Just when you thought the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was easing up on some of its policies and procedures that have long aggravated air travelers – such as removing your shoes to go through the security checkpoint – it’s now warning airline passengers to leave one common item at home.
According to an article by The Street, in August, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued updated Hazardous Materials (HazMat) guidelines, and many popular hair tools are no longer allowed in checked baggage.
As SF Gate explains, “cordless curling irons, cordless flat irons and cordless hair straighteners with lithium ion batteries, lithium metal or gas or butane fuel have been banned from checked luggage but can be packed in carry-on bags.” However, if a traveler wants to pack these tools in a carry-on bag, they must have a safety cover to prevent them from turning on.
The TSA says hot tools with a plug are allowed in checked baggage, but any cordless items discovered in baggage will be removed and “turned over to the airline as a HazMat item.”
This is a good time to remind everyone that spare lithium batteries and power packs, such as those to charge electronics, must also be removed from checked luggage. You can have them in your carry-on, but if you are asked to gate-check your carry-on, you must remove the batteries and keep them with you.
Will this new change impact your travels? Message The Seniors Trust on Facebook or X (formerly known as Twitter) and let us know how TSA rules affect what you pack when you fly.
