Yes. TSA allows hair dryers in both carry-on and checked bags with no special restrictions. Only cordless, battery-powered models bring lithium battery rules into play.
Corded hair dryers are allowed in carry-on bags without special conditions.
Hair dryers are allowed in checked bags. A rare cordless lithium-powered dryer should travel in the cabin; if checked, FAA requires it to be fully powered off and protected from accidental activation.
Checked against official TSA, FAA and government pages on . These are US rules unless we say otherwise; the TSA officer at the checkpoint makes the final call.
The rules in numbers
- Corded hair dryers: allowed in both carry-on and checked bags
- Cordless lithium-powered models: lithium-ion batteries: up to 100 wh allowed without approval; 101-160 wh needs airline approval; over 160 wh forbidden
Packing tips
- Many hotels and rentals supply dryers; check before giving up the space.
- US dryers are typically 120 V only; a plug adapter does not convert voltage, so a single-voltage dryer can burn out on 230 V outlets.
- A bulky dryer in a packed carry-on may get pulled for a closer look; placing it near the top saves time.
Outside the US
- CanadaCATSA permits electric hair dryers, curling irons and flat irons in both carry-on and checked bags, the same as the US. Source
- AustraliaCASA classes small electrical appliances such as hair dryers and straighteners as not dangerous goods, permitted in carry-on and checked bags. Source
Flying somewhere else? See the rules for the UK, EU, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Japan.
Questions people ask
Can I bring a hair dryer in my carry-on?
Yes. TSA allows hair dryers in carry-on and checked bags.
Do I need to take my hair dryer out at security?
TSA does not require it as a rule, but an officer may ask to screen it separately; the officer has the final say.