TSA Rules for hair straighteners
The TSA (Transport Security Administration) permits corded, plug-in hair straighteners in both hand and checked baggage without specific restrictions. Passengers are free to bring any number of these corded flat irons as there are no quantity limits or special packing requirements for them.
However, the rules for wireless hair straighteners, which include those with butane fuel cells or rechargeable lithium batteries, are distinct. These items are only permitted in carry-on luggage and are entirely prohibited in checked baggage. When carrying a wireless hair straightener in hand luggage, it is mandatory to have a protective cover over the heating element to prevent it from coming into contact with other items in the bag. Additionally, these devices must be safeguarded against accidental activation.
For butane-powered wireless hair straighteners, only the straightener itself is allowed in hand luggage, while any butane cartridges are strictly banned from both hand and checked baggage.
Regarding wireless hair straighteners that contain lithium batteries, these must be in working condition to be allowed onboard. The TSA restricts the transport of damaged electronic devices with lithium batteries due to safety concerns. Consequently, TSA agents may occasionally request passengers to turn on their devices to ensure functionality, though such checks are relatively infrequent.
Rules for Flights in Other Countries
Generally, plug-in hair straighteners are always allowed on planes without any additional restrictions virtually anywhere across the world. But unfortunately, each country has slightly different rules when it comes to flying with wireless hair straighteners (butane or lithium-powered).
We’ve compiled the main restrictions for each country (or region) down below.
Canada
On Canadian flights, corded hair straighteners are permitted in both hand and checked baggage without any restrictions, allowing passengers to travel with these devices freely.
For wireless butane hair straighteners, the regulations are more specific. Passengers are allowed to bring only one such hair straightener per person. In carry-on luggage, only the hair straightener itself is permitted, without the accompanying butane canister. When it comes to checked baggage, one gas-operated hair straightener with its hydrocarbon gas container is accepted, but it must have a safety cover securely fitted over the heating element to prevent accidental activation. However, separate gas refills for these hair straighteners are not allowed in either carry-on or checked baggage.
Regarding wireless hair straighteners that operate on lithium batteries, often rechargeable via USB, micro USB, or USB-C, the rules are determined by their battery capacity. Smaller devices with a battery capacity below 100 Wh are allowed in both hand and checked baggage without any restrictions. In contrast, those with a battery capacity exceeding 100 Wh would require specific airline approval. It’s important to note that wireless hair straighteners are commonly specified in mAh measurements. To convert mAh to Wh, one needs to multiply the mAh rating by the voltage and then divide by 1000.
For example, the Zavarea wireless hair straightener has a battery capacity of 12800 mAh and it charges on 9 Volts, so its Wh rating is 115.2 WH (12800 x 9 / 1000), which would mean that it requires airline approval, otherwise, it might be confiscated. That said, most hair straighteners are below the 100 Wh limit.
Europe and New Zealand
On flights within Europe and New Zealand, hair straighteners aren’t specifically mentioned in the list of banned and allowed items. However, generally, plug-in type wired hair straighteners are allowed in hand and checked bags without any restrictions.
Butane hair straighteners are allowed in hand and checked baggage, but only one per passenger, and spare cartridges are banned. The heating element must also be protected with a protective cover.
Wireless hair straighteners with lithium batteries below 100 Wh are allowed without any restrictions in hand and checked luggage. Hair straighteners with a capacity over 100 Wh but below 160 Wh require airline approval and ones with a capacity over 160 Wh are completely banned from aircraft.
The United Kingdom
On flights within the UK, normal, plug-in hair straighteners are allowed without any restrictions in hand and checked baggage.
Butane hair straighteners are allowed in hand and hold luggage, but the heating element must be protected at all times, and spare cartridges are prohibited.
Hair straighteners with lithium batteries require airline approval. If the airline approves it, then the battery of the hair straightener must be removed from the device, and its terminals must be isolated from each other.
Australia
In Australia, mains-powered hair straighteners are permitted in both hand and checked luggage on flights without any specific restrictions, allowing passengers to travel with these devices easily.
However, for butane hair straighteners, the regulations are more stringent. These straighteners are allowed only in checked luggage and require prior airline approval. Additionally, it is mandatory that the heating element is securely covered at all times to prevent accidental activation, and carrying spare butane cartridges is strictly prohibited.
Regarding rechargeable hair straighteners powered by lithium batteries, passengers must declare these items at the airport. They are permitted in both hand and checked baggage, but there is a crucial requirement: the lithium battery must be removed from the hair straightener, and its terminals must be insulated to prevent any risk of short-circuiting. This precaution is in place to ensure safe travel with these battery-powered devices.
China and India
In China and India, wired hair straighteners are generally permitted in both hand and checked baggage for air travel, though they are not explicitly mentioned in regulations.
However, the rules are stricter for butane hair straighteners, as they are entirely banned from both hand and checked luggage in these countries.
Regarding hair straighteners equipped with lithium batteries, those with a capacity below 160 Wh are allowed in both hand and checked baggage. For hair straighteners with a battery capacity ranging from 100 Wh to 160 Wh, airline approval is required prior to travel. Additionally, it is important to ensure that these rechargeable hair straighteners are not defective, are switched off, and are adequately protected against accidental activation to ensure safety during the flight.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bringing Hair Straighteners on Planes
Are all plug-in, wired hair straighteners allowed on planes?
Generally, all wired electrical appliances are allowed on planes, including hair straighteners. That’s because they can’t be used as weapons, and aren’t considered dangerous when not connected to electricity. You’re free to pack them in hand and checked luggage however you want, and there also aren’t any quantity restrictions on how many wired appliances you can bring.
Also check out: Airplane electronics rules
What is the best hair straightener for traveling?
The best hair straightener for traveling is the Vanessa Pro. Vanessa works perfectly as a Flat Iron, meanwhile, it can be used as a Curling Iron. The important convenience features as well as good for storage like Swivel Cord, Dual Voltage, and Automatic Shut-off are included.
Are cordless, rechargeable hair straighteners also allowed on planes (with lithium batteries)?
Rechargeable hair straighteners powered by lithium batteries are permitted on planes, but there are specific restrictions to keep in mind.
In the US, according to the TSA, wireless hair straighteners are only allowed in carry-on luggage. They are completely prohibited in checked luggage. This differs from some other countries, where wireless hair straighteners are also permitted in checked baggage. However, it is generally advised to pack them in hand baggage whenever possible. Regulations can vary by country; for instance, in the UK, passengers can take hair-styling devices containing hydrocarbon gas in hand or checked baggage, provided the safety cover is securely fitted over the heating element, and only one device per person is allowed.
When packing wireless hair straighteners in luggage, they must always be switched off. They should also be protected from accidental activation, and the heating element should be isolated to prevent contact with other items in your bag. It’s advisable to have the device at least marginally charged in case you need to demonstrate that it’s functioning properly and isn’t defective.
Understanding the Wh rating of your hair straightener’s battery is crucial, as lithium batteries over 160 Wh are usually banned from aircraft. Batteries with a capacity between 100-160 Wh typically require prior airline approval. The Wh rating can be calculated by multiplying the battery capacity in Ah by its Voltage, then dividing by 1000. For example, a battery with a capacity of 5400 Ah and a Voltage of 9V would have a capacity of 5400×9/1000 = 48.6Wh
Due to varying regulations across different countries and airlines, it is recommended to contact your airline before traveling with wireless hair straighteners to ensure compliance with their specific rules.
Can I bring butane hair straighteners on planes?
It depends on the country you’re flying to/from, and individual airline restrictions.
Some countries, including China and India, don’t allow butane hair straighteners to be packed in luggage altogether. Other ones, including the EU countries, New Zealand, and Canada allow one butane hair straightener per passenger. The US, the UK, and Australia allow butane hair straighteners in larger quantities. Spare butane canisters are usually banned.
Depending on the country, butane hair straighteners can be packed only in hand luggage, only in checked baggage, or both. Furthermore, some countries also require airline approval.
When packed in baggage, butane hair straighteners must be switched off, and they must be protected from accidental activation. The heating element must also be isolated from other belongings.
To sum up, traveling with butane hair straighteners can be really complicated because the rules are very different for each region. Before flying it’s always recommended to confirm with the airline whether your butane hair straightener is allowed or not. Also, we recommend traveling without the butane canisters themselves, and instead buying them at your destination country (if possible).
Do I have to take out hair straighteners at security?
Generally, you don’t have to take out hair straighteners from your luggage at airport security in the United States. The overall rule states that large battery-operated electronics should be taken out of the baggage for inspection at the security checkpoint referring to game consoles, laptops, and tablets. Take out battery-operated flat irons and place them together with other electronics in a bin. Liquids should also be taken out of the bag. Wired hair straighteners can stay in the baggage unless a security agent asks you to take them out.
Should I pack flat irons in hand or checked luggage?
Overall, it’s best to pack flat irons in hand baggage when traveling in the United States. TSA allows wired flat irons in hand and cargo baggage, but generally, it’s best to pack them in hand baggage to protect them from any possible damage in cargo baggage. But, cordless flat irons are allowed in hand baggage exclusively. They should be packed with a protector over the heating part, and in a package that prevents them from turning on. Only the installed gas cartridge is allowed on the plane. Spare gas cartridges aren’t allowed onboard.
How do I pack hair straighteners in my luggage?
Hair straighteners should be packed in a heatproof pouch that prevents them from accidental activation. This case should also protect the heating element of the straightener. Cordless flat irons should be packed exclusively in hand baggage when traveling in the United States. Although wired hair straighteners are allowed both in cabin and cargo luggage, it’s also recommended to pack them in a carry-on.
Will my flat iron work when traveling internationally?
In most cases, a common flat iron bought in the United States won’t work when traveling internationally. Flat irons produced for the United States are designed to work with 110 V. Except for most of north and Central America, the majority of countries worldwide use 220 v. This means US flat irons will not work in these countries unless they have a dual voltage feature. Travelers shouldn’t try to use their US flat irons in a country with a different voltage, as not only will it damage the appliance, but it could also cause a fire.
Can I use my hair straightener during the flight?
For the most part, you can’t use a hair straightener during a flight in the United States. TSA doesn’t have any specific rules against the use of hair straighteners on a flight. However, since they are a heating element, they might be considered dangerous for other passengers.
Can I also bring other hair styling tools on planes?
Yes, you can bring other hairstyling tools on planes in the United States. Heating styling tools like hot combs, hot rollers, and electric hot air brushes, are generally allowed on planes. Wireless heat-styling tools are usually allowed in hand baggage exclusively. If they are gas-operated tools, keep in mind you’re only allowed to bring one gas-operated styling tool. Spare gas cartridges aren’t allowed. Combs, brushes, and bobby pins are also allowed onboard as long as they are made of plastic and don’t have any sharp edges that could be used as a weapon. Hairspray, hair gel, shampoo, and dry shampoo, are allowed in hand baggage, but they must follow the liquids rule.
They must be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and packed in a 1-quart clear and resealable plastic bag. Except for hair spray and dry shampoo, other liquids don’t have any quantity limits in checked baggage. Hair spray and dry shampoo traveling in checked baggage must be under 18 ounces. Hair clippers are also allowed in hand and cargo baggage, but the final decision to let them through security belongs to the TSA agent.
*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 straighteners on planes always rests on the security officer. Some airlines also have additional rules that may be different.
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