If you are planning to travel soon, you should take into account the warnings issued by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Some hair products like straighteners, curlers, or hair dryers could be considered dangerous items on board, and carrying them could even result in a fine for the passenger. What danger does a hair dryer pose? Any device that has a lithium battery is considered dangerous when carrying it on board, especially if not done correctly. Lithium batteries can ignite spontaneously and cause a fire. That is why these types of devices must always be carried in hand luggage and not in checked baggage.
It’s as simple as facilitating the crew’s access to it in case of fire. The control is even more thorough when it comes to curling irons that use butane gas cartridges. In those cases, the FSAA considers them as ‘dangerous goods,’ so the TSA requires them to be carried in carry-on luggage with a protective cover over the hot surface. It is strictly prohibited to carry loading cartridges, and if caught, fines can range from $500 to $2570. Additionally, if the crew detects any of the items considered dangerous, they can be confiscated, destroyed, handed over to authorities, or retained by the airlines.
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Both administrations are related to the security and regulation of aviation standards at airports in the United States and belong to the U.S. Department of Transportation. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) focuses on the protection of security in the transportation system in general, while the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) specializes in the regulation, oversight, and operation of the civil aviation system in the United States.
New announcements
If you have a trip scheduled soon on your calendar, remember that it’s advisable to check the TSA updates to avoid surprises, and even fines. Both the TSA and the FAA have issued warnings about what can be carried both in carry-on luggage and in checked baggage. They have especially emphasized hair styling devices, such as irons, hair dryers, or curling wands, which can be considered dangerous items on board.
Lithium batteries
The regulations for lithium and gas batteries are clear. Lithium batteries can catch fire spontaneously, causing a real accident. This is why the TSA requires that all devices containing these types of batteries be carried in carry-on luggage, where the crew can locate them in case of incidents. This not only affects hair products but also any device with a lithium battery. On the other hand, there are references to curling irons that operate with butane gas cartridges.
In this case, the level of restrictions increases, as they are considered “dangerous goods.” Therefore, the TSA has very strict rules for their transportation: they can only be carried in carry-on luggage and must always have their protective cover on the hot surface. It is completely prohibited to carry charging cartridges, neither in carry-on luggage nor in checked luggage.
Sanctions
The danger they can pose is so great that the FAA considers curling irons as ‘hazardous materials,’ just like flammable liquids. If this rule is violated, the passenger will not only see their device confiscated, but they will also face a fine ranging from $500 to $2,570.
Other restrictions
Other devices and products that are also under the microscope of the TSA and FAA are electronic cigarettes and alcohol, which can only go in carry-on luggage. That is why it is better to review the regulations before we go on a trip, to ensure that we are not violating any rules, as well as not putting the rest of the passengers at risk.