Can You Bring A Curling Iron On A Plane? TSA Curling Iron Rule

There could be several things bothering you for your upcoming trips. But, if it’s about packing your bags, keeping in mind the list of allowed and prohibited items is a must. 

Well, for fashion-conscious people, it’s generally a point of concern to put all that grooming stuff in the bags. But, the TSA is concerned about the security of passengers. Therefore, you need to think before you pack your hair styling products. Don’t worry, you are on the right page. 

If it’s about your curling iron, it could be risky to bring it on board, as it might be powered by batteries. The TSA has established a number of rules regarding electronic items since they generate heat and have the propensity to catch fire. Similar rules may also go for items like razors, trimmers, laptops, and other items. 

Of course, you won’t like your expensive hair curlers confiscated at the TSA security checkpoint. So, read the informative guide below and prepare yourself for the approaching air journey.

TSA Curling Iron Rules

You are permitted by the TSA to take curling iron in your hand luggage and checked baggage. But there are restrictions, as per the type of iron you have. Some of them might be prohibited due to the associated security risks.

Can I Bring A Curling Iron In My Carry On?

Absolutely! The TSA allows you to place curling iron in carry on, but there are certain rules, as per the type of iron.

Curling Iron With Cord

• You are allowed to take electric curling irons in a carry-on bag. As long as they have a cord, there are no issues connected with packing them.

Curling Iron Without Cord 

• As allowed by the TSA, passengers can bring curling irons that do not have a cord and are powered by gas, butane, lithium metal or lithium ion batteries. These are allowed only in hand luggage. 

• Nevertheless, please keep in mind that the heating element of the iron needs to have a safety cover that is tightly fastened. It has to be shielded from unintentional activation.

Butane Curling Irons Without Cord 

• Cordless curling irons that contain gas cartridges or are powered by butane are permitted to be taken only in carry-on bags.

• As suggested by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), above the heating source, a safety cover must be tightly fastened as well as the iron must be secured against unintentional activation.

• Please note that both checked and carry-on luggage are strictly prohibited from containing gas refills (cartridges).

Apart from this, you must keep in mind that if your cordless curling iron has been damaged or has been found to be faulty, there is a probability of a generation of sparks or dangerous heat. Hence, they will not be allowed to be taken on board. If you remove the battery safely or make sure that the device is safe to carry. 

Can I Bring A Flat Iron In My Carry On?

Flat irons or hair straighteners that are connected with cords can be taken in carry-on and checked bags without any hassle. But, if they are powered by gas, fuel cartridges, or lithium metal or lithium ion batteries, you will be able to place them only in your carry-on bag, and not the checked luggage. Hence, the rule goes as that of the curling irons.

Are Curling Irons Allowed On A Planes In Checked Baggage?

Well, keeping in view the safety and security of passengers as well as discipline at the airport setup, only the curling irons with cords are allowed to be placed in your checked baggage. 

Since curling irons without cords and butane curling irons without cords are driven by batteries or butane gas, it poses a threat to being placed in the checked baggage. As such substances have a tendency to generate excessive heat, it can lead to explosions or disastrous circumstances. 

Considerations When Packing A Curling Iron

Here is what the FAA suggests to passengers about bringing a curling iron on a plane. 

FAA Curling Irons Rules

1. A passenger is allowed to bring one cordless iron on a plane with a gas cartridge or a butane-powered curling iron. 
2. Spare gas cartridge refills are not allowed to be brought.
3. The curling iron’s heating element must have a safety cover that is completely secured. You must carefully check that the device is protected against any kind of unexpected or unintended activation so as to prevent a dangerous occurrence.
4. Hair straighteners and curling irons with an electric wire that plug into an electrical outlet are not prohibited.

Can You Take A Butane Curling Iron On A Plane?

Absolutely! Passengers are not restricted from bringing cordless curling irons that contain butane or gas cartridges. But, they are permitted to be taken only in carry-on bags. So, you must be mindful and should not pack them in your checked luggage. 

Can You Take Curling Iron On International Flights?

Well, the rules remain the same whether you are heading on an international flight. So, you can keep corded curling irons in both types of bags. On the contrary, those without cords and containing lithium batteries, butane, or gas cartridges are allowed only in your carry-on bag. 

Apart from this, you must also keep a crucial point in mind, and that’s the voltage of your electronic device. If you are traveling to a country where a high voltage is used, you won’t be able to use your curling iron there. In such a case, you will have to opt for an adapter that will convert to the required voltage, enabling you to use the curling iron.

So, it is better to know everything about your travel destination well in advance so that you don’t run into problems on your much-awaited trip. 

List Of Other Hairstyling Products Allowed On A Plane

Well, there could be other hair grooming products in your list that you would like to take to your travel destination to look great every day.

You are allowed to bring the following with or without instructions. 

1. Hair dryers.
2. Hair straighteners (flat irons with cords).
3. Hair clippers.
4. Bobby pins.
5. Hair gels.
6. Hair sprays.
7. Hair texturizers (aerosol).
8. Shampoos.
9. Dry shampoos.
10. Hair conditioners.

Things To Consider Before Travel With Curling Iron 

Here are a few tips to keep in mind if you are thinking of taking your travel size curling iron on the flight.

1. It will be good if your curling iron or any other electronic device can be used as per dual voltage.
2. You should also pack the suitable travel adapters in case of an international flight. 
3. Always bear in mind that your product can be confiscated or disposed of even due to a little doubt during the X-ray screening at the security checkpoint. So, it’s better not to bring a costly curling iron on a plane, or you may have to regret later.

Concluding Lines 

Well, that was all about taking curling irons with cords, curling irons without cords, and butane curling irons without cords in your hand luggage and checked baggage. While hand luggage can have all these irons but only when kept with proper care and instructions, checked luggage can contain only the ones with cords. 

In fact, if you take some extra lithium-ion batteries, they can also go only in carry-ons. But, extra cartridges and gas refills are not at all allowed in any of the bags. Hence, it’s better to change the cartridge in your cordless curling iron before packing the bags, rather than facing severe consequences at the airport. And, rules remain the same whether you are heading on domestic or international travel. 

Frequently Asked Questions