Carry-on bags
Yes
Checked luggage
Yes
Rules for Flights in the USA
On United States flights, wired curling irons are allowed in cabin and hold baggage without any restrictions. But, cordless curling irons are restricted and must travel in hand baggage only. If the curling iron has a lithium battery, it’s subject to TSA’s battery rules and the battery must be under 160Wh. Gas-operated curling irons must also travel in the cabin. Spare gas cartridges aren’t welcomed on the plane and passengers are allowed to possess only one gas-operated hair tool. Cordless curling irons should also be packed in a way that prevents them from turning on during the trip.
Rules for Flights in Other Countries
Canada
On Canadian flights, curling irons are permitted both in cabin and cargo luggage. Gas-operated curling irons are permitted in cabin luggage without the gas cartridge. Spare cartridges are permitted in checked baggage if the airline allows it.
Europe, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand
In Europe, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, curling irons including wired, cordless, and gas-powered irons are welcomed on planes. They must be stored in a heating-resistant cover that prevents accidental activation and isolates the heating element. Carrying spare gas cartridges is forbidden in some countries and airlines.
China and India
On China and India flights, curling irons aren’t mentioned specifically, but wired curling irons are generally allowed in hand and hold baggage. However, all types of gases are forbidden on the plane, so gas-operated curling irons shouldn’t carry a gas cartridge.
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 curling irons on planes always rests on the security officer. Some airlines also have additional rules that may be different.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bringing Curling Irons on Planes
Can I bring any wired curling iron on a plane?
Generally, you can bring any wired curling iron on planes in the United States. According to TSA wired curling irons are allowed in hand and cargo baggage without any restrictions. Cordless curling irons have different restrictions and are permitted only in carry-on luggage.
Are cordless curling irons allowed in hand luggage (with rechargeable, built-in batteries)?
Yes, cordless curling irons with rechargeable batteries are allowed in hand luggage on planes in the United States. Yet, TSA specifies that battery-operated curling irons are permitted exclusively in cabin baggage. Hair curlers must be packed in a way that prevents them from accidental activation and the heating element must be covered.
Are butane curling irons banned on planes?
Butane curling irons aren’t banned from planes in the United States. Butane curling irons are generally permitted in cabin baggage, as long as they have a cover over the heating element and they can’t get activated by accident. One butane gas cartridge installed on the device is generally permitted, but passengers can’t carry any extra gas cartridges. Passengers should consider that only one gas-operated styling tool is allowed per passenger. Some international destinations might not allow gas cartridges onboard a plane.
Do I have to take out curling irons at security?
In general, you don’t need to take out curling irons when going through airport security in the United States. Wired curling irons aren’t generally considered electronics and therefore, you don’t need to place them in a bin for screening with other electronics. If anything, you might need to take out of the bag cordless curling irons with a lithium battery for inspection.
Should I pack electric hair curlers in hand or checked luggage?
Overall, it’s best to pack electric hair curlers in hand luggage when traveling in the United States. Although wired hair curlers are allowed in hand and cargo baggage, it’s best practice to keep them in cabin baggage to prevent any possible damage to the equipment that might occur in cargo. It’s also easy to grab if you’re planning on using it during a layover.
What’s the best way to pack a curling iron in my luggage?
The best way to pack a curling iron on a plane is by using a curling iron case and packing it in hand baggage. The “Co2CREA is a hard case shock resistant and waterproof. It fits most curling irons and it will protect your equipment from scratches and bumps inside hand baggage. Other options include using a towel or a heat-resistant pouch to cover the curling iron.
Will a hair curler work abroad?
For the most part, a United States hair curler won’t work abroad. Besides the differences with electrical plugs, electrical devices in the United States are designed to work with 110 voltage. Most countries in Europe, the UK, Asia, and some in Latin America use a 220 voltage. Thus, using a simple plug adapter won’t be enough to make US hair curlers work in foreign countries. The only way a US curling iron will work abroad is if it has a dual voltage feature or by using it along with a converter.
What is the best curling iron for traveling?
The best-curling iron for traveling is the “Conair. It features a dual voltage feature that allows you to use it internationally. The Conair Double Ceramic 1-Inch curling iron also boasts 30 heat settings that help to curl both fine and thick hair. It’s also under 14 inches so it’s easy to pack in a carry-on.
Can I use a curling iron on a plane?
Generally, you can’t use a curling iron on a plane. Although TSA doesn’t have any restrictions on its use, hot curling irons could be considered potential weapons that could harm onboard passengers. But, using them in airports during layovers is usually permitted.
What are the rules for bringing other hair tools on planes?
Hair dryers, flat irons, hot hair brushes, and hot rollers are permitted in cabin and cargo baggage on United States planes. Wired hair dryers, flat irons, and hot rollers aren’t restricted and are permitted in hand and cargo baggage. Cordless hair dryers and flat irons, whether they operate with gas or batteries, are only allowed in hand baggage. Passengers can only travel with one gas-operated hair tool. Spare gas cartridges aren’t allowed. Other hair tools like brushes, combs, and bobby pins, are also permitted onboard a plane as long as they don’t have any sharp metal edges that might be considered a weapon. Hair styling products like shampoo, hair gel, hair spray, dry shampoo, and hair cream are allowed in cabin and cargo baggage. But, when traveling in cabin baggage, these products must follow the TSA’s liquids rule and must be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and packed in a 1-quart clear resealable bag. In checked baggage, liquids aren’t limited, but aerosols must be under 18 ounces.
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