you at a gender clinic will do) stating your transition is likely to be permanent. other countries offer something similar without the need of a gender recognition certificate! so check it out!

if you take hormone therapy with needles or gel, and you take it yourself and you’ll need to on holiday/where you are going it is best to put it in your checked in luggage. otherwise most customs will require a letter from your doctor stating they are essential to be in your hand luggage.

if you’re worried that you may get questioned over your name/gender/appearance when compared to your passport, you should be able to get a doctor’s letter to back you up. another tip for if you are worried about how you compare to your photo, pull your hair back out of your face when your passport is being checked to give the official a clear look at your face.

don’t forget to get up on a plane and stretch your body out, especially if wearing a binder. sitting around for long periods of time in such cramped space can impact your chest, so try to stretch yourself a little and maybe adjust your binder in the airplane bathroom if possible.

worried about anything? don’t be afraid to call customs/airport information or email them beforehand, chances are they’ve dealt with it before and they’ll be happy to help.