TSA Announces Rule Changes For Flying With This Common Item

(KMDL-FM) As someone who loves to go places but hates to fly, I spend a lot of time thinking about the conundrum that is modern air transportation. And as I sit and watch people struggle with finding overhead bin space, complaining about checked bag fees, sweating out the security lines, and the overall dehumanizing effects of it all, I often wonder if there couldn't be a better way?

And the answer that I have arrived at in response to that query is no. There can't be a better way to fly on airplanes as long as people are involved. We are the reason that air travel is such a pain. Of course, without us, there isn't much of a need for planes, and air travel isn't there?

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The Transportation Security Administration is the government agency tasked with making sure that anyone or anything that gets on an aircraft is safe to fly. TSA and its protocols came into effect not too long after the events of 9.11.01, in which passenger aircraft were used to carry out a terrorist attack on several targets in the United States.

What Devices Does TSA Limit to Carry-On Bags Only?

But not all the dangers that TSA searches for are terroristic in nature. Sometimes, we bring our own troubles on board the aircraft, and this is where the TSA has to step in. And the latest "step in" from TSA involves your toothbrush. I am sure you're wondering why a toothbrush is now an object of scrutiny in airport security lines.

It's not so much the brush part of the device that is the concern for TSA; it's the battery part. If you have an electronic toothbrush that contains lithium metal or lithium ion, you'll have to have that device in your carry-on bag. You can no longer stash that in the checked bags.

The same applies to any spare batteries you may bring along for the trip. If they are of the lithium-ion variety, they will need to be carried in your carry-on luggage. It is important to note that toothbrushes are not the only item with these kinds of batteries.

TSA has a long-standing rule regarding electronics. They are very interested in "anything that buzzes". Things that "buzz" contain batteries. Those batteries could cause a fire on the aircraft, and that's why TSA focuses so much attention on items like toothbrushes and "personal massagers" that are often battery-powered or feature rechargeable batteries.

Can You Travel With Intimate Personal Devices?

We should note that TSA agents are trained to be "discreet" when going through your luggage, so any "personal or intimate" items should not be an embarrassment, as they are allowed in your carry-on bag. Just be careful with that electronic toothbrush, if you know what we mean.