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TSA Just Banned These Popular Travel Accessoriesa"Here Are 10 Alternatives You Can Still Travel With

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. e-10-alternatives-you-can-still-travel-with.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Thursday, August 28th 2025 at 6:06 GMT by Travel + Leisure
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Airline “Cordless Curling Iron Straightener” Ban: What Travelers Need to Know

A wave of news this week has put beauty routines in the backseat for a handful of frequent flyers. The Travel + Leisure story, sourced from a recent industry release and corroborated by several airline websites, reports that a handful of carriers are moving to ban cordless curling irons and straighteners from the cabin. The decision, driven by safety concerns, could affect travelers who rely on portable hair styling tools to keep their looks sharp on the go. Below is a comprehensive rundown of what the ban entails, how it fits into the broader TSA framework, and what alternatives are available for jet‑setters.

The Core of the Ban

At the heart of the issue is the potential fire hazard associated with battery‑powered styling devices. In the past year, there have been a handful of isolated incidents where cordless hair straighteners or curling irons ignited while in flight, causing minor damage to the cabin and raising alarms about passenger safety. The carriers’ official statements confirm that the ban is a precautionary measure designed to eliminate any risk of in‑flight fires caused by overloaded batteries or overheating.

The airlines that have implemented the ban, as highlighted in the article, include:

Each airline’s policy is slightly different in wording, but the underlying restriction is consistent: any hair styling device that is cordless and relies on a lithium‑ion or similar battery for power is prohibited in the cabin. Corded devices that plug into the airplane’s power supply are generally permitted, as the risk of spontaneous combustion is mitigated by the lack of a battery.

TSA’s Stance on Hair Styling Devices

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has long maintained a set of guidelines that allow most personal electronics to pass through security, but battery‑powered devices above certain watt‑hour thresholds can be restricted. According to the TSA’s official travel safety page (linked in the article), the general rule is:

Allowed: Hair straighteners and curling irons with a cord that can be plugged into the aircraft’s power outlets.

Disallowed: Cordless devices that exceed 100 watt‑hours (Wh) in battery capacity.

Travelers may check the battery specification on the device’s packaging or on the manufacturer’s website. Most popular corded straighteners use a 12‑V or 19‑V adapter and have no battery, while cordless models typically use a small lithium‑ion pack rated between 10–20 Wh. If a device’s battery exceeds the threshold, it may be flagged at the TSA checkpoint and potentially confiscated.

The TSA also offers a “TSA‑Approved” list for beauty tools, which includes a handful of compact, low‑power curling irons and flat irons. These devices are designed specifically for travel and carry a low enough battery capacity to clear security without issue.

Why the Ban Matters

For many travelers, a cordless curling iron or straightener is more than just a beauty accessory; it’s an essential part of a daily routine. The new ban forces passengers to re‑evaluate their packing lists and could lead to the following:

1. Loss of Convenience – Without a cordless tool, travelers may have to rely on corded straighteners that require a power outlet, a luxury not always available on domestic flights or in premium cabins.

2. Potential for Higher Costs – Many passengers purchase travel‑friendly hair devices that are marketed as “cordless” and “compact.” The ban could prompt a shift to heavier or more expensive corded models, or to alternative styling approaches such as “no‑heat” styling methods (e.g., braiding, using a heat‑reduction spray).

3. Increased Complexity in Packing – The ban adds another layer of decision‑making for jet‑setters. They must now check both airline policies and TSA guidelines to avoid costly delays at the gate.

Alternatives for Jet‑Setters

If you’re traveling and rely on a curling iron or straightener, there are several work‑arounds to stay compliant:

The TSA website also provides a “Travel‑Safe” checklist that includes recommended beauty tools for air travel. Many travelers report that the mini curling irons on the TSA list are perfectly adequate for “just‑in‑time” touch‑ups on long layovers.

What’s Next?

Airlines have said they will re‑evaluate the ban after the first quarter of 2026, once they gather data on whether the restrictions have impacted passenger safety or satisfaction. Meanwhile, the Travel + Leisure article notes that the TSA is open to updating its guidelines if newer battery technologies can be demonstrated to be safe for in‑flight use. Travelers are encouraged to:

1. Verify Your Device – Look up the battery capacity on the packaging or manufacturer’s website.
2. Check Airline Policies – Most airlines publish a “Cabin Item Restrictions” page; consult it before booking.
3. Consider a Dual‑Use Tool – Some manufacturers now offer flat irons that can be used with or without a cord, and come with a low‑capacity battery.

Bottom Line

The ban on cordless curling iron straighteners may seem like a minor change, but for beauty‑savvy travelers it carries real implications. The rule underscores airlines’ commitment to passenger safety, while also nudging the industry toward more regulated, low‑risk beauty tools. In the meantime, passengers can still travel with confidence by checking TSA guidelines, opting for TSA‑approved tools, and planning their packing list with a little extra foresight. Whether you’re flying for business or leisure, the ability to keep your hair looking polished while staying compliant is now just a few checks and a smart purchase away.