Can You Bring a Curling Iron On A Plane? [TSA Rules 2026]
One of the questions we get most often is can you bring a curling iron on a plane? According to the TSA website, the simple answer is yes. But there are some restrictions depending on the type of curling iron or straightener you are bringing.
So, read on for everything you need to know before you pack your curling iron or other hair tools for your next vacation.
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Corded Curling Iron or Flat Iron
YES! Corded curling irons and flat irons are safe as long as they are completely cooled before packing. You have the most packing options with a traditional corded curling iron. Just make sure that whether you put it in your carry-on or your checked bag that you use a travel cover to protect it from damage.
CARRY ON BAG
Store your cooled corded curling iron in a travel pouch and safely pack it in your carry on bag. You shouldn’t have to take it out when going through security, but always follow TSA agent directions.
CHECKED BAG
Corded curling irons are allowed to be stored in checked bags as long as they have had time to cool and are protected in a heat-resistant pouch. I tuck mine in between the grooves in the bottom of the suitcase to save room.
Cordless Rechargeable Curling Irons
YES, with restrictions! Cordless rechargeable curling irons are lightweight and convenient. With USB-C connections similar to a cell phone, tablet, or laptop, cordless curling irons can charge in a few hours and heat up for 30 – 60 minutes. And, like those other items powered with lithium batteries, cordless rechargeable curling irons must be packed in your carry-on bag due to the risk of fire.
CARRY ON BAG
Most cordless rechargeable curling irons are powered with lithium batteries. Due to the risk of fire, you will need to keep your cordless curling iron easily accessible in your carry-on luggage or personal item.
CHECKED BAG
Due to the risk of fire, appliances and electronics powered by lithium batteries including cordless curling irons are not permitted in checked luggage.
Cordless Butane Powered Curling Irons
YES, with restrictions! Gas or butane powered curling irons aren’t as popular as they once were, but they are still available. These appliances are powered by small gas cartridges. Butane powered curling irons don’t tend to heat up as well as the corded or battery operated options. But they are convenient when you won’t have access to electricity.
While you can pack a butane powered curling iron in your carry on, you are limited to the one cartridge installed in the iron. Gas refill cartridges are not allowed in either carry on or checked bags.
CARRY ON BAG
Cover the heating element with a heat proof safety cover. You also must guard against accidental activation, so a full travel cover is a good idea. Gas refills are not permitted, so you will be limited to the butane cartridge installed in the curling iron.
CHECKED BAG
For safety reasons, gas or butane operated curling irons are not permitted in checked luggage. Spare cartridges are not permitted in checked luggage.
Another Option For Travel
There is another option for traveling with hair tools if you’d rather leave the curling iron at home. Dyson made the all-in-one hair dryer / styler famous with its Airwrap. But, at over $500, it’s not an item in most of our budgets.
Shark came out with a similar styler that comes in at just over half that price.
Now, other manufacturers are starting to come out with their own versions. I picked up this styler for less than half the cost of the Shark and have been really happy with it. The straight hair dryer attachment is not quite as powerful as I would like for my thick, coarse hair, but it still works well.
The carrying case is extremely bulky, which is fine for storing the dryer and all the attachments at home. But, it wouldn’t work for travel. So, I bought this travel bag that fits much more easily in my luggage. I like it so much, I put away the hard storage case that came with my styler and use this one at home too.
Can You Bring a Curling Iron on an International Flight?
The short answer is yes. The TSA rules for packing curling irons are the same for domestic and international air travel. But, while the rules for international flights leaving the USA are the same, be sure to check the official guidelines for the countries you are visiting. Different countries may have different rules and you don’t have any surprises when flying home.
So, keep the cordless models in your carry on bags for international flights. And put your electric curling irons in either checked or carry-on baggage
How to Pack Your Curling Iron for Travel
So, now that you know that you can take your curling iron with you when you fly, let’s talk about the best way to pack your hair tools. High end hair appliances can be expensive, so you definitely want to protect your investment. The TSA recommends a heat-resistant pouch and we agree.
If your curling iron is corded, wrap the cord loosely in a figure 8 and tuck it into the pouch next to the iron. Don’t wrap the cord around the curling iron! Wrapping a cord tightly can damage the delicate wires inside the cord and cause your curling iron to short out.
Can You Bring a Curling Iron on a Plane? Final Thoughts
Yes, you are good to bring your trusty personal curling iron when you fly. Whether you choose Delta, American Airlines, or a budget carrier like Frontier curling irons can be packed for the trip. Just be sure to pay attention to the restrictions for cordless curling irons.
Also, don’t forget that the TSA agent has the final say in whether or not to let your curling iron pass through the security checkpoint. For that reason, I avoid the gas powered curling irons and stick with a traditional corded curling iron. I secure it in a travel pouch and pack in my carry on or checked bag.
I hope this helps make your packing decisions easier! Happy travels!
