When you’re packing for a flight — whether it’s a weekend getaway or a long vacation — knowing what you can and can’t bring can save you time, hassle, and even confiscated items at the airport. In 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) introduced or clarified several important guidelines affecting hair straighteners, cordless styling tools, electronic cigarettes (vapes), and batteries. This guide explains what’s banned, what’s allowed, and essential tips for savvy travelers.
Why the TSA Updated These Rules
The TSA updates its prohibited items list to enhance flight safety. Many recent changes focus on devices powered by lithium batteries or fuel cartridges (like butane), which can pose fire hazards if they accidentally activate or overheat — especially in the checked cargo area where crew can’t monitor them.
What’s Banned in Checked Luggage
Here’s what travelers cannot pack in checked bags under the TSA’s current rules:
Hair Tools
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Cordless hair straighteners powered by lithium-ion batteries or gas/butane cartridges are banned in checked luggage.
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Cordless curling irons and similar hair gadgets with battery or fuel sources also fall under this ban.
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Butane cartridges (spare fuel) are not allowed anywhere (not in checked and not in carry-on).
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If these are found in checked bags, they may be confiscated or handled as hazardous materials.
Vapes & Electronic Smoking Devices
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Vapes (electronic cigarettes), power banks, and spare lithium batteries are not allowed in checked baggage due to the risk of overheating or fire.
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These items must be carried in your carry-on baggage only.
What You Can Bring
Don’t panic — many common items are still permitted:
Allowed Items
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Corded hair straighteners and curling irons that plug into outlet power are allowed in both checked and carry-on bags.
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Disposable lighters without fuel and other safe devices may be allowed (check TSA’s 3-1-1 liquids rule for specifics).
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Vapes and e-cigarettes can travel with you only in carry-on baggage — they must remain off during the flight.
TSA Carry-On Rules Explained
For the safety of all passengers, the TSA requires that devices posing a fire risk — like lithium-battery-powered tools or vaping devices — be kept where they can be monitored during flight (in the cabin). This helps flight attendants respond quickly if a device malfunctions.
Carry-on only items:
• Cordless hair tools with batteries or gas cartridges
• E-cigarettes and vapes
• Spare lithium batteries (under watt-hour limits)
Not allowed anywhere:
• Butane or gas cartridges (even in carry-on)
Expert Tips for Stress-Free Packing
1. Always check the TSA website before travel. Rules can change quickly based on safety data.
2. Use the “What Can I Bring?” tool on TSA.gov or the MyTSA app to double-check items.
3. Place all batteries and devices in your carry-on: That’s the safest and least likely to be confiscated area.
4. If your device overheats, the flight crew can respond immediately — unlike in checked hold.
FAQs – TSA Bans Hair Tools & Vapes
Q: Can I fly with my hair straightener?
A: Yes — plug-in (corded) straighteners are allowed in both carry-on and checked bags. Only cordless battery-powered or gas-powered ones are restricted from checked luggage.
Q: Can I bring a vape through TSA?
A: Yes — but only in your carry-on, and the device must stay off. Batteries and vapes should never be packed in checked luggage.
Q: What happens if TSA finds a banned item?
A: The device may be confiscated or treated as a hazardous material item and turned over to the airline.
Final Takeaway
The TSA has not completely banned hair straighteners and vapes from flying, but it has banned certain cordless and battery-powered versions from checked luggage due to safety concerns. Knowing the rules ahead of time ensures you pack smartly — avoid confiscation, and arrive relaxed and ready for your journey.