According to TSA guidelines, you can bring an electric toothbrush on a plane in both your carry on bags and checked bags.
One thing to note, though, is that if your electric toothbrush contains a lithium ion battery, it is preferable if it is packed in your carry-on baggage.
Now you know that you can bring an electric toothbrush on a plane, let’s find out whether you will run into any issues with certain airlines; when flying internationally; and what, if any, difference an electric toothbrush with lithium ion batteries or a battery pack makes; or if you want to travel with spare batteries.
Bringing an Electric Toothbrush in Your Checked Luggage
Bringing your electric toothbrush in your checked baggage is fine, even if it uses a lithium ion battery.
This is because the toothbrush‘s rechargeable battery is usually built into the device.
But what about if you want to travel with a spare lithium ion battery – i.e. a removable battery – for your electric toothbrush?
In the event that you want to travel with spare lithium-ion batteries, these should be packed in your carry-on bag because they are prohibited in checked baggage.
Bringing an Electric Toothbrush in Your Carry On
You already know that you can bring your electric toothbrush in your carry-on bag and spare lithium-ion batteries should also be packed in your carry on luggage too, but do you have to follow any procedure like taking it out of your bag when going through airport security?
While portable electronic devices like laptops and tablets must be removed and placed in a security tray, you will not need to remove your electric toothbrush.
You can keep it right in your bag and in its case.
Airline Regulations
Every airline, whether it be a budget airline like Ryanair, or a U.S. airline like Delta, American Airlines, or Southwest, to name just a few, will have no problem with letting you bring your electric toothbrush with you, either in your carry on bags through the security checkpoint or checked luggage according to TSA regulations.
Domestic vs. International Flights
Electric toothbrushes are, of course, legal to own and not considered a weapon with their soft brush heads.
So whether you are flying Ryanair, EasyJet, Emirates, Qantas, or any other airline in the United States or around the world, you can bring your electric toothbrush through the security checkpoint in your hand luggage and keep your teeth clean on the plane and at your destination.
The best toothbrush for travel is the Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100
Besides its excellent performance, what makes it so great for traveling is its rechargeable battery that delivers 2 weeks of power, compact design, soft and gentle brush head, and included travel case that makes it convenient to pack in your hand luggage.
How to Pack Your Electric Toothbrush
Fully Charge Your Toothbrush Before Flying: Before packing your bags, make sure your electric toothbrush is fully charged, so you won’t run out of power during your journey, especially if you’re traveling long distances. Most modern electric toothbrushes have long battery life, so one full charge should last for a considerable amount of time.
Turn it Off and Lock it: Electric toothbrushes often have a power button that can be easily triggered accidentally, especially when packed in a tightly packed suitcase. To prevent this, make sure that you turn off your toothbrush and, if it has a travel lock feature, engage it.
Pack Securely: Place your electric toothbrush in its protective case or cover. If your toothbrush didn’t come with a case, consider buying one to protect it from accidental activation and damage.
Carry Spare Parts Carefully: If your electric toothbrush has removable heads or other accessories, pack them securely as well, such as in a separate compartment or a plastic bag.
Pack the Charger Wisely: If you plan to bring your toothbrush charger with you, coil the cord neatly and pack it separately from the toothbrush to avoid tangling.
You Can Bring a Regular Toothbrush
If you would like to bring a regular and not electric, rechargeable toothbrush on a plane that doesn’t contain a lithium battery, you will also be able to do so in both your carry on luggage and checked bags.
But Be Careful With Toothpaste
If you have a long flight and want to brush your teeth after your in-flight meal or before you go to sleep, rest assured that there is no issue bringing your toothpaste on a plane.
Just make sure that the toothpaste tube is less than 3.4 fl. oz. (100 ml), as toothpaste is considered a liquid. If it exceeds this, a TSA agent will confiscate your toothpaste in line with TSA regulations.
If not, don’t worry, you can buy a mini-sized, travel-friendly tube of toothpaste at many stores and even at the airport if you forget to buy one before you travel.
Ella Dunham, a Freelance Travel Journalist and Marketing Manager, boasts an impressive career spanning eight years in the travel and tourism sectors.
Honored as one of "30 Under 30" by TTG Media (the world’s very first weekly travel trade newspaper), a "Tour Operator Travel Guru" and "Legend Award" winner, Ella is also a Fellow of the Institute of Travel, a Member of the Association of Women Travel Executives, has completed over 250 travel modules, and hosts travel-focused segments on national radio shows where she provides insights on travel regulations and destinations.
Ella has visited over 40 countries (with 10 more planned this year).
