Can you take a hair dryer on a plane?

Corded hair dryers and stylers

Mains-powered hair dryers, Airwrap-style multi-stylers, straighteners and curling tongs without batteries are generally permitted in both hand luggage and checked luggage. They contain no battery or gas, so they are treated like other small electrical items.

At security you may be asked to take larger electrical items out of your bag for separate screening, so pack the dryer where you can reach it. Wrap the cable loosely rather than tightly around the body, and let the dryer cool fully before packing it.

Note:This is a general summary, not a rule book. Airlines and airports can apply their own restrictions. Always check gov.uk and your airline's own guidance before you travel.

Cordless stylers and lithium batteries

Cordless straighteners, curlers and travel dryers contain lithium-ion batteries. Aviation rules treat these batteries carefully because of the fire risk, and devices with lithium batteries generally need to travel in the cabin, where any problem can be spotted and dealt with.

Airlines typically set conditions such as switching the device off, protecting it from accidental activation and keeping it within battery size limits. Some do not allow these devices in the hold at all. Check your airline's dangerous goods or baggage page for the exact rules.

Gas-powered curling tongs

Butane-powered hair tongs are a special case. They are commonly allowed in limited numbers, with a safety cover fitted over the heating element, but spare gas cartridges are generally not allowed in either hand luggage or the hold.

Because the rules are specific and can vary by airline, gas tongs are worth checking well before you travel. Many travellers find a small corded or dual-voltage tool simpler.

What to check before you fly

The UK government publishes guidance on hand luggage restrictions at UK airports on gov.uk, and your airline publishes its own baggage and dangerous goods rules. If you are flying back from another country, the departure airport's rules apply on the return leg, which can differ.

When in doubt, contact the airline. Security officers have the final say on what goes through, so allow time in case your bag is checked.

1. 1

   Check gov.uk's hand luggage restrictions page.

2. 2

   Check your airline's baggage and dangerous goods rules.

3. 3

   Pack corded dryers where you can remove them at security.

4. 4

   Keep any battery-powered stylers in your hand luggage and switched off.

5. 5

   Check the voltage and plug type at your destination.

Will your dryer work when you get there?

Getting the dryer onto the plane is only half the story. Most of Europe uses 230 V like the UK but different plug shapes, so a plug adapter is usually enough. The US and Canada use around 120 V, so a single-voltage UK dryer will not work properly there even with an adapter.

Our guide to using a hair dryer abroad explains voltage, adapters and converters in detail. If you travel often, a lightweight dryer saves space and weight; see our best lightweight hair dryers.

See lightweight hair dryers →

Packing tips

Pack the dryer in a soft case or wrap it in clothing to protect the outlet and attachments. Magnetic attachments can detach in a bag, so pack them separately in a pouch. Leave the dryer to cool fully before packing; a warm dryer in a closed bag is not ideal.

Do not wrap the cable tightly around the dryer, as this strains the wires where they enter the handle. Coil it loosely and secure it with a soft tie. Our article on how long a hair dryer lasts explains why cable care matters. Many hotels also provide a dryer, which may be enough for a short trip.

Frequently asked questions

Can I take a hair dryer in my hand luggage? A standard corded hair dryer is generally allowed in hand luggage on flights from UK airports. You may need to take it out at security.

Can I pack a hair dryer in checked luggage? Corded dryers are generally allowed in checked luggage. Battery-powered and gas-powered stylers have extra restrictions, so check with your airline.

Can I take a Dyson Airwrap on a plane? The Airwrap is a corded styler with no battery, so it is generally treated like a hair dryer. Check your airline's rules before travelling.

Where can I check the official rules? Gov.uk publishes guidance on hand luggage restrictions at UK airports, and your airline publishes its own baggage rules.