Electric Toothbrush in Luggage: TSA, FAA & IATA Rules Explained

Yes—you can pack your electric toothbrush in both your carry-on and checked luggage, but you must follow battery and safety regulations to avoid delays or confiscation.

Summary of Key Points

• Travelers may stow an electric toothbrush in checked baggage, but devices containing lithium-ion batteries should generally be carried in carry-on luggage. 

• Spare batteries and power banks are prohibited in checked bags and must be individually protected in your carry-on. 

• Always remove loose batteries, protect terminals against short circuits, and check with your airline for any additional restrictions.

TSA’s Official Stance on Electric Toothbrushes

Allowed, With Special Instructions

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) permits electric toothbrushes in both carry-on and checked bags.

• Carry-On Bags: Yes, electric toothbrushes are allowed but devices containing lithium-metal or lithium-ion batteries should be carried in cabin baggage.

• Checked Bags: Yes, with caution—batteries must be installed in the device. Loose or spare batteries are not permitted.

Why TSA Prefers Cabin Transport for Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries pose a fire risk if damaged or short-circuited. The cabin crew can more rapidly respond to incidents in the passenger compartment than in the cargo hold.

FAA Regulations on Lithium Batteries

Installed vs. Spare Batteries

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) distinguishes between batteries installed in devices and spare (uninstalled) batteries.

• Installed Batteries: Devices like electric toothbrushes with built-in lithium-ion batteries may be checked if the battery meets size limits.

• Spare Batteries: Uninstalled lithium-ion or lithium-metal batteries, including power banks, are forbidden in checked baggage and must travel in carry-on luggage.

Watt-Hour and Voltage Limits

FAA guidance states that batteries in carry-on must not exceed 100 Wh (watt-hours) or 12 V (volts). Most electric toothbrush batteries are well below these thresholds.

IATA’s Passenger Lithium Battery Rules

Cabin Requirement for Batteries

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) mandates that any baggage with lithium batteries to be checked must have batteries removed and carried in the cabin.

• Devices with Non-Removable Batteries: If the battery is integral and under 2 g lithium or 100 Wh, it may remain installed and travel in either checked or carry-on baggage.

• Removable Batteries: Must be detached and packed in carry-on, with terminals insulated.

International Consistency

These rules align globally, so packing your electric toothbrush the same way works for most airlines worldwide.

Packing Your Electric Toothbrush Safely

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Charge and Turn Off: Ensure your toothbrush is fully charged and powered off.

2. Protect the Head: Use the manufacturer’s travel cap or a clean, dry silicone cap to cover bristles.

3. Install the Battery: Leave the battery installed in the handle.

4. No Loose Batteries: Do not pack spare or replacement batteries in checked luggage.

5. Use a Hard Case: Place your toothbrush in a rigid travel case to protect it from crushing or accidental activation.

Recommended: Luggage Cleaning Products: Expert Tips and Top Picks

Navigating Security Checkpoints

What TSA Officers Will Do

Security may ask you to remove the toothbrush if your bag is flagged for additional screening. Present it separately in a bin to avoid damage. 

Common Issues and Resolutions

• Missing Cap: Wrap bristles in clean paper towel.

• Loose Batteries: If caught packing spare cells, they’ll be confiscated—so pack them correctly.

Expert Tips for Stress-Free Packing

Additional Precautions

• Insulate Battery Terminals: Tape over battery ends if packing spares in carry-on.

• Backup Plan: Bring a manual toothbrush in checked luggage as a contingency.

• Check Airline Policies: Some carriers ban removable batteries in checked bags altogether.

Pre-Flight Checklist

• Device powered off

•  Battery installed, no loose cells

•  All terminals insulated

•  Travel case used

•  Manual brush as backup

Conclusion

By adhering to TSA, FAA, and IATA guidelines, you can confidently pack your electric toothbrush in either carry-on or checked luggage. 

Just keep batteries installed, protect them from short-circuits, and always carry spare cells in the cabin. With these precautions, you’ll breeze through security and arrive with a fresh smile—no matter where your travels take you.