The TSA and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) just updated their prohibited items list, and a few popular hair styling tools have gotten the boot.
As of this week, cordless curling irons and flatirons with gas cartridges, butane-filled styling tools and gas refill cartridges are officially banned from checked baggage. The reason? They contain potentially hazardous materials that could pose a fire risk at 30,000 feet. If TSA officers spot these in your luggage, they can be confiscated on the spot.
RECOMMENDED: From the experts: tips for getting through airport security quickly
That doesn’t mean you’re doomed to a week of frizz if you’re flying. The FAA says these tools can still be packed in carry-on bags—but only if a safety cover is securely fitted over the heating element to prevent accidental activation. So if your cordless iron is coming with you, make sure it’s capped and secure in your carry-on before you zip up your bag.
Not affected: plug-in curling irons and straighteners. If your tool runs on a cord and outlet, you’re free to pack it in either carry-on or checked luggage.
This update is part of a broader TSA crackdown on travel items people often overlook. Earlier this year, the agency reminded passengers that spare lithium batteries and portable chargers must be carried in the cabin, not in checked bags. E-cigarettes, vape pens and most electronic smoking devices are under the same rule, thanks to the risk of fire. Even lighters are restricted: one per person, and definitely no torch lighters.
On the other hand, the TSA recently made a rare move to loosen a long-standing rule this summer. As of July 8, passengers no longer need to take off their shoes at domestic security checkpoints.
Rules are frequently updated, so if you’re hitting the skies, double-check what’s in your bag. The TSA’s "What Can I Bring?" list is the best way to avoid last-minute surprises at security.