💼 Cabin bag
Permitted. The built-in battery is not a security concern.
✈️ Hold (checked)
Permitted. Spare lithium batteries must be removed and kept in carry-on.
Electric toothbrush
Airline-specific rules
Common questions
Nothing — it goes straight through. Electric toothbrushes are permitted in both carry-on and checked baggage and attract no special scrutiny at the checkpoint. The built-in rechargeable battery is small enough that it falls well within the limits for lithium batteries in the cabin.
No, both types are permitted in carry-on and checked baggage. Built-in lithium-ion batteries are within the safe watt-hour range for cabin travel, and standard AA or AAA batteries in a toothbrush pose no concern. The only battery-related rule to watch is for spare or loose lithium batteries, which must stay in carry-on regardless of device type.
Electric toothbrushes occasionally produce a slightly dense image on X-ray, but screeners recognise them immediately and rarely pull the bag for a secondary check. You do not need to remove it for screening. If a screener does open your bag, it is a quick visual check and you will be on your way.
Either is fine, but carry-on is better for two reasons: the brush head is delicate and can be damaged or contaminated in a checked bag, and the lithium battery is technically safer in the cabin. If you check the device, remove any spare lithium batteries first — those must always travel in carry-on.
Related items
Browse all Electronics →Based on official United States security guidelines. Rules vary by airline and route — always verify with your carrier before travel. · Rules last verified May 2026.