Carry-on bags
Yes
Checked luggage
Yes
Rules for Flights in the USA
In the United States, hair dryers are generally allowed in hand and cargo baggage on planes.
Although TSA doesn’t specify if cordless hair dryers are welcome in hand or cargo baggage too, similar items like cordless curling irons and flat irons are permitted only in hand baggage.
Cordless hair dryers that are rechargeable are allowed to have batteries up to 160wh and should travel in hand baggage along with any spare batteries.
Gas-operated hair dryers are also generally allowed in hand baggage.
TSA doesn’t specify if hair dryers are permitted with an installed gas cartridge, but similar items like curling irons are permitted onboard their cartridges. No spare cartridges are allowed, and there is a limit of one butane-fueled item per passenger.
Hair dryers must be packed in a way that prevents them from accidental activation.
Rules for Flights in Other Countries
Canada, Australia, and India
In Canada, Australia, and India, electric hair dryers are allowed in hand and cargo baggage. Gas-operated hair dryers aren’t specifically mentioned, but similar hair styling tools are allowed in carry-on only if the gas container isn’t installed. Battery-operated hair dryers are subject to battery rules and should be under 160-watt hours (Wh) per battery. The airport security agent makes the final call on allowing hair dryers through airport security.
Europe and the United Kingdom
On European and United Kingdom flights, hair dryers are allowed in hand and cargo baggage. Gas-operating hair dryers are also generally allowed on planes, but passengers can’t carry spare gas cartridges.
New Zealand and China
On New Zealand and China flights, hair dryers aren’t specifically mentioned but they are generally allowed in hand and cargo baggage. Cordless hair dryers that operate with lithium batteries should have batteries under 160-watt hours (Wh). Butane isn’t allowed on carry-on nor checked baggage, so gas-operating hair dryers shouldn’t have an installed cartridge. Other types of gas cartridges might be allowed with the airline’s previous approval.
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 hair dryers on planes always rests on the security officer. Some airlines also have additional rules that may be different.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bringing Hair Dryers on Planes
Are all wired hair dryers allowed in carry-ons?
Generally, all wired hair dryers are allowed in a carry-on on planes in the United States. TSA doesn’t make any specifications or restrictions about bringing hair dryers on board. But, the final decision to allow or not a hair dryer through security belongs to a TSA agent.
Can I also bring cordless, rechargeable hair dryers on planes?
In general, cordless rechargeable hair dryers are allowed on planes in the United States. TSA doesn’t state any exceptions for hair dryers traveling on planes. Although cordless hair dryers aren’t listed specifically, they are mostly allowed in hand baggage as long as the battery is under 160 Wh. Keep in mind the TSA agent at the airport makes the final decision to allow any hair dryer to board the plane.
Are butane hair dryers allowed on planes?
TSA doesn’t mention butane hair dryers specifically, but in general, they are allowed in hand baggage on United States planes. United States authorities don’t specify rules for gas-operated hair dryers when flying, but, similar items like butane curling irons are allowed in hand baggage exclusively. They should be packed in a way that they can’t be accidentally activated and spare gas cartridges aren’t permitted. However, the TSA agent at the airport makes the final call on allowing hair dryers through airport security.
Do I have to take out hair dryers at security?
For the most part, you don’t have to take hair dryers out of your luggage when going through airport security. Hair dryers with a cord aren’t generally considered as part of the electronics that you need to take out at an airport, since they don’t use a battery. When traveling in a carry-on you can leave them inside your luggage, unless a security agent asks you to take them out. If your hair dryer operates with a battery, then you need to take it out of your luggage when going through airport security. Place it in a bin with other large electronics.
Should I pack blow dryers in hand or checked luggage?
Overall, it’s best to pack blow dryers in hand baggage. Common hair dryers are permitted in hand and cargo baggage in the United States. But, as with most valuable items, it’s recommended to pack hair dryers in hand baggage. Cordless hair dryers should also be packed in hand baggage and should be packed in a way that prevents them from turning on. If a cordless hair dryer operates with a battery, it should comply with the airline’s battery policies. Instead, if the hair dryer operates with butane gas, it will only be allowed in hand baggage. Spare gas cartridges are not welcome on board.
How do I pack a hair dryer in my luggage?
Theoretically, it’s best to pack your hair dryer in a carry-on when you’re traveling in the United States. TSA allows common hair dryers in hand and cargo baggage without any restrictions. Travelers can pack their hair dryer in its original package or use a “hair to protect it. Cordless hair dryers that work with a lithium battery or butane gas should travel in a carry-on and should be packed in a way that prevents them from getting activated.
Will my wired hair dryer work in other countries?
Generally, hair dryers from the United States won’t work in other countries. Hair dryers fabricated for use in the US use a lower voltage than most countries in Europe, Asia, and Latin America. While most electronics in the US are designed to work with 110 – 127 volts, power outlets in most foreign countries work with 220 – 240 volts. This voltage difference will damage US hair dryers. Power outlets also have different shapes which means travelers would need both an adapter and a voltage converter to use their hair dryer abroad. In this case, it’s recommended to buy a hair dryer with an integrated dual-voltage adapter that can be used both locally and internationally.
What is the best hair dryer for traveling?
The best hair dryer for traveling is the “Conair. This hair dryer has a dual voltage converter that allows travelers to use it in multiple countries without any risk of damaging it. It’s also compact, foldable, and lightweight, so it’s easy to pack it in your hand baggage. Despite its size, this hair dryer boasts power and 2 heat settings.
Can I use my hair dryer during the flight?
No, you can’t use your hair dryer during the flight. Hair dryers are allowed in carry-on baggage on planes in the United States, but passengers aren’t allowed to use them on board. Heat-producing items are generally forbidden from being used inside an airplane for safety reasons.
Are other hair tools allowed on planes?
Yes, besides hair dryers, curling irons, heat-hair brushes, and flat irons are allowed on United States planes with certain restrictions. Wired curling irons, flat irons, and heat-hair brushes are allowed in hand and cargo baggage without restrictions. But, gas-powered brushes, flat irons, and curling irons are allowed in hand baggage exclusively. They are permitted onboard with one gas cartridge installed, as long as it’s packed in a way that it cannot be activated. Extra gas cartridges are forbidden on board, and passengers can carry only one of these gas-powered tools. Battery-operated hair tools are also allowed on planes, but some of them like curling irons and flat irons are permitted only in hand baggage.
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