Oral hygiene is just as vital when traveling as it is at home—however, some people prefer the cleaning dominance of an electric toothbrush and can’t imagine going on a trip without one. And, of course, that begs the query: can you bring an electric toothbrush on a plane?
You can bring an electric toothbrush in your carry-on and checked luggage on a plane. But, electric toothbrushes are best transported in carry-on bags since they contain lithium batteries. Lithium batteries pose a possible fire hazard in the cargo, so the TSA guidelines restrict them in checked luggage.
Related:
– Can You Bring Toothpaste through TSA?
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Are Electric Toothbrushes Allowed On Planes?
The TSA regulations state that travelers can bring their electric brushes through airport security and onto a plane, preferably in their carry-on luggage.
Some people find the TSA website a little confusing as they state: that travelers should transport devices containing lithium-ion batteries or lithium metal in carry-on baggage.
Electric toothbrushes typically include a rechargeable battery that is most frequently a lithium battery these days. The airport security is very cautious when it comes to lithium-ion batteries. Why?
There is a remote chance of lithium batteries overheating and igniting, although this is unlikely with modern electric toothbrushes. After all, they come with a built-in battery.
While the TSA recommends keeping your electric toothbrush in a carry-on bag, The FAA clarifies that you can bring them in either type of luggage.
According to the FAA, “Laptops, smartphones, tablets, and other devices with lithium metal or lithium-ion batteries should, whenever possible, get transported in carry-on luggage. Lithium-powered portable electronics must be turned off and secured when transported in checked luggage to avoid accidental activation or damage.”
It means that if you’re adamant about electric brushing while in the air and don’t want to deal with bringing a charger in your carry-on, you could theoretically put your electric toothbrush in checked luggage. Just be sure to store it securely and turn it off.
The statement from FAA continues, “Travelers must isolate electronic devices capable of generating extreme heat, heating elements which could cause a fire if activated, by removal of the heating element, battery or other components.”
Electric toothbrushes come with built-in or removable batteries. So, if properly inserted, they have little or no chance of shorting, overheating, or catching fire, so they are not a problem.
How Do You Pack An Electric Toothbrush In A Carry-on?
If you plan on bringing your electric toothbrush in a carry-on, the best way to do so is by removing the brush head and placing it in a clear quart-sized bag. It will allow TSA agents to quickly and easily see the item without opening your bag and rummaging through it.
Passengers are only authorized to bring one clear quart-sized bag in their carry-on, so if they have other items that need to go in there, they might want to consider packing their electric toothbrush in their checked luggage.
The quart-sized bag will also help prevent the bristles from getting damaged or bent during the journey. Also, passengers should turn off the brush and remove the battery (if possible) to avoid accidents.
Packing your electric toothbrush in your carry-on is the best way to ensure that it arrives at your destination safe and sound.
Can You Pack An Electric Toothbrush In Checked Luggage?
Checked luggage is not the ideal place for electric toothbrushes because of the lithium batteries. However, if you must pack it in checked luggage, double-check to see if your toothbrush has a lithium-ion battery.
If it does, and you also have a spare battery, you should pack it in your carry-on bag rather than your checked luggage. Airlines forbid unsecured extra lithium-ion batteries from checked baggage due to a minor fire risk.
If your toothbrush has a built-in lithium-ion battery and you aren’t carrying an extra battery, you can put it in your checked luggage without a problem.
In short, when packing your electric toothbrush in checked luggage:
- Please turn off the brush and unplug it.
- Remove the battery (if possible) and put it in your carry-on bag.
- Next, place the electric toothbrush in a protective bag.
- Finally, it would be best to pack the toothbrush in a hard-sided case to avoid damage during the flight.
Can You Bring Toothpaste On A Plane?
If you bring an electric toothbrush, you might need toothpaste too, right? Fortunately, you can bring toothpaste on a plane.
However, the TSA considers toothpaste as a liquid. You can bring up to 3.4 ounces or 100 mL in your carry-on bag. So, you should note that if you’re bringing electric toothpaste, it will count towards your liquid allowance.
The TSA allows you to bring prescription toothpaste in larger quantities but may be subject to further screening.
Remember that you cannot use a larger tube of toothpaste containing only a small amount. A TSA agent will confiscate a larger container of toothpaste. It’s the size of the toothpaste tube that matters, not how much toothpaste is inside.
It’s essential to pack your toothpaste in a resealable, transparent, quart-size bag. You can find these bags at most pharmacies or online retailers. Note, TSA allows only one quart-sized bag per passenger in their carry-on.
Can You Use An Electric Toothbrush On A Plane?
No one wants to accumulate plaque during a long flight, but can you use your electric toothbrush on the plane? You can use your electric toothbrush on a plane, but there are a few things to remember.
First, electric toothbrushes are in the category of personal care items. That means you can use them during the flight but cannot store them in the seat-back pocket in front of you.
Second, TSA considers electric toothbrushes as electric appliances. That means you can only use them when the plane is at cruise altitude and when the fasten-seat belt sign is off.
Third, embarking on a flight means sacrificing some paradigms and rituals. Its means trading off your regular habits and having some courtesy for fellow travelers.
It’s essential to use the lavatory for quick brush strokes and give room to others who may need to use the space. Also, remember to rinse the sink after using it and avoid getting water on the floor.
Last, please turn off your electric brush before placing it back in your carry-on. Keeping these simple things in mind lets you brush away to your heart’s content.
How Do You Ensure Your Electric Toothbrush Doesn’t Damage During The Flight?
Most likely, you’ve encountered horror stories about toothbrushes and other personal care goods getting damaged or misplaced in checked luggage. However, you could use a few tips to reduce the risk of your electric toothbrush getting damaged during transportation.
First, invest in a good-quality electric toothbrush. A higher-priced electric toothbrush is more likely to have features that protect the brush.
Second, purchase a case or cover for your electric toothbrush. It will help to protect the brush from getting crushed by other items in your luggage during transit.
Third, fully charge your electric brush before packing it in your luggage. A dead battery can cause significant damage to the electric toothbrush, especially in the jostling luggage.
Fourth, if your electric toothbrush has a removable battery, remove the battery before packing it in your suitcase. By following these manageable tips, you can help to ensure that your electric toothbrush arrives at your destination safe and sound.
