Carry-on bags
Yes
Checked luggage
Yes
Rules for Flights in the USA
United States authorities allow clothing irons in carry-on and checked baggage. Generally, clothing irons don’t represent a threat. But the final decision to let an iron through security belongs to the security agent at the airport. Although generally allowed, it’s recommended to pack clothing irons in checked baggage since they might raise a concern due to their weight and shape.
Rules for Flights in Other Countries
Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, China, and India
On Canadian, European, Australian, New Zealand, Chinese, and Indian flights, authorities don’t mention clothing irons as allowed or banned from airplanes. However, their rules are almost identical to the United States, and clothing irons are accepted in hand and cargo baggage. But, it’s always recommended to pack clothing irons in checked baggage, as they might be targeted as unsafe by a security agent.
United Kingdom
On United Kingdom flights, clothing irons are allowed in hand and cargo baggage as long as they are travel-size irons.
Sources: For writing this article, we took information only from official sources, like airline regulators, government websites, and major airlines. If you want to confirm that our information is accurate and up to date, click on any of the links mentioned above. We linked out to where we found this information for each country.
Disclaimer: The final decision of whether you can bring clothing irons on planes always rests on the security officer. Some airlines also have additional rules that may be different.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bringing Clothing Irons on Planes
Are cordless clothing irons allowed on planes?
For the most part, cordless clothing irons are also allowed on planes in the United States. Passengers are allowed to carry irons in hand and cargo baggage, but it’s recommended to pack them in checked baggage instead. Security agents at the airport might consider cordless irons potential bludgeon weapons for their weight and size. If you pack your cordless iron in checked baggage, you should make sure it’s turned off and can’t be activated accidentally.
Should I pack clothing irons in hand or checked baggage?
Generally, it’s best to pack clothing irons in checked baggage when traveling in the United States. Although clothing irons are allowed both in hand and cargo baggage, their weight and shape might raise concerns when going through security. Depending on its weight, an agent might consider a clothing iron in hand baggage a potential bludgeon weapon and, therefore, might not allow it on the plane. If you’re traveling with cargo baggage, it’s best to pack your clothing iron in it.
How should I pack my steam iron?
Pack your steam iron empty of liquids and inside a travel iron case in your checked baggage. Although clothing irons are allowed in hand baggage too, it’s best practice to pack them in checked baggage to prevent any trouble when going through airport security. When packing your clothing iron inside your baggage, make sure it’s empty of any liquids so it doesn’t spill inside it, and surround it with your clothes. You can also use a “iron to protect both your clothing iron and belongings in the suitcase.
Do I need to take out my clothing iron when going through security?
In general, you don’t need to take out your clothing iron when going through security in the United States. Common clothing irons can stay in the bag when going through airport security unless it’s a cordless and rechargeable iron. In that case, it’s considered a large electronic device and therefore you should take it out of the bag and place it in a bin for screening.
What is the best clothing iron for traveling?
The best clothing iron for traveling is the “Steamfast. It weighs less than a pound and it comes with its own travel case. Its dimensions are 3.1 x 2.9 x 5.3 inches / 7.8 x 7.3 x 13.4 centimeters, and it’s barely bigger than a common cellphone. Despite its small size, the Steamfast iron has 3 different temperatures and 20 watts of power. Another popular and more traditional option is the “Rowenta. The iron weighs only 1.5 pounds. It’s compact and powerful, and it folds for storage.
Will my clothing iron or steamer work in other countries?
Yes, your clothing iron and steamer will work in other countries outside the United States under certain conditions. Passengers planning to take their clothing iron or steamer on an overseas trip should keep in mind their destination’s default voltage might be different. While the United States uses a 110V-120V, most countries in America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Oceania use higher voltages, usually between 220V-240V. This means common US electronics don’t work and can get damaged if used in those countries. Your steamer and clothing iron needs to have a dual voltage feature to work both in the United States and foreign countries. This feature allows you to switch between 110V-120V and 220V-240V depending on the voltage of the country you’re staying in. Another option is buying a converter to use along with your iron. But, a converter for such high voltage is usually too big and too expensive.
Can I also bring clothing steamers on planes?
Yes, clothing steamers are allowed on planes in the United States. TSA allows steamers in hand and cargo baggage as long as they don’t have any liquids inside. However, if you’re traveling with checked baggage, it’s preferable to pack your steamer in checked baggage and keep your carry-on to essential items you can use on the plane.
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Vanessa, your blog post struck a chord with me! As someone who’s grown a small herb garden in the backyard, I can really relate. Have you ever had trouble with pests and how did you manage it? 🐛 Also, a tip for fellow readers – Rosemary is a natural pest repellent! One more thing, did you consider hydroponics for urban settings? I had success with it and it really maximizes space. Looking forward to your thoughts! Happy gardening! 🌿