Hair appliances on a plane
Check how the appliance heats up
At a US airport, the answer depends on whether the appliance plugs in, has a lithium battery or uses butane. Read the model label before packing it. Let the hot parts cool, cover the heating surface and protect any switch from accidental activation.
Corded dryers and straighteners
TSA allows an ordinary corded hair dryer or hair straightener in carry-on and checked baggage. Coil the cable and pack the appliance so it cannot be damaged. Check your airline's size and weight allowance separately; permission at the checkpoint does not create extra cabin space. See TSA's item list for these devices.
Cordless curling irons and batteries
A cordless curling iron with butane or a lithium battery belongs in carry-on at a US airport. For a butane model, FAA permits one per person, requires a secure heat cover and forbids spare gas cartridges. Protect a battery model against accidental activation too. Spare lithium batteries travel in carry-on only, with terminals protected against short circuits; see FAA battery guidance and our batteries and power guide. Another departure country may apply different conditions, so check the rules for the return flight.