Using a curling iron is a vital part of many women’s hairstyling regimes, so you might be wondering if you can bring one on your next flight.
According to TSA regulations, you can bring corded curling irons on a plane in both your carry on and checked bags.
Cordless curling irons that contain lithium metal or lithium-ion batteries or are gas or butane fueled can be packed in your carry on, but are not allowed in your checked bags.
You might also be wondering if the rules change when flying internationally?
Where the TSA stands when it comes to bring hair straighteners, hair dryers, and other haircare and styling products on a plane?
And if your curling iron will work outside the USA.
The TSA state that you bring corded curling irons in your carry on bags, as well as cordless irons that contain lithium metal or lithium-ion batteries or are gas or butane fueled.
As most women use corded curling irons, and gas or butane fueled curling irons are very rarely seen today, it’s very likely that you will be able to bring your curling iron on a plane in your carry on bag without running into any issues.
The TSA also state that “a safety cover must be securely fitted over the heating element. The device must be protected from accidental activation.”
Checked Bags
If your curling iron contains a lithium metal or lithium-ion battery (or is gas or butane powered), it is not allowed to be packed in your checked bags.
This is because lithium metal or lithium-ion batteries, as well as gas or butane fueled curling irons, can be a fire hazard.
Only corded curling irons are allowed to pack in your checked bag.
Domestic vs. International Flights
If you’re flying internationally, you might be wondering if you will run into any problems when bringing your curling iron on a plane.
Fortunately, the same rules apply.
So, corded curling irons can be packed in both your carry on and checked bags, and cordless curling irons that contain lithium metal or lithium-ion batteries (or are gas or butane fueled) should only be packed in your carry on.
By Airline
All airlines follow TSA regulations.
So, this means that what we have written above applies to bringing a curling iron on a plane with any regional or major air carrier, including Southwest, Delta, United, American Airlines etc.
Curling Irons Don’t Need to Be Taken Out of Your
Curling irons (as well as hair straighteners and hair dryers) do not need to be taken out of your carry on for separate screening.
Not All Curling Irons Will Work Abroad
You’re probably already aware that countries around the world have different outlets and voltages.
This means that, depending on where you are traveling to, your curling iron might not work abroad without additional steps.
Dual-voltage curling irons will only need a travel adapter to work abroad, while non-dual-voltage irons will need both an adapter and voltage converter, though you can usually buy an adapter that changes the voltage too.
You can check to see if your curling iron is dual-voltage by looking at the curling iron itself.
Your curling iron may feature text that is printed on the handle, base or plug that states 100/240V or something similar that indicates that it is dual-voltage and will work abroad.
Generally, the voltage in the USA, Canada, Mexico, and other countries in Central and Latin America is 120 V, but is 220 – 240V everywhere else.
You Can Also Bring Hair Straighteners
The TSA state that corded hair straighteners are allowed on a plane in both your carry on and checked bags, as long they don’t contain batteries or gas/fuel cartridges.
Cordless hair straighteners that contain lithium metal or lithium-ion batteries or are gas or butane fueled are only allowed in carry-on bags
Ella Dunham, a Freelance Travel Journalist and Marketing Manager, boasts an impressive career spanning eight years in the travel and tourism sectors.
Honored as one of "30 Under 30" by TTG Media (the world’s very first weekly travel trade newspaper), a "Tour Operator Travel Guru" and "Legend Award" winner, Ella is also a Fellow of the Institute of Travel, a Member of the Association of Women Travel Executives, has completed over 250 travel modules, and hosts travel-focused segments on national radio shows where she provides insights on travel regulations and destinations.
Ella has visited over 40 countries (with 10 more planned this year).
