Yes. Corded flat irons are unrestricted in carry-on and checked bags. Cordless flat irons powered by lithium batteries or butane are carry-on only, with a safety cover over the plates; spare gas cartridges are banned.
Corded flat irons are allowed with no special restrictions. Cordless lithium or butane flat irons are allowed in the cabin only if a safety cover is securely fitted over the heating element and the tool is protected from switching on accidentally.
Corded flat irons may go in checked bags. Cordless flat irons that run on lithium batteries or gas/butane are not allowed in checked bags.
Checked against official TSA, FAA and government pages on . These are US rules unless we say otherwise; the TSA officer at the checkpoint makes the final call.
The rules in numbers
- Corded (plug-in) flat irons: no restriction in either bag
- Cordless lithium or butane flat irons: carry-on only, safety cover on the heating element, protected from accidental activation
- Butane-powered irons: one per person (FAA), and spare gas cartridges/refills are forbidden in all bags
- Lithium-ion batteries: up to 100 Wh allowed without approval; 101-160 Wh needs airline approval; over 160 Wh forbidden
Packing tips
- A heat-resistant pouch or the original plate lock/cap can serve as the safety cover; a loose iron in a bag is what gets flagged.
- If an airline forces you to gate-check your carry-on, take a cordless iron out and keep it with you, since it cannot travel in the hold.
- Corded irons sold in the US are 120 V; check whether yours is dual-voltage before using it abroad with only a plug adapter.
Outside the US
- CanadaCATSA permits electric hair dryers, curling irons and flat irons in both carry-on and checked bags, the same as the US. Source
Flying somewhere else? See the rules for the UK, EU, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Japan.
Questions people ask
Can I put a cordless flat iron in my checked bag?
No. TSA does not allow cordless straighteners powered by lithium batteries or butane in checked bags; pack them in your carry-on with a safety cover on the plates.
Can I bring a hair straightener in my carry-on?
Yes. Corded straighteners are unrestricted, and cordless ones are allowed in carry-on as long as the heating element is covered and the tool cannot switch on accidentally.
Can I bring butane refills for my straightener?
No. Spare gas cartridges for butane hair tools are not permitted in carry-on or checked bags.