Can you take straighteners in hand luggage klm

Battery-free flat irons are permitted inside cabin baggage; styling devices that contain removable lithium-ion cells require that spare cells be stowed in the cabin only, with battery terminals insulated and individual capacity limits observed.

Adhere to the following limits: spare lithium-ion cells up to 100 Wh are allowed without airline approval; cells from 100 Wh to 160 Wh require written approval from the carrier and are usually limited to two per passenger; cells above 160 Wh are prohibited. Power banks are treated as spare batteries and follow the same restrictions.

Devices with built-in batteries must be fully powered off and protected against accidental activation. Spare batteries must not be placed in checked baggage; devices with installed batteries may be accepted in checked compartments subject to security screening and airline policy – when in doubt present the item at the checkpoint for inspection.

Follow the Dutch national carrier’s application of EU/IATA rules: check battery marking (Wh or calculate from mAh and voltage), tape exposed terminals or use original packaging, keep spare cells in individual pouches, and obtain airline approval before traveling with cells between 100–160 Wh. These steps reduce the risk of confiscation or boarding refusal.

Rules for carrying hair irons in cabin bags with the Dutch flag carrier

Keep corded and battery-powered flat irons in carry-on; spare lithium batteries must remain in the cabin and battery terminals must be insulated.

Specific limits and actions:

Item	Carry-on	Checked baggage	Action
Corded hair iron (no battery)	Allowed	Allowed	Pack cooled, unplugged, cord secured
Device with non-removable lithium-ion battery (≤100 Wh)	Allowed	Usually allowed but cabin preferred	Power off; present at security if requested
Removable lithium-ion battery (≤100 Wh)	Allowed; spares in carry-on only	Prohibited for spares	Store spare cells in protective sleeves; tape terminals
Lithium-ion 100–160 Wh	Allowed with airline approval (max two spares)	Generally prohibited	Obtain carrier approval before travel
Lithium-ion >160 Wh	Prohibited	Prohibited	Do not attempt to transport

Security screening may require powering the appliance on; ensure enough charge for a quick test. Remove loose combustible fuel canisters and butane cartridges; those are banned.

Packing recommendations: use a heat-resistant pouch, separate fragile plates with padding, coil the cord without tight bends, and keep the device accessible for inspection. Spare cells should be individually wrapped and carried in the cabin-side pocket.

For a compact protective accessory that doubles as a stowage option in a carry-on, consider lightweight gear such as a shock-absorbent pouch or an alternative travel item like best reverse close umbrella.

Final step before departure: consult the carrier’s official transport rules and the departing airport’s security guidance for the latest restrictions and any required approvals.

Rules for carrying hair styling irons in cabin baggage (Dutch carrier)

Store flat irons and cordless hair irons in carry-on cabin baggage; devices must be fully powered off, cooled to ambient temperature, and packed to prevent accidental activation or contact with metal objects.

Lithium battery limits: installed lithium‑ion cells up to 100 Wh are allowed in the cabin without approval; removable batteries between 100 Wh and 160 Wh require written airline approval and are limited per passenger; spare lithium batteries must remain in the cabin, have terminals insulated (tape or original packaging), and batteries above 160 Wh are prohibited.

Checked baggage guidance: appliances with non-removable batteries may be accepted in checked bags at the carrier’s discretion if switched off, but spare batteries are not permitted there; whenever possible place any device with a removable battery in the cabin instead of checked storage.

Screening and gate procedures: expect X‑ray inspection and possible manual check of styling irons; security officers may request removal from bags for inspection or ask that a device be gate‑checked if there are battery concerns. Labelled voltage/battery information speeds up checks.

Packing recommendations: use a heat‑resistant pouch or padded case, secure cords and plugs, remove and insulate removable cells, carry chargers separately, keep the device accessible for security, and retain proof of battery capacity (manufacturer label or manual).

For related appliance safety information consult are there gases in the foam insulation of freezers.

Cordless and battery-powered hair irons: allowed on airline flights

Cordless or battery-powered hair irons are allowed in the cabin provided the lithium battery is 100 Wh or less, terminals are insulated, the unit is switched off, and any spare lithium batteries are carried in carry-on only.

Specific battery limits and approval

≤100 Wh: permitted without airline approval when installed in the device or carried as a spare in the cabin.
100–160 Wh: allowed only with explicit airline approval; maximum two spare batteries in this range per passenger and they must be in cabin baggage.
>160 Wh: forbidden from passenger aircraft (neither in cabin nor in checked baggage).
Non-rechargeable alkaline/NiMH batteries: generally not restricted the same way, but spare cells should have terminals protected.

Practical checklist before travel

Locate the battery rating on the label; if only mAh and voltage are given, calculate Wh: Wh = V × (mAh ÷ 1000). Example: 14.8 V × 2200 mAh ÷ 1000 = 32.56 Wh.
Keep spare lithium batteries and power banks in cabin baggage; do not pack spares in checked baggage.
Protect battery terminals with tape or original packaging to prevent short circuits.
Ensure the appliance cannot switch on accidentally (use built-in lock or pack in a way that prevents activation).
If the battery exceeds 100 Wh, contact the airline before travel to request approval and instructions; bring proof of battery rating.
Power banks are treated as spare lithium batteries: subject to the same Wh limits and carry-in rules.

Do lithium batteries in flat irons require special handling for airline cabin baggage?

Store all lithium cells and packs in cabin baggage; follow IATA/airline lithium rules and protect terminals against short circuits.

Installed batteries inside a styling iron: allowed in cabin baggage if the device is switched off and protected from accidental activation.
Spare (removable) lithium-ion batteries and power banks: carry only in cabin baggage; not permitted in checked baggage.
Terminal protection: tape exposed terminals or use original packaging or individual battery pouches to prevent contact with metal objects.

Use or charge hair irons during a flight

Recommendation: Do not operate heated styling irons inside the cabin; charging battery-powered models is permitted only when battery chemistry, watt‑hour rating and the carrier’s policy are met.

In-flight operation: Mains-powered heating appliances present fire and burn hazards and are generally prohibited from use in the cabin. Crew members will require immediate shutdown and stowage if a device emits smoke, unusual odor or excessive heat. Styling in aisles, near galleys or in lavatories is not allowed.

Onboard charging: Charging an integrated lithium-ion appliance via seat AC or USB power is usually allowed, provided the device remains attended and does not exceed battery limits. External power banks are treated as spare lithium batteries and must follow the same restrictions; charging must cease on crew request.

Lithium battery rules (practical numbers): Up to 100 Wh – permitted in the cabin without approval. 100–160 Wh – airline approval required and typically limited in quantity. Over 160 Wh – forbidden in both cabin and checked stowage. If only mAh and voltage are printed, calculate Wh = (mAh/1000) × V.

Pre-flight checklist: Verify battery type and Wh rating on the device or battery; place spare batteries in individual protective sleeves; store the appliance and spares in the cabin bag; avoid charging unattended; do not board with damaged or bulging batteries; comply with any gate/crew instructions.

Special cases: Devices using gas cartridges or fuel cells are not permitted. Defective batteries must not be carried. When airline policy is unclear, declare the item at check-in or consult the gate agent before boarding.

Tip: Small accessories that fit easily into the cabin bag simplify stowage – see best compact umbrella for sun protection.

How to pack styling irons to pass airline security screening

Store cooled styling irons in a hard-sided case or heat-resistant sleeve with the power switch set to OFF and the plate surfaces covered.

Coil the mains lead separately and secure with a Velcro strap or cable tie; avoid wrapping the cord tightly around the appliance to prevent internal wire strain and false alarms on X-ray.

Remove any removable battery packs and place them in a clear resealable bag; insulate exposed terminals with non-conductive tape and keep spare cells individually protected.

For models with non-removable batteries, carry a copy of the technical specification (mAh or Wh) or a photo of the original box in case security requests capacity details.

Position the protected case near the top of the cabin bag for rapid retrieval during screening and be prepared to present the device separately in a tray if asked by staff.

Pad the case with soft items and keep the appliance away from liquids, aerosols and sharp objects to prevent damage and reduce the chance of secondary inspection.

What to do if the carrier refuses a flat iron at the gate (storage, check-in, disposal)

If gate staff refuse a flat iron, immediate options are: gate-check into the hold, place in airport short‑term storage, or surrender/dispose according to battery rules.

Gate check: request a gate‑check tag at the boarding desk; the device will be placed in the aircraft hold and returned at the destination baggage belt or at the aircraft door. Expect standard checked‑baggage liability limits; if no free checked allowance applies, standard checked‑bag fees may be charged at the desk. Pack the tool in a protective sleeve or hard case and label it; keep proof of gate tagging/receipt for claims.

Airport storage: most terminals offer a left‑baggage office or lockers near arrivals/terminals. Typical rates: small locker EUR 5–10 per 24 hours, medium EUR 8–15, large EUR 12–25; automated kiosks accept card payment. Locate facility via airport website or information desk; staff will issue a receipt with storage duration and item description–retain it until reclaim.

Battery rules affecting options: lithium cells >100 Wh require airline approval; between 100 Wh and 160 Wh allowed only with carrier approval and usually limited to two spares; >160 Wh normally forbidden for both cabin and hold. Removable batteries should be removed and carried in cabin baggage, terminals permitting. Devices with non‑removable lithium batteries may be refused for check‑in and must be surrendered or stored offsite.

Disposal and surrender: security may confiscate prohibited devices; when removal is mandatory, surrender to security or airline staff at the gate. For defective, swollen or leaking cells, inform a staff member immediately–do not place in general waste. Many airports provide battery collection bins or hazardous waste points; if unavailable, airport operations will advise safe disposal or arrange collection. Keep any confiscation receipts issued by security.

Practical checklist before approaching gate: verify battery Wh rating printed on device or in manual; bring spare batteries separately in carry‑on if allowed; have a protective case and a payment method for gate check or storage fees; request written confirmation for any item checked or surrendered.