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."

That simple statement, said Queen, coupled by a gee-whiz shrug of the shoulders, invariably puts an end to the matter. There isn't a lot left to say.

Vibrators are common. Vibrators are mainstream.

"They sell vibrators at Walgreens," said Good Vibrations salesman Mike Korcek. "You can't get more mainstream than that. Remember, vibrators have been around longer than airplanes."

Some studies say half the women in the United States have one. That's more than 50 million vibrators, not counting women with multiple devices or the few million owned by men, who also travel with what are known in the industry as rings and "sleeves" (the truly curious can find a thorough description of these elsewhere).

Statistics vague

As with all matters having to do with sexuality, hard numbers are sketchy and exaggeration is commonplace. Exactly how many travelers are carrying sexually related devices how often is almost impossible to know.

Passengers carrying certain X-rated objects that are defined as "club-like" should place them in checked luggage. This applies to anatomically correct cylinders of roughly a foot or so in length. Melendez said such cylinders or shafts would fall within the broad category that includes "billy clubs, black jacks, brass knuckles, nunchakus and martial arts weapons." All of those items are OK in checked luggage but not in carry-on luggage.

Failure to follow this injunction could be costly. A common such item is the "Eleven," a cylindrical stainless steel object that weighs 2 pounds and sells in the Good Vibration catalog for $300, costs more than the price of many plane tickets. Its confiscation would be no small matter.

"We would call that a baton-like item," said Melendez. "It could be considered a weapon."

Shorter cylindrical items could very well be legal, however. They would fall into the tool category. The TSA says screwdrivers, wrenches and other "hand tools" may be brought aboard in carry-on luggage if they are less than 7 inches in length. In other words, according to the TSA, size matters.

More and more, X-rated airport inspections are becoming part of the culture. In a key scene from an episode of "The L Word" series on Showtime, a character attempts to pass through an airport X-ray screening with a baton-like device in her carry-on luggage. An airport inspector spots it ("What is it, a weapon?") and forces the character to empty her bag and explain herself. Only after the character demonstrates the baton's use in front of her fellow passengers does the inspector say "Have fun" and wave her through.

In the real world, the TSA does not keep track of the number of club-like devices it has confiscated or the number of persons asked at the airport to explain their sex toys.

A little common sense goes a long way. Batteries should be removed from vibrators before arrival at the airport, much as they should be removed from cameras. Handcuffs should be packed, not worn. Lubricants and love potions must conform to the 3-1-1 rule - plastic bottles no larger than 3 ounces in size may be carried aboard in a single clear 1-quart plastic bag. That rule is being enforced less and less frequently, but is still in effect.

Three ounces of lubricant, says Queen, ought to suffice for all but the most amorous vacationers. Nervous passengers may wish to transfer the contents of the lubricants from the original bottles, whose labels may bear such phrases as "Please Pleasure Cream" and "Pleasure Arousal Gel."

And while traditional handcuffs may be legally carried aboard an airplane, many travelers may be more comfortable with the cotton-and-Velcro "cuff of love" ($15) or the silk wristbands ($49). Both of those items could pass for curtain ties.

With some models of vibrators, removing the batteries may not be enough to avoid detection. The Jimmyjane sex novelty website says its vibrators known as Little Chroma ($100) and Little Something ($195) make "great travel companions," but only if they don't get taken away.

Batteries? Not included

To avoid that, the site advises "simply remove the battery and the replaceable motor and place them elsewhere in your luggage. The empty housing can pass as a makeup case or a cigar humidor, and no one will be the wiser."

Whips and leather floggers are legal. Do not back down, says Queen. A simple "that's my whip" should suffice.

Although sex is practiced in all countries of the world, according to experts, travelers in foreign countries, where inspectors may be less worldly than their TSA counterparts, should exercise caution. In certain Middle Eastern countries, travelers have had sexual objects confiscated.

Saudi Arabia warns travelers that they may not bring "alcohol, weapons, pork and pornography" and women traveling alone, with or without vibrators, face particular scrutiny. Lying about sexual objects to customs inspectors could land a traveler in a foreign jail. If confronted, come clean.

"While it may be tempting to insist your vibrator is really a pencil case, chew toy or marching band baton, lying could land you in hot water," says the Jimmyjane advice page.

Above all, whether carrying a vibrator or a shaft or a love potion or a whip, maintain your dignity. You have rights. The law is on your side. Remember the reason you brought the item in the first place.

"Sometimes after a hard flight," said Queen, "what a woman really needs to do is go to the hotel and plug in."

If you're shy -- Instead of traveling with a vibrator, buy one after you arrive at your destination. -- Carry ordinary KY jelly and either repackage or avoid lubricants with provocative names such as "Please Pleasure Cream," "Good Clean Love" and "Pleasure Arousal Gel." -- Request a one-on-one screening by a TSA agent (same sex only) in a private room. -- International travelers should remember that certain countries, particularly in the Middle East, are less understanding about the need for vibrators. -- Reply to questions honestly. The straightforward phrase "It's my vibrator" has been shown to eliminate further questioning.