The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has released a new advisory concerning a frequently packed toiletry item for travelers.
Packing is often considered one of the most tedious aspects of flying.
Travelers must take into account the size and weight restrictions of their airline, possibly purchasing smaller items to comply with liquid limitations. Airports frequently update their guidelines, creating uncertainty about which items are permissible in carry-on bags versus checked luggage.
The TSA has now updated its list of items that travelers need to be mindful of when packing.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the concern stems from devices powered by lithium metal or lithium-ion batteries, such as smartphones, tablets, and watches, which pose a risk of overheating, expanding, and potentially catching fire.
If a lithium battery fire occurs onboard, flight attendants can address it swiftly, especially if the source is in the cabin rather than the cargo hold.
Some electric toothbrushes are equipped with lithium batteries, necessitating that they, along with other devices, be stored in carry-on luggage.
Additional spare or uninstalled batteries should also be carried in hand luggage for safety reasons.
It might come as a surprise that electric toothbrushes are among the items to consider. While they are technically permitted in both carry-on and checked luggage, the TSA has issued ‘special instructions’ for their safe transport.
If travelers wish to include electric toothbrushes in checked luggage, they must ensure the devices are “completely powered off and protected to prevent unintentional activation or damage,” as stated by the FAA, according to USA Today.
This advisory follows an update in TSA regulations concerning popular grooming tools like cordless curling irons and flat irons, which are prohibited from checked luggage.
This restriction is due to the fire hazard posed by these cordless beauty products, typically powered by gas cartridges or butane.
The TSA provides an exhaustive alphabetical list of items that can and cannot be transported in carry-on or checked luggage, which may yield some unexpected revelations.
Certain items, like bear spray and cooking spray, are entirely prohibited from both carry-on and checked luggage. However, a blender is allowed in carry-on luggage as long as its blade is removed.
Electronic cigarettes and vapes are restricted to carry-on luggage, with travelers advised to exercise caution to prevent ‘accidental activation of the heating element of the device’ during transport.
Reports suggest that Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is advocating for a relaxation of the TSA’s stringent liquid regulations.
“The day I walked in the door, I started questioning everything TSA does,” Noem told NewsNation.
“I will tell you, I mean, the liquids [rule] I am questioning. So that may be the next big announcement is what size your liquids need to be. We’re looking at it.”