TAKING your toothbrush on a plane sounds simple – but it could land you in trouble if you miss the TSA’s “special instructions”.
The warning comes from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the US, which has issued fresh advice for passengers packing personal care gadgets.
Passengers who fail to follow the rules could have their toothbrush taken away by security staff[/caption]
It’s not just toothbrushes facing extra checks[/caption]
According to the agency, electric toothbrushes are allowed in both carry-on and checked bags – but only under “special instructions”.
The issue is the batteries many of them use devices with lithium metal or lithium-ion batteries must be packed in hand luggage, not in the hold.
That’s because lithium batteries are known to overheat, spark, or even catch fire if they’re damaged.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) says this makes them too dangerous to be stowed in the cargo area under the plane.
Passengers who fail to follow the rules could have their toothbrush taken away by security staff.
The TSA warns that confiscated items may be destroyed, handed to police, or given to the airline.
It’s not just toothbrushes facing extra checks.
Other beauty gadgets powered by batteries have also been flagged.
Cordless hair straighteners, curling irons, and butane-powered tools are already banned from checked luggage.
That’s partly because they can accidentally switch on mid-flight – which could cause them to overheat and burst into flames.
Earlier this year, the FAA tightened restrictions to cover more battery-powered devices, including power banks and phone charging cases.
Uninstalled lithium batteries have been banned from checked bags since 2020. The latest move extends that to a wide range of consumer electronics.
Items that should always be double-checked before flying include laptop batteries, portable rechargers, mobile phone batteries and power banks.
Travellers who forget the rules risk losing expensive kit, and in some cases, facing further action from airport staff.
The TSA says the clampdown is aimed at keeping passengers safe and stopping fires breaking out in the hold mid-air.
In other travel news, the agency has introduced new family-friendly lanes at airports across the US.
The “Family on the Fly” initiative is designed to help parents with kids, pushchairs and bags get through security more quickly.
John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California, is the latest to roll out the scheme.
A TSA spokesperson said: “When families arrive at John Wayne Airport (SNA), they will find a specially designated lane for them at the centrally located Checkpoint B.
“With Southern California being one of the top tourist destinations in the U.S. for vacationing families, I am excited that we can now expedite their screening process and enhance their overall airport experience.”
TSA BLASTED FOR CONFISCATING TOY
The TSA has also faced some heat after it confiscated a toy from a passenger.
The TSA posted on its Facebook last week about a prohibited video game collectible.
“Our officers at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) had a ‘What the frag?!?’ moment when they discovered this replica explosive device in a passenger’s checked bag,” the TSA said.
The banned item was a Call of Duty Monkey Bomb figurine that can hold a phone or gaming controller.
“This monkey may rack up points in a game, but in real life, leave the gear for your loadout screen, not your baggage.
“Replica weapons and explosives, no matter how cool or collectible, aren’t allowed in either carry-on or checked baggage,” the TSA said.
Sharing the TSA’s post, an X user called the agency “embarrassing.“
“Imagine- verifiable action figures could be removed from your luggage, are prohibited. Pathetic,” she wrote.
Facebook users were also baffled by the confiscated toy.
“I can transport a firearm on a plane but I can’t bring a figurine?” one person commented on the TSA’s post.
Another wrote: “So basically you took a child’s toy. If it’s not real, did you only take it to post on facebook?”
“So you know it’s a toy, but decided to take it anyway. So brave!” a third said.
Which items are affected?
The affected lithium batteries banned by the TSA include:
- Power banks
- Cell phone battery charging cases
- Rechargeable and non-rechargeable lithium batteries
- Cell phone batteries
- Laptop batteries
- External batteries
- Portable rechargers
That’s partly because they can accidentally switch on mid-flight, which could cause them to overheat and burst into flames[/caption]
