Although passengers can now keep those laces tied while walking through airport security, a common beauty item carried by many may be subject to confiscation by TSA if found in a traveler’s checked bag. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has categorized cordless curling irons that use gas cartridges as hazardous materials for air travel.
Hazardous materials under the FAA include but are not limited to explosives, fireworks, ammunition, gases and aerosols, flammable liquids and solids, oxidizers and organic peroxides, toxic and infectious materials, radioactive materials, corrosives, lithium batteries, e-cigarettes, battery-powered vehicles and dry ice.
So what does this mean for anyone looking to travel with their cordless curling iron? Passengers will still be able to pack the hair tool, but only one per person and it must be in a carry-on bag with a safety cover.
Cordless curling irons are not permitted in any checked bags. If a cordless curling iron is found within a traveler’s checked bag, TSA will confiscate the item.
As for curling irons or straighteners with a cord, such items are not considered hazardous and are permitted in both checked and carry-on bags. Thus, if you want to avoid a bad hair day on vacation, consider investing in hair tools with cords instead.
Other popular travel accessories that are banned by TSA include portable chargers and power banks. To clarify, these items are only prohibited in checked baggage, and can still be brought onboard an aircraft so long as they remain in a carry-on bag and have a capacity of 100 watt-hours (Wh) or less.
Power banks and portable chargers are prohibited in checked bags due to their use of lithium batteries that pose a fire hazard.
Ahead of your next travels, you can explore TSA’s extensive prohibited item list to ensure you’re complying with all of the rules and regulations when packing. You may even be surprised what items you are permitted to bring.
Each year, TSA releases the 10 most absurd items found at checkpoints. Don’t let your luggage join next year’s list!