Do you usually travel with a toothbrush everywhere you go? If it’s an electric one, there are a few things you should know before packing it for your next flight.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have been reminding travelers for a while now to keep certain electronic devices — like laptops, power banks, and phones — in their carry-ons instead of checked bags. Yes, that same advice also applies to electric toothbrushes.
In a recent reminder shared on September 4 via X, the TSA clarified that electric toothbrushes are allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage, but with some important guidelines. If your toothbrush or other “buzzing” item contains an installed lithium battery, it should be packed in your carry-on. Additionally, any spare or uninstalled lithium batteries must also be placed in carry-on bags.
In general, items with lithium-ion or lithium-metal batteries should also be carried on board, where flight crews can recognize and respond to lithium battery fires, according to the FAA. TSA adds, “Any spare or uninstalled lithium batteries must be placed in a carry-on bag.”
What are the special TSA instructions for an electronic toothbrush?
If travelers wish to pack electric toothbrushes or other lithium battery-powered devices in their checked luggage, the FAA requires that these items be completely powered off and secured to prevent accidental activation or damage.
Back in August, TSA updated its rules to ban some hair styling tools, such as cordless curling irons, from checked luggage on planes.
Travelers can also browse an alphabetized list of permitted items on the TSA’s website or for more information on portable electronic devices, see the FAA regulations.
What other recent changes has the FAA made?
In addition to the enactment of the REAL ID requirement in May, earlier this year, TSA banned portable chargers and power banks with lithium-ion batteries from checked luggage, according to the FAA. Lithium batteries can pose a fire hazard and are subject to overheating and creating sparks, especially if damaged.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Flying with an electric toothbrush? Here’s what to know about TSA’s lithium battery rules
Reporting by Doris Alvarez Cea, Jacksonville Florida Times-Union / Florida Times-Union
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