Recommendation: Electric styling irons are allowed in carry-on baggage on TUI flights when powered by mains or built-in cells, but cordless units with removable lithium‑ion packs belong in the cabin only and must meet IATA/airline watt‑hour limits.
Devices that run from mains power or have non-rechargeable internal cells can be placed in either checked or cabin baggage, provided plates are fully cooled, the tool is switched off, and any exposed heating surfaces are protected with a heatproof pouch or rigid case. Cordless models with lithium batteries require special handling: installed cells up to 100 Wh are normally acceptable; packs between 100 Wh and 160 Wh need prior airline approval; cells over 160 Wh are not permitted.
Spare lithium cells must travel in cabin baggage only, with terminals taped or kept in original packaging or individual plastic cases to prevent short circuits. Removable batteries should be left in the device where possible; if removed, each spare must be inspected and presented separately during security screening. Keep documentation of battery Wh rating if available.
Tools that use flammable gases or liquid fuels (butane cartridges, lighter refills) are banned from both cabin and checked baggage. At security, expect screening staff to request the styling iron in a separate tray; carry a small heat‑resistant pouch and a clear note of battery specifications to accelerate checks. When in doubt, contact TUI customer service before travel for a final confirmation based on model specifics.
Flat irons: cabin carriage rules for TUI flights
Recommendation: place flat irons in carry-on, fully powered off, completely cooled and enclosed in a heat-resistant pouch or hard case; removable lithium-ion cells should be taken out and stowed separately in protective covers inside the same carry-on.
Battery limits: lithium-ion units up to 100 Wh are permitted inside equipment; spare batteries up to 100 Wh are allowed in cabin only and must have terminal protection (tape or individual covers); batteries between 100 Wh and 160 Wh require airline approval and are limited to two spares; any battery over 160 Wh is forbidden for passenger carriage.
Mains-only appliances (no internal battery) may be placed in checked bags but carry in the cabin if possible to avoid accidental activation and to speed security inspections; devices with steam or water tanks must be drained and dry before screening.
Packing checklist: power fully off and unplugged; blades cooled and folded shut; plug pins taped or covered; device inside heat-resistant sleeve; removable batteries insulated and kept in carry-on; keep the appliance near the top of the bag for quick presentation at security; confirm TUI’s latest policy and the departure/arrival airport security notes before travel.
Airline policy on electric styling irons in carry-on
Recommendation: store electric styling irons inside cabin baggage only when fully powered off, completely cooled and placed in a heat-resistant protective case; remove any detachable lithium cells and carry those in the cabin with terminals insulated or taped.
The carrier’s published guidance aligns with IATA/Civil Aviation Authority standards: plug-in heating appliances are permitted onboard if inert at screening. Spare lithium-ion batteries must not be packed in checked stowage. Capacity limits: batteries under 100 Wh are generally acceptable in the cabin; batteries between 100 and 160 Wh require prior airline approval and are typically limited to two spare cells per passenger.
If choosing checked stowage for the appliance, reduce risk by locking the power switch, isolating plates with a protective cover, and avoiding placement of spare batteries there. Security officers may request removal of the device for inspection; non-compliance can result in seizure or denial of carriage.
Before travel, verify the carrier’s current rules on the official site, carry proof of battery Wh rating if applicable, and follow these packing steps: cool completely, protect heating surfaces, remove and insulate removable cells, retain removable cells in the cabin, and obtain approval for batteries 100–160 Wh. For an unrelated quick-reference link, see which green vegetables have protein.
Battery-powered and cordless flat irons: cabin baggage rules
Recommendation: Battery-operated and cordless flat irons are allowed in carry-on/cabin bags only when lithium battery rules are met: installed batteries in devices are generally permitted; spare or loose lithium batteries must travel in the cabin, not in checked bags.
Key numeric limits: lithium-ion cells up to 100 Wh are accepted without airline approval; batteries between 100–160 Wh require carrier approval and are limited to two spare units; batteries above 160 Wh are prohibited on passenger aircraft. Non-rechargeable lithium metal cells are restricted by lithium content (max 2 g lithium per cell).
Handling rules: removable batteries should be kept inside the device when possible; spare packs must have exposed terminals taped or be in original retail packaging or individually insulated pockets. Devices must be switched off and protected against accidental activation during screening. Power banks are treated as spare lithium batteries and follow the same Wh thresholds.
Practical checks: confirm the battery Wh rating on the label or calculate it with Wh = (mAh × V) / 1000 (example: 5,000 mAh × 3.7 V = 18.5 Wh; 20,000 mAh × 3.7 V = 74 Wh). Keep proof of rating accessible for security checks, pack devices where they can be retrieved easily, and verify carrier-specific rules before departure. For a rugged cabin case option see best luggage for safari trip.
Packing recently used styling irons in carry-on bags
Ensure styling irons are fully cooled before placing them inside a carry-on; packing while warm creates a fire hazard and may prompt additional screening.
Power off and unplug, then allow passive cooling on a non-flammable surface for 10–30 minutes depending on model: ceramic and tourmaline plates typically reach safe temperature within 10–20 minutes; metal-bodied units can take up to 30 minutes. Verify surface temperature below 40°C (104°F) with an infrared thermometer or by a careful touch at a safe distance.
Secure plates closed with the built-in clip or wrap in a heat-resistant sleeve or rigid case. Stow the protected item in an outer compartment or near the top of the carry-on for easy access during security checks. Keep away from aerosols, liquids, perfumes and spare lithium cells or power banks.
Cordless or battery-integrated models: cool fully before packing. Remove any removable cells and place them in insulated terminal covers; do not pack a warm battery-equipped device adjacent to combustible items.
Condition | Recommended action | Minimum wait time |
---|---|---|
Fully cool (≤40°C / 104°F) | Place in heat-resistant sleeve or rigid case and stow in carry-on | 0 minutes |
Warm but powered off | Let cool on non-flammable surface; do not pack until temperature safe | 10–30 minutes |
Currently hot / just used | Do not pack; leave to cool completely or arrange alternate transport | 30+ minutes |
Battery-equipped and recently used | Remove removable cells, insulate terminals; allow full cooldown before stowage | Follow manufacturer cooling guidance |
Present the item for inspection if requested by security staff and comply with instructions from the airport and the operating carrier.
How to pack flat irons to pass airport security for airline flights
Store cooled flat irons in a hard, heat-resistant case; coil the mains lead neatly, secure with a Velcro tie, and position the case at the top of the cabin bag for immediate access during screening.
Battery-powered and cordless models
Remove any removable lithium-ion cells and carry them in cabin baggage only. Spare cells must have terminals insulated (tape or individual plastic covers). Cells up to 100 Wh are allowed without airline approval; cells between 100 Wh and 160 Wh require prior approval from the carrier; cells above 160 Wh are prohibited. Devices with non-removable batteries should remain powered off and placed in the cabin bag.
Packing checklist and screening prep
1) Cool completely before packing; tuck into a thermal or metal travel case to avoid accidental activation. 2) Place device and spare batteries in a single, easily reachable compartment or transparent pouch to speed up X-ray inspection. 3) Keep instruction manual or battery specification label visible for quick capacity verification. 4) Avoid stashing devices under heavy items; security agents often request removal for separate scanning. For neat compartmentalisation and quick access choose an organiser such as best organized backpack.
Rules for spare batteries and power banks for styling irons on flights
Store all spare lithium cells and external battery packs in cabin baggage only; do not place them in checked baggage.
- Capacity limits (lithium‑ion):
- Up to 100 Wh: allowed in cabin without airline approval.
- Above 100 Wh and up to 160 Wh: allowed only with prior airline approval; maximum two spare units per passenger.
- Over 160 Wh: prohibited as spare batteries.
- How to calculate watt‑hours (Wh):
- Wh = (mAh ÷ 1000) × V. If internal voltage is not shown, use 3.7 V (nominal cell voltage) for conversion.
- Examples: 5,000 mAh at 3.7 V = 18.5 Wh; 10,000 mAh = 37 Wh; 20,000 mAh = 74 Wh; 27,000 mAh ≈ 99.9 Wh.
- Packing and protection:
- Terminate potential short circuits: cover exposed terminals with tape or keep batteries in original retail packaging or individual protective pouches.
- Place each spare battery or power bank in a separate compartment or plastic bag to prevent contact with metal objects and devices.
- Devices with built‑in batteries should be powered off; removable cells fitted into the appliance are allowed in cabin if the appliance is switched off and protected from accidental activation.
- Security screening and declaration:
- Present external battery packs separately if requested during screening; have capacity markings or proof of Wh rating available (box or specification sheet).
- If a unit exceeds 100 Wh, obtain written approval from the carrier before travel and declare the item at check‑in.
- Items found in checked baggage during screening may be confiscated and could cause flight delays.
- Types of cells:
- Lithium‑ion power banks follow the Wh rules above. Lithium‑metal primary cells have different limits (lithium content measured in grams) and are rarely used in power banks; check carrier guidance if present.
- Practical checklist before departure:
- Verify Wh marking on each power bank or calculate from mAh and voltage.
- Limit spares over 100 Wh to two units and obtain airline approval in writing.
- Pack all spare batteries/power banks in cabin baggage, terminals insulated, and keep them accessible for inspection.
- Bring product documentation or original packaging for any high‑capacity units.
Follow the carrier’s battery policy posted on its website for route‑specific restrictions and for confirmation of approval procedures for 100–160 Wh units.
How to contact the carrier or airport security to confirm flat iron allowance
Call the carrier’s customer service and the departure airport security office at least 72 hours before travel and obtain written confirmation (email, chat transcript or policy URL) stating whether a flat iron is permitted in cabin baggage.
Checklist for the call or message: provide booking reference, flight number, departure date, device brand and model, and battery specification (Wh or mAh and voltage). Request a direct link to the relevant policy page, the agent’s name, a reference number for the enquiry and an estimated decision deadline.
Phone script (speak clearly): “Booking reference [ABC123]. Flight [AB123] on [date]. Query about carrying a flat iron model [model number]. Battery spec [e.g. 7.4V, 2600mAh = 19.24Wh]. Please confirm allowance in cabin baggage and send written confirmation or a policy URL; record agent name and reference number.” Call during local office hours (typically 08:00–20:00).
Email/DM template (copy-paste): Subject: Confirmation request – flat iron allowance on flight [AB123, date]. Body: Booking ref: [ABC123]. Device: flat iron, make/model: [x]. Battery: [spec]. Request: written confirmation that the device may travel in cabin baggage, plus policy link and agent name/reference. Attach a photo of the device label if available.
How to reach airport security: open the airport website and search for “Security Operations”, “Terminal Operations” or “Aviation Security” contacts; use the operations phone number or official social media channels for rapid replies. If contact details are unclear, call the airport general enquiries number and ask to be transferred to security/operations.
If a definitive answer is not received before departure, arrive at the security checkpoint early and request to speak with the screening supervisor. Present printed or digital confirmation; ask for a written decision or refusal and note the staff name and time for escalation purposes.
For regulatory queries, consult national agencies: TSA Contact Center (US) for screening guidance, Civil Aviation Authority (UK) or the relevant national aviation authority for local rules. Keep screenshots, chat transcripts and any written confirmations accessible during travel.