Can You Bring a Curling Iron On A Plane Carry-on? 2024

Curling irons, hair straighteners and flat irons are beauty essentials and life saving tools in every woman’s kit, but can you bring hair straighteners and curling irons in carry-on luggage?

Here is what to expect.

Generally; all types of hair straighteners, curling irons, and flat irons with cords are allowed on planes in both carry-on and checked bags, hair styling tools with lithium batteries or with gas or a butane cartridge are not allowed in checked bags.

Keep reading to know more about traveling with hair straighteners in both carry-on and checked baggage and the proper way to pack them for a stress free flight.

Let’s dive right in.

Black Curling Ironwith gold head
Hot Tools Pro Artist 24K Gold Curling Iron / Amazon Courtesy

Can You Bring a Curling Iron In Carry-on Baggage?

The TSA rules

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is in charge of deciding what you can and can’t bring through the security checkpoint within and from the US airports.

Don’t worry these folks are super friendly.

Below is a screenshot from their website.

They stated that you can bring curling irons and hair straighteners with cords through the security checkpoint with some special instructions.

Can I Bring a Curling Iron On a Plane-06Can I Bring a Curling Iron On a Plane-06
TSA curling iron (with cord) rules

If you prefer to also bring your straightener or flat iron (with cord) with you, you can do so.

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TSA straightener and flat iron (with cord) rules

CORDLESS ( rechargeable ) hair straighteners, flat irons or curling irons are allowed only in carry-on baggage, not in checked baggage.

Can I Bring a Curling Iron On a Plane-08
TSA straightener and flat iron (cordless) rules

If you are traveling with lithium batteries you can read more in this detailed post.

I researched the TSA social media for further information.

Charca wonders if her straightener and curling iron should be moved and placed in a separate bin at the security checkpoint.

The TSA customer service replied that her irons do not need to be removed from the carry-on bag during the screening process.

 TSA response for a passenger asking about a straightener and curling iron

George asked if his wife’s curling iron (with cord) can go inside her carry-on luggage.

The TSA replied that curling irons with CORDS are safe to go in carry-on bags.

Can I Bring a Curling Iron On a Plane-04
Items Carry on luggageChecked baggageNeed to be removed from bag
Curling Irons / Hair Straighteners with cords YesYes No
Curling Irons / Hair Straighteners without cords YesNoNo

Can You Take Curling Iron In Checked Luggage?

You can transport curling iron, hair straightener, flat iron with CORDS in your checked luggage without any problem.

But any of the items above that operated with lithium batteries or butane gas, CORDLESS are not allowed in checked luggage; unless the battery is removed.

However; it is not advised to send your expensive items in checked baggage.

They may get smashed or even stolen.

Can I Bring a Curling Iron On a Plane-10
Can I Bring a Curling Iron On a Plane-09

So whenever you’re bringing your curling iron or hair styling tools in general on a flight, you must pack them as securely as possible.

These tools are easy to break, and if you don’t do a good job, they will get damaged or vanish and most airlines do not compensate for expensive items.

We advise you to place your curling iron or other tools inside your carry-on bag.

How to Pack Curling Iron For a Flight?

Carry on luggage may not need that level of protection as checked luggage, but you still want to make sure that your curling iron is secured just in case.

Here are some tips on how to pack your curling iron and hair style tools for your next flight.

  • Pack your hair style tools on top of your clothes that will allow your items to be easily accessible, and you won’t need to dive in your bag to find them if the airport security wants to inspect them.
  • Use a proper solid protection case for your curling iron, or wrap them in your clothes, ensure that you give some time to your tools to cool down before you wrap it in a towel or soft cloth.
  • Store the cables and cords in a separate box, it is a good idea to organize your suitcase if the cords are removable.
  • Pack lithium batteries separately and do not forget that you can not place them inside your checked luggage.
  • Double-check the tips above before you head to the airport.

Tip: No matter how often you travel, you will need a SOLID suitcase or a backpack for your next trip, that will hold your needs and take all your essential items, they have to be spacious and durable while staying within any airline luggage size and weight limits (Amazon links).

Can You Carry Other Hair Products Along With Your Curling Iron?

Yes, you can, but there are extra details you need about each item. I’ve already written an article on the rules about taking different hair products on planes , you can check it out.

Take Curling Iron, Hair Straightener and other Hair Style Tools On International Flights

Hair style tools are allowed almost on any international flight.

Can I Bring a Curling Iron On a Plane-12
A passenger asked Delta if flat iron is allowed on an international flight

When traveling internationally you can obviously take and use your curling iron everywhere, however; if you want to take an item with a cord you will need to make sure that it works with your host country outlets, your item description should mention it.

Other ways an international travel adapter can be helpful if you keep it always handy. It will provide all the possibilities to plug your tools in any outlet in the world.

Best Travel-friendly Curling Irons To consider

If you are in the market for a new travel curling iron; we’ve picked for you some of the best and top rated travel curling irons available in the market, they are easy to pack and carry around anywhere you go.

ItemDetailsView on Amazon
HOT TOOLS Pro Signature Gold Curling Iron, 1-1/4 Inch View
Conair Double Ceramic 1-Inch Curling Iron View
REVLON Crystal C + Ceramic Curling Iron, 1 inchView
BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Spring Curling Iron View
T3 – SinglePass Curl Professional Curling Iron Custom Blend Ceramic Curling and Styling iron.View
Conair Supreme Curling Iron Combo Pack; 1/2-inch, 3/4-inch, & 1-inch.View
ghd Platinum+ Styler – 1″ Flat Iron, Professional Performance Hair Styler, Ceramic Flat Iron, Hair Straightener.View

Final Thoughts On Traveling With a curling Iron On a Plane Carry-on.

Most Airlines and airport securities like the TSA will treat curling irons and other hair style tools as a normal item, as long as they do not operate with lithium batteries or gas.

Hair styling tools with lithium batteries tools are not allowed in checked bags and should be placed inside your carry-on bag and ensure that they are packed carefully.

Although it’s possible to bring hair style tools with cords in checked luggage, I will recommend not doing so, especially expensive ones as they are prone to be damaged or even stolen.

Taking items in carry-on will give you more control over the and how they are handled.

We hope this helps.

Happy Travels

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