Here’s how to fly without flyaways

Let’s set the scene, shall we? It’s the night before your long-awaited Christmas vacation to the Bahamas. Your bags are packed, flights are booked, and you’ve got your entire beachside look planned. But there’s one thing you’re not leaving behind—your trusty hair straightener. After all, a good hair day doesn’t stop for anyone, not even at 30,000 feet! But hold up, can you actually bring a hair straightener on a plane?

We get it, whether it’s a tropical getaway or a quick weekend trip to a city escape, those flyaways and frizz aren’t going to tame themselves. And who wants to deal with a bad hair day, especially when you’re about to take off on an adventure? You’ve got the outfits ready, but your sleek, shiny locks deserve to join you, too.

Before you toss that flat iron into your carry-on and breeze through security, it’s time to get real about the rules of air travel when it comes to your beloved styling tools. Is your hair iron allowed in hand carry? Can you actually whip out the hot tools for a mid-flight touch-up? We’re exploring the ins and outs of what’s allowed, so you can step off the plane with hair on-point, zero drama.

Ready to fly without the flyaways? Same. 

Can you take hair straighteners on a plane​?

First things first—yes, you can bring a hair straightener on a plane. No matter if you're jetting off for a dreamy vacation or heading on a business trip, your styling essentials can come along for the ride. According to the TSA (aka your travel BFF when it comes to what’s allowed and what’s not), hair straighteners are totally fine in your carry-on and checked baggage, but there are a few details you need to know before you board that flight.

1. Can you take hair tools in your carry-on?

Absolutely, babe! As long as your straightener is electric and doesn’t have any gas or fuel cartridges, you’re good to go. So that trusty flat iron? It’s a go. And don't worry about pulling it out at security either—most of the time, you won't have to unless it's requested for inspection. Just make sure it's cool before packing to avoid any surprises (aka burnt clothes in your bag... not cute).

2. What about cordless straighteners?

Now, if your hot tool is battery-operated, things get a *little* trickier. Cordless straighteners powered by lithium-ion batteries are allowed, but you must keep them in your carry-on—not your checked luggage. Why? Airlines have rules about batteries because, well, safety first. If you’re not sure whether your tool has a lithium-ion battery, check the manufacturer’s details before your trip to avoid any last-minute drama.

3. Can you bring hot tools in a carry-on?

The short answer is yes. As long as your hair straightener is electric and not fuel-powered, it can live in your carry-on. But here's the kicker: always check with your airline to make sure they don’t have any additional restrictions. Some international airlines, especially those with stricter guidelines (looking at you, British Airways), may have specific rules about hot tools, particularly if they have hydrocarbon gas or are battery-operated. Better safe than sorry, right?

With that said, if you're planning to use a battery-powered hair tool mid-flight... slow down, girlie. For safety reasons, airlines don’t allow the use of any hot tools onboard (even if you’re tempted to sneak in a quick touch-up in the bathroom mirror). So while you can bring your straightener on the plane, keep it stowed away until you reach your destination.

International jet-setter? Here’s what you need to know.

Planning that Christmas vacation in the Bahamas? Sign us up! But before you jet off to any dreamy destination, let's talk power outlets. The last thing you want is to arrive, straightener in hand, only to find out it doesn’t work because the plugs are all wrong. Nightmare.

1. Check the voltage

Here’s the deal: not all countries have the same electrical voltage. In the U.S., we use 120V, but in many other parts of the world—Europe, the UK, Asia—it’s typically 220V-240V. So, if your straightener isn’t dual voltage, you might find yourself stranded with limp locks. The good news? Most modern hair straighteners (especially the high-quality ones) are built to handle both voltages, but it’s always worth double-checking the label or the manufacturer’s guide. Look for something like "100-240V"—if you see that, you're golden.

2. Grab an adapter

Even if your straightener is dual voltage, the plug might not match the outlets in your destination. You’ll need a travel adapter to make sure it plugs in without a hitch. Trust us, this little tool is a game-changer. There are universal adapters that work in most countries, so invest in one before you go, and you’ll be set for your next adventure, whether it's Paris, Tokyo, or that island resort you’ve been dreaming about.

3. Get a heat-resistant case

Okay, so you’ve checked the voltage and packed your adapter. Now, think about protecting your straightener while on the move. A heat-resistant case can be a lifesaver, especially when you’re rushing to pack it up after one last touch-up. You don’t want to risk any heat damage to your suitcase or clothes, right? Look for cases designed specifically for hair tools—they’re compact, heat-safe, and ideal for travel.

What you should know about TSA rules

We all know airport security can be stressful—long lines, baggage checks, and that moment when you're praying your bags will make it through without a hitch. The last thing you want is for TSA to confiscate your beloved hair straightener. So, let’s get this straight (pun intended), can you pack it in your carry-on? What about checked luggage? Here’s the lowdown.

1. Corded hair straighteners

Hallelujah—your corded hair straightener is usually a go! You can pack it in both your carry-on and checked luggage without any issues. But if you're flying with a tight layover and you're thinking about those quick touch-ups before your next flight, keeping it in your carry-on might be the best move.

2. Cordless hair straighteners 

Here’s where things get harder.. If your straightener is cordless and powered by a lithium battery, TSA has stricter rules. You can only bring it in your carry-on—no checked bags allowed. This is because lithium batteries have a small risk of catching fire, and TSA needs to be extra careful. Make sure it’s powered off and safely stored to avoid any unwanted attention from security.

3. Straighteners with butane cartridges

Hello, the 90s called, they want their hot tools back. Got a gas-powered straightener? You might need to rethink packing it at all. Butane-powered hair straighteners are completely banned from checked luggage and are only allowed in your carry-on with special conditions (it can’t have any spare cartridges). Honestly, it’s more hassle than it’s worth, so we’d recommend leaving this one at home.

4. TSA PreCheck has its merits

If you find yourself flying often, it might be worth enrolling in TSA PreCheck. Not only do you get to keep your shoes on and skip the long lines, but your beauty tools (and sanity) will thank you, too.

Ready for take-off!

Traveling with your hair straightener doesn’t have to be a drama. From Christmas vacation in the Bahamas (sign us up) to a quick business trip to New York, your good hair day doesn’t have to stop just because you’re 30,000 feet in the air. Just remember the TSA rules, pack smart, and you’re all set for sleek, flyaway-free locks wherever you land.

Because let’s be honest, there’s enough turbulence on a plane—we don’t need bad hair adding to it. Ready to take your best hair day global? Now you are. Safe travels, girlie.