Corded hair straighteners and curling irons can go in carry-on or checked bags. Cordless ones that run on a battery or butane go in your carry-on only, with a safety cover over the heating element.
Hair tools in carry-on and checked bags
Tool
Carry-on
Checked bag
Corded straightener or curling iron
Yes
Yes
Hair dryer
Yes
Yes
Cordless, with a lithium battery
Yes
No
Cordless, butane or gas cartridge
Yes (butane curling irons: one per person)
No
Spare butane or gas cartridges
No
No
Cordless battery tools
Besides the safety cover, protect a cordless straightener or curling iron from switching on by accident. Its lithium battery falls under the same Wh limits as a laptop’s.
Butane curling irons
The DOT rule allows one butane curling iron per person, in your carry-on bag.
Common questions
Can I bring a hair dryer on a plane?
Yes, TSA allows hair dryers in carry-on and checked bags.
Can I bring spare butane cartridges for my curling iron?
No, TSA doesn't allow gas refills for a curling iron in carry-on or checked bags.
The rules are TSA’s checkpoint list and the FAA’s PackSafe chart, with the DOT regulation behind it (49 CFR 175.10). Checked against published data from TSA, FAA and US DOT.
See all 8 sources
FAA, Printable PackSafe Chart (PDF, updated November 14, 2025)
US DOT, 49 CFR 175.10, Exceptions for passengers, crewmembers, and air operators (eCFR)
TSA, What Can I Bring?: Butane Curling Irons (cordless)
TSA, What Can I Bring?: Curling Iron (cordless)
TSA, What Can I Bring?: Curling Iron (with cord)
TSA, What Can I Bring?: Hair Straightener, flat iron (cordless)
TSA, What Can I Bring?: Hair Straightener, flat iron (with cord)
TSA, What Can I Bring?: Hair Dryers
General guidance from airline, TSA and FAA rules, checked on the date shown. Rules change, and the airline and security officers decide on the day: check your airline before you fly.