The rules are changing again: this item that everyone takes on a trip will be checked and may even be confiscated.
Carry-on baggage size, liquids, going through security... The rules at the airport when boarding a plane are draconian. And it's best to know them well to avoid unpleasant surprises before even boarding! You may not know this, but it also depends on the country you're traveling to. One of them even has strict rules.
Air travel in the United States is subject to draconian rules. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the federal agency responsible for airport security checks, does not hesitate to deny boarding to passengers who do not comply with them.
The TSA has just published new security guidelines regarding an everyday item that many travelers are accustomed to carrying: the toothbrush. While it remains permitted in the cabin, it is now strictly forbidden to place it in checked baggage if you have an electric toothbrush.
According to new guidelines released on September 4, electric toothbrushes containing lithium batteries must be transported in carry-on baggage. Any checked baggage containing this item may be inspected and denied at check-in. The TSA and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have been warning for several years about the risks associated with lithium batteries, which are found in many electronic devices such as laptops, phones, and power banks.
Indeed, these batteries can catch fire or explode, especially when damaged. In the event of an incident, it is important that the crew can quickly identify the problem and intervene. This is possible if the device is in the cabin but not if it is in checked baggage that is inaccessible during the flight.
If you're traveling with your electric toothbrush, here are some tips to avoid any problems at the airport:
- Place it in your cabin baggage, not in the hold. You may wish to place it in a dedicated carry-on bag if you are carrying multiple electronic devices.
- It is possible to put it in your checked baggage, but the FFA specifies on its website: "If travelers wish to check electric toothbrushes or other lithium battery devices with their baggage," the FAA indicates that they must be "completely turned off and protected to prevent unintentional activation or damage."
- Remove the battery if removable and pack it separately to avoid any risk of short circuit during flight.
- Report the presence of this device if asked at security checkpoints.
TSA agents are notoriously tough on security, so it's best to take precautions before heading to the airport. The long list of permitted and prohibited items is available on the TSA website .
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