A mother was left red-faced at the airport when her suitcase emerged on the baggage carousel “vibrating at full volume,” drawing stares from fellow passengers. The embarrassing incident, which she shared on TikTok, turned out to be caused by an electric toothbrush, not the adult toy many onlookers assumed.
TikTok video captures the moment
The mum, who posts as Isme Apolo, filmed the scene at baggage claim after returning from a holiday with her young daughter. In the clip, her suitcase is seen shaking and buzzing loudly on the conveyor belt. Text over the video reads: “POV: your suitcase comes out vibrating at full volume and everyone is staring at you.”
The video cuts to Isme and her daughter opening the suitcase to investigate. Isme asks: “Whose toothbrush is it? Is it yours or mine?” Her daughter’s Frozen-themed toothbrush is still and silent, so Isme picks up her own toothbrush and confesses: “It’s mummy’s.”
Social media reaction
In the caption, Isme quipped: “It’s not what you think.” The comments section quickly filled with users sharing similar experiences. One person said: “This happened to me too, in front of my dad. It was unfortunately not an electric toothbrush.” Another wrote: “This happened to me except that my electric toothbrush was in my carry on.” A third joked: “I did not think it was an electric tooth.”
Some users advised Isme to announce the truth to avoid awkward assumptions. One commented: “I’d have to hold it in the air and announce the toothbrush cause ain’t no way I’d leave that airport leaving everyone thinking that.” Isme replied: “Hahaha exactly what I did. Luckily I was travelling with my toddler so could announce it very loudly to her!”
Baggage claim etiquette and customs rules
The incident highlights the potential for innocent items to cause embarrassment at baggage claim, especially as summer travel peaks. Many travellers return with souvenirs and personal items that can trigger security checks or cause unexpected noise. According to UK customs, items like electric toothbrushes are permitted in checked luggage, but their batteries can sometimes activate during transit due to pressure changes or accidental button presses.
Isme’s video has garnered thousands of views, with many users finding humour in the relatable mishap. One commented: “I would not care if it was my personal device going off.”
