The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has updated its rules for checked luggage.
According to new rules announced by the TSA on social media, cordless curling irons, flat irons, and hair straighteners that use lithium-ion batteries, lithium metal, or gas/butane fuel are now prohibited from checked luggage, though some of the items may be allowed in carry-on bags.
Newsweek has contacted the TSA for comment via email.
Why It Matters
The change directly affects millions of travelers who rely on battery-powered hair styling tools, particularly those who frequently fly for work or vacation.
What To Know
Travelers packing these devices in carry-ons must use a safety cover to prevent accidental activation. Spare gas cartridges are strictly banned from all luggage.
Wall-plugged hot tools remain allowed in checked baggage. Popular brands such as Tymo and Conair also offer cordless models that fall under the new restrictions.
The items have been flagged by the Federal Aviation Administration for having potentially hazardous materials, according to a report from TheStreet.
“Any cordless curling irons containing gas cartridges (butane) discovered in a checked bag will be removed and turned over to the airline as a HAZMAT item,” the TSA said on X.
This policy change comes a couple of months after the TSA’s July 8, 2025, decision to end the requirement for passengers to remove their shoes during security screenings.
The TSA said the policy change will increase hospitality for travelers and streamline the TSA security checkpoint process, leading to lower wait times.
“Ending the ‘Shoes-Off’ policy is the latest effort DHS is implementing to modernize and enhance traveler experience across our nation’s airports,” said Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
“We expect this change will drastically decrease passenger wait times at our TSA checkpoints, leading to a more pleasant and efficient passenger experience. As always, security remains our top priority. Thanks to our cutting-edge technological advancements and multilayered security approach, we are confident we can implement this change while maintaining the highest security standards. This initiative is just one of many the Trump administration is pursuing to usher in the President’s vision for a new Golden Age of American travel.”
Since Trump’s second term began, the Department of Homeland Security has made a series of moves aimed at streamlining airport security.
On July 2, TSA launched its “Serve with Honor, Travel with Ease” program, offering uniformed service members and their families benefits such as discounted TSA PreCheck enrollment and access to expedited security lanes at select airports. Earlier in May, the agency began enforcing REAL ID at checkpoints, achieving a 94 percent compliance rate and helping to speed up the security screening process.
What People Are Saying
Daniel Velez, the spokesperson for Florida’s TSA, told the Florida Times-Union: “Bottom line … If these items can catch fire in the cargo area where checked bags are transported, there’s no one there to put it out. That’s why they’re only allowed in carry-on bags.”
What Happens Next
The changes will come into effect immediately.
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