Can you take straighteners on a plane?

The rules at a glance

The UK government publishes general hand luggage rules on gov.uk, and the Civil Aviation Authority publishes guidance on dangerous goods for passengers. Your airline can apply stricter rules, so its own guidance is the final word.

Corded straighteners

A plug-in straightener has no battery and no fuel, so it is treated like any other small electrical item. You can normally pack it in hand luggage or checked luggage. Security staff may ask you to take it out of your bag for screening, so pack it where you can reach it.

Make sure it is completely cool before you pack it. A straightener can stay hot for a while after switching off, and a hot styler in a bag is a fire risk. A heat-resistant pouch is worth having for this reason.

Can you take cordless straighteners in a cabin bag?

Usually yes, and the cabin is generally the only place they can go. Lithium-ion batteries can overheat if damaged, and a fire in the cabin can be spotted and dealt with quickly, while one in the hold cannot. That is why airlines generally ask for battery-powered stylers in hand luggage.

Common conditions include switching the styler off, protecting it from switching on by accident, and fitting a heat-resistant cover over the plates. Some rules also ask you to remove the battery if it can be removed. Most consumer stylers have batteries well under the 100 Wh limit that applies to many personal devices, but check the label if you are unsure. ghd describes its cordless Unplugged as cabin luggage friendly, and supplies a heat-resistant case.

Note:Do not pack a cordless styler that is damaged, swollen or has been dropped hard. Never pack spare lithium batteries or power banks in checked luggage.

Gas-powered stylers

Some cordless stylers run on butane gas cartridges rather than batteries. Rules for these are stricter. They are commonly limited to one per passenger, in hand luggage, with a safety cover over the heating element, and spare gas refills are not allowed. Check with your airline before taking one, or choose a battery or corded model for travel instead.

Tips for getting through security

If you are heading to the USA or Japan, a UK straightener may not heat properly; see straighteners not working abroad. For options built for travel, see our best straighteners for travel guide.

1. 1

   Check your airline's dangerous goods page if your styler has a battery or gas.

2. 2

   Let the styler cool fully, then pack it in a heat-resistant pouch.

3. 3

   For cordless stylers, switch off and use any travel lock the maker provides.

4. 4

   Pack it near the top of your bag in case it needs screening separately.

5. 5

   Bring the right plug adapter, and check the voltage for your destination.

See travel straighteners →

Which straightener is best for flying?

A universal-voltage corded straightener is the simplest choice: no battery rules and it works worldwide with a plug adapter. A cordless straightener is handy for touch-ups during a trip, but it brings the cabin-only rules and needs charging. Our how do cordless straighteners work article explains battery runtimes, and is the Dyson Corrale worth it looks at Dyson's cordless model.

If you mainly want compact size, a mini straightener with narrow plates takes up less room, though it is slower on long hair.

Frequently asked questions

Can I take hair straighteners in my hand luggage? Yes, corded straighteners are normally allowed in hand luggage from UK airports. Check your airline's rules.

Can I put cordless straighteners in my suitcase? Generally no. Battery-powered stylers usually need to travel in the cabin. Check your airline before you fly.

Do I need to take straighteners out at security? Sometimes. Security staff may ask you to remove them for screening, so pack them where you can reach them.

Can I use straighteners on the plane? No. Using heated styling tools in the cabin is not allowed on airlines.