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Hair straighteners and hair styling (heated) devices – battery powered

 
Carry-on bag
Checked-in luggage
Hair straighteners and hair styling (heated) devices – battery powered
 
 

Can I take this item on a plane?

No. Battery powered heated hair styling devices are not permitted unless the battery, heating element or other component can be removed. An example of 'other component' is a flight ready tag that, when removed, isolates the battery from the heating element.

What is a battery powered hair styling device?

Any hair straightener, curling iron, wave or crimping iron, brush or beard straightener that has a heating element and is battery powered.

What are the restrictions?

Hair straightenerFor battery powered hair styling devices to travel they must have:

  • the battery or the heating element removed from the device; or
  • a flight mode that has been activated by removal of another component such as a flight ready tag

Note: hair styling devices that have a plug attached and use mains power to operate can travel. 

  • If a hair styling device does not have a flight mode (activated by removal of a flight ready tag), or the battery or heating element cannot be removed, they cannot travel.
  • Activation of a locking mechanism or insertion of a tag/plug to prevent accidental activation is not sufficient to meet the requirements.

Note: if the battery has been removed from the device, the battery must be carried in carry-on, in an individual bag, a protective pouch, or with tape placed over exposed terminals.

  • The battery cannot exceed the allowable watt hour limits.

Note: for more information on the allowable watt hour limits see:  Travelling with batteries

  • Hair styling devices must not be used during the flight at any time.

Why is this item restricted?

Battery powered heat producing devices, where the heating element and battery have not been isolated or a flight mode has not been activated, may overheat and catch fire.

What happens if I carry a battery powered hair styling device that is prohibited from travelling?

If you carry a battery powered hair styling device prohibited from travel in your carry-on luggage, you will be asked to relinquish it.  If you refuse:

  • you will not be permitted to move through the screening point, and
  • your airline will be advised of your refusal.

If you carry a battery powered hair styling device prohibited from travel in your checked luggage, it will be removed from your checked luggage and handed over to your airline.

What happens if I have a restricted item in my carry-on bag?

You will be asked to relinquish all dangerous or prohibited items found in your carry-on luggage. If you refuse:

  • you will not be permitted to move through the screening point, and
  • your airline will be advised of your refusal.

How does Aviation Security screen for restricted items?

AvSec X-ray bags going onto aircraft to ensure there is nothing dangerous in them.

  • Checked luggage - if something comes up on the X-ray that needs investigating, the bag will be opened, searched and any dangerous good or prohibited item will be removed, with a bag search notification form left within the bag.
  • Carry-on - if something comes up on the X-ray that needs investigating an AvSec Officer will request a bag search, and the bag will be opened and searched in your presence. If any dangerous goods or prohibited items are found, you will be asked to relinquish them.  If you refuse:
    • you will not be permitted to move through the screening point, and
    • your airline will be advised of your refusal

What if my items are removed?

If you want to retrieve an item that has been removed, please contact your airline as soon as possible. The airline will dispose of items within three to seven days, so the sooner you make contact, the better your chance of having the items returned to you. For more information, see:

Retrieving your removed items

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