Travelers looking to style their hair on the go should pay attention to the TSA’s latest reminder on how to pack cordless hair tools.
The security agency and the FAA are reminding travelers that cordless curling irons containing lithium-ion batteries or gas cartridges cannot be packed in checked luggage.
Any device that contains lithium-ion batteries—from cordless curling irons to laptops, cellphones, vape pens, portable chargers, and more—cannot be placed in checked luggage, according to TSA and FAA regulations. The quick-charging batteries can easily malfunction, causing extreme heat, smoke, and fire and should be placed in carry-on bags and remain within an arm’s reach when flying.
The latest numbers for 2025 show that incidents with lithium-ion batteries causing smoke and fire on board planes are on the rise. The incidents now occur about two times per week on average.
Another potential safety concern specific to cordless curling irons is the portable gas cartridge. The cartridges usually contain butane, a potentially hazardous material that can only be brought aboard planes in limited circumstances.
However, passengers are still allowed to fly with cordless curling irons. The FAA says passengers can pack one cordless curling iron per person in their carry-on bag. A safety cover must be fitted over the device’s heating element, and the device must be protected from accidental activation.
Spare gas cartridges or refills are not permitted on board in either checked luggage or carry-on bags. Curling irons and flat irons with cords have no packing restrictions.
Passengers unsure if their curling iron or—any other item—is allowed to fly should visit the TSA’s “What Can I Bring?” page, which lists banned items and packing instructions for restricted items. Travelers can also submit direct questions to the agency’s handle @AskTSA on X and Facebook Messenger or by texting "Travel" to AskTSA (275-872).
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