Traveling by plane is always the best way to travel, but it also has its stressful part which is going through TSA security checks. The phone on one side, the bag on another, now the shoes, the “sir, you have liquids in your suitcase”, the medicine bag, that bottle exceeds 100 ml… so many things! That’s why the TSA has a list of prohibited items in the cabin that it updates from time to time, and now we’re here to tell you the latest update of this list.
Among the prohibited objects in recent months there are no liquids, no peanut butter or butter sticks, there are hair straighteners. Yes, cordless hair straighteners that have lithium batteries, and you and I already know what happens on commercial flights with lithium batteries.
They want to reduce possible risks on every trip, so they will not accept either hair straighteners or vaping devices.
TSA and prohibited items
The TSA constantly reviews regulations so that all people who get on a plane do so under optimal safety conditions, they don’t want to put anyone in danger and that’s normal, we thank them too. But in their list of prohibited objects some forget that anything that has a battery cannot go in the plane’s hold. Neither cordless hair straighteners, nor power banks, nor gas-powered heat sources. It may seem silly but it’s not!!
What will I not be able to bring?
- Wireless beauty tools: Straighteners and curlers that use butane gas or lithium batteries are no longer allowed in carry-on luggage. The reason is that gas cartridges can explode due to pressure and damaged batteries can catch fire.
- High-capacity external batteries. Their size and energy density make them a real danger, since any overheating in a confined space can cause fire.
- Vapes and electronic smoking devices may only be transported in the cabin and you cannot use them during the flight.
What rules haven’t changed?
The regulations on liquids, gels, and aerosols remain in effect, you won’t be able to bring your favorite perfume if it exceeds 100 ml per container in carry-on luggage. Of course, sharp objects are still prohibited and firearms are only allowed in checked luggage and under declaration.
Why are these items a problem?
Because they catch fire, plain and simple. The FAA recorded at least 39 incidents with lithium batteries on commercial flights in 2024, endangering all passengers.
Vaporizers and gas tools are also a risk due to leaks or accidental ignitions. In an airplane there is very little room for maneuver if something catches fire, so it’s better to be cautious than to regret it later…
How do I avoid drama at the checkpoint?
The most important thing is to check your luggage before leaving along with the rules of the airport and the airline you’re flying with, remember the liquids and that everything with a battery must go with you in the cabin.
If you have doubts about what you can bring or not, check the TSA website or use the AskTSA tool on the social network X so they can help you with your question, and if you still have problems, easy: if it has a battery, it goes with you or leave it at home.
The TSA insists that their goal is not to bother travelers but to protect them from any problem or accident, it may seem excessive, but a fire a thousand feet high is not pleasant for anyone and it costs us nothing to check what we are bringing with us before stepping on the plane, don’t you think? Have a nice trip ;)!