Travelers planning to pack an electric toothbrush for their next flight should take note: the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) says these devices require special handling.
Traditional toothbrushes are allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage, but battery-powered models, including electric toothbrushes, are treated differently due to fire risk. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recommends carrying all devices with lithium-ion or lithium-metal batteries in carry-on luggage to reduce the potential for fires associated with battery malfunctions.
Packing lithium battery-powered devices in carry-on baggage is safer than placing them in checked luggage because if a device malfunctions, the crew and passengers can respond immediately. Flight attendants are trained to recognize and extinguish fires caused by overheating batteries, and passengers can alert the crew if they notice smoke, sparks, or unusual heat, according to the FAA.
Devices in checked bags are inaccessible during flight, which increases the risk that a fire could go undetected. Carrying devices in carry-on luggage also helps prevent accidental activation or damage, since carry-on bags are handled more carefully than checked luggage.
Emergencies Highlight Battery Risks
"Through June 30 of this year, the FAA has verified 38 lithium battery incidents involving smoke, fire or extreme heat on passenger and cargo aircraft, and a record 89 incidents occurred last year," according to the administration's recent blog post on preventing lithium battery hazards.The FAA said the airline crew reported a fire in one of the passenger rows, and emergency personnel met the aircraft upon landing. American Airlines confirmed the device was “quickly contained by crew members prior to landing,” and that passengers were rebooked on alternative flights. One passenger described the experience on social media as scary.