Curling irons, hair straighteners, and flat irons are beauty essentials and lifesaving tools in every woman’s kit. But can you bring curling irons and hair straighteners in your carry-on luggage?
Yes, you can. The TSA permits corded curling irons in both carry-on and checked baggage. There are no restrictions on the number, type, or brand you can bring, as long as the device is corded.
However, cordless hair styling tools with lithium batteries, gas, or butane cartridges are not permitted in checked bags.
Keep reading to learn more about traveling with hair straighteners in both carry-on and checked baggage and how to pack them properly for your next flight.
Let’s dive right in.
Can You Bring a Curling Iron In Carry-on Baggage?
TSA Rules
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) decides what you can and can’t bring through airport securities and on board the airplane on flight within and from the U.S.
Don’t worry these folks are super chill.
They stated that you can bring curling irons and hair straighteners with cords through the security checkpoint with some special instructions.
Below is a screenshot from their website:
If you prefer to bring a straightener or flat iron (with a cord), that’s allowed too.
Cordless (rechargeable) curling irons, straighteners, or flat irons are allowed only in carry-on baggage, not in checked bags.
If you’re traveling with lithium batteries, check out this detailed post.
Please keep in mind: TSA agents have the final say on whether an item is allowed through security. Always be prepared for additional screening or potential confiscation.
I researched the TSA social media (X) for further information.
Charca asked if her straightener and curling iron need to be placed in a separate bin at security.
The AskTSA replied, no worries, they do not need to be removed from the carry-on bag.
George asked if his wife’s corded curling iron is allowed in her carry-on bag.
The AskTSA relied that, it’s safe to bring curling irons in carry-on bags.
| Items | Carry on luggage | Checked baggage | Need to be removed from bag |
| Curling Irons / Hair Straighteners with cords | Yes | Yes | No |
| Curling Irons / Hair Straighteners without cords | Yes | No | No |
Are there any size restrictions for curling irons?
No, the TSA or other airport authorities do not have specific size limits for curling irons.
The only thing that airlines care most is the size of your carry-on and personal item, so ensure your tool fits in your carry-on or personal item.
Can You Take Curling Iron In Checked Luggage?
Yes corded curling irons, hair straighteners, and flat irons can go in your checked luggage.
However, cordless items with lithium batteries or butane gas are not allowed unless the battery is removed.
Keep in mind that it’s not advisable to pack valuable or fragile items in checked baggage, as they are more prone to damage or theft.
This is what happened to Eleen.
Delta Airlines destroyed her curling iron.
This passengers also got her $200 curling iron and straightener gone.
Read also: How Often Are Items Stolen From Checked Bags?
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 and protected.
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.
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 styling tools are generally allowed on international flights.
When flying internationally, you can usually take and use your curling iron without any issues.
but a corded item, make sure it is compatible with the electrical outlets and voltage in your destination country.
This information is typically listed in your product’s description look for a voltage range like 110–240V.
To stay prepared, pack a universal travel adapter. It will allow you to plug your tools into outlets around the world and avoid any inconvenience during your trip.
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.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
 | HOT TOOLS Pro Signature Gold Curling Iron, 1-1/4 Inch |
 | Conair Double Ceramic 1-Inch Curling Iron |
 | REVLON Crystal C + Ceramic Curling Iron, 1 inch |
 | BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Spring Curling Iron |
 | T3 – SinglePass Curl Professional Curling Iron Custom Blend Ceramic Curling and Styling iron. |
 | Conair Supreme Curling Iron Combo Pack; 1/2-inch, 3/4-inch, & 1-inch. |
 | ghd Platinum+ Styler – 1″ Flat Iron, Professional Performance Hair Styler, Ceramic Flat Iron, Hair Straightener. |
Final Thoughts On Traveling With a Curling Iron On a Plane.
Most airlines and airport security authorities including the TSA treat curling irons and other styling tools as normal items, as long as they don’t contain lithium batteries or gas.
If your tool does contain a lithium battery, place it in your carry-on, not your checked bag.
Although you can check in corded tools, I recommend keeping them in your carry-on especially expensive ones to avoid damage or loss.
Taking items in carry-on will give you more control over them and how you handle them.
FAQs: Your Questions About Bringing Curling Irons On a Plane Answered
Corded curling irons made with ceramic, tourmaline, metal, or a combination are good to go in carry-on and checked bags.
Cordless rechargeable curling irons with lithium batteries must be placed in your carry-on only. Butane or gas-powered curling irons are allowed only in carry-on with restrictions on the gas cartridge.
Curling irons with lithium batteries can cause a significant fire hazard, when placed in checked bags so they need to be kept in your carry-on bag all the time. also make them easy to reach during the screening process as TSA clerks may want to inspect them.
Gas or butane powered curling irons with cartridges are permitted only in carry-on bags and limited to the installed cartridge. Uninstalled gas refills are prohibited in both carry-on and checked luggage for safety reasons, so leave them home.
You generally do not have to remove your curling iron from your carry-on bag during security screening. but, if TSA agents request, place it in a clear bin separate from your other items to facilitate inspection.
When traveling internationally, the same rules are as domestic flights, just ensure your curling iron supports the voltage of your destination country, typically 110-240V. Using incompatible voltage without a converter can damage your device.
The TSA may be slightly strict with passing a curling iron if it is with gas or butane cartridges (even though they are allowed), and when transported in checked baggage, your curling iron can be damaged.
Flammable liquids such as hairspray or other aerosol styling products are subject to TSA rules and may not be allowed in carry-on or checked bags depending on quantity and packaging.
I hope this helps.
Happy Travels
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