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TSA bans new item from travelers' checked luggage
Cordless curling irons, cordless flat irons and cordless hair straighteners with lithium ion batteries, lithium metal or gas or butane fuel have been banned from checked luggage but can be packed in carry-on bags.
LOS ANGELES - The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced new regulations for travelers, including a ban on certain hairstyling tools in checked luggage.
What we know:
The TSA and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have updated their list of prohibited items to include cordless hair devices that may contain hazardous materials like gas cartridges.
More specifically, the following types of hair tools are banned in checked bags, per the FAA:
- Curling irons or flat irons that contain lithium metal or lithium ion batteries
- Curling irons or flat irons that are gas- or butane-fueled
- Gas refills, or spare cartridges, for curling irons or flat irons.
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However, the FAA states that they are still permitted in carry-on bags, provided a safety cover is securely fitted over the heating element and the device is protected from accidental activation.
Hair tools that plug into an outlet are still allowed in both checked and carry-on luggage.
The backstory:
Earlier this year, the DHS announced it was ending the "shoes-off" travel policy for domestic passengers, which had been in place since 2001.
The original policy was a response to Richard Reid, also known as the "shoe bomber," who attempted to detonate an explosive device hidden in his footwear on a flight.
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According to a press release, the change is intended to "increase hospitality" and lead to "lower wait times."
Big picture view:
The current policy, which limits liquids to a quart-sized bag with containers no larger than 3.4 ounces, was first enacted in 2006.
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The recent changes to security procedures, from the "shoes-off" policy to the new ban on certain hair tools, suggest a broader effort to modernize airport screening by adapting to new technologies and threats while also improving efficiency for travelers.
The Source: This report is based on information provided directly by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) via their official websites and press releases. Additional context on the new rules and their background was confirmed by previous reporting.