Are you aware of which devices you can carry in your carry-on luggage and which can go in your checked bag in the plane’s hold? The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) advise being aware of this type of information, as it can prevent problems at security checks and especially on board. This is true for devices as common and seemingly innocuous as electric toothbrushes. Yes, you read that right. How can an electric toothbrush be dangerous?
Very simple. These types of products contain lithium batteries, which can catch fire due to the pressure during the flight. That is why it is mandatory to carry it in the carry-on bag, as in the event of an accident, it is easier to access it. These air safety measures include other electronic devices such as cordless hair straighteners, cordless curling irons, LED masks, or portable chargers. They all have in common that they are composed of lithium batteries, which are truly dangerous. Although it may seem exaggerated, there have been recorded incidents on several flights, which not only had to solve the problem, but many had to land earlier than planned.
TSA security measures
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is tightening security measures when passing through its controls at airports in the United States, limiting the access of products that can be carried in checked luggage or carry-on bags. This includes devices that have lithium batteries, of which the list is getting longer. It’s simple: all devices that have lithium batteries (portable chargers, portable irons, or cordless curlers) are included in the list of ‘dangerous’ devices.
The electric toothbrush: the latest addition
As you read it. What apparently is an innocuous electric toothbrush, can pose a real threat on a flight. As we have explained, it is a device that has a lithium battery, so it cannot go in checked luggage. Why not? Well, in the rare case of an accident (which has already happened), it is easier to access it if it is in your carry-on bag, than having to access the hold and find your suitcase among all the others from the passengers.
How do I know which devices I can put in my suitcase?
Whether it’s an electric toothbrush or any other electrical device, you need to keep in mind 2 basic and essential factors:
- If it uses regular batteries, AA, AAA, or derivatives, you can put it wherever you want.
- If you need a charger or a base for the device to work, it means it has lithium batteries, so it goes directly in your carry-on bag.
Watch out! One of the recommendations that few people take into account is to cover the electric toothbrush. This will prevent greater problems in case it activates on its own during the flight.
Other devices to take into account
Other devices that are also under the scrutiny of the TS controls are:
- Cordless straighteners and curlers.
- Devices with butane gas.
- Airbrush makeup devices.
- LED light masks.
- Electronic massagers.
Is it too much?
For some, this is an excessive measure, but the truth is that it is not. Especially when the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has reported 46 incidents on board resulting from this type of device in the first half of this year 2025. Some incidents did not stop there, but required an emergency landing ahead of time. That is why this is more of a preventive measure, but it can avoid unnecessary dangerous situations.