Michigan TSA Just Banned 3 Beauty Tools From Checked Bags—Here’s What You Need to Know

If you’re like me and always trying to get through TSA with the least amount of hassle (and still look decent when you land), there’s a new rule you’ll definitely want to know about.

The Transportation Security Administration has added restrictions that primarily affect hair tools, so if you're taking your styling tools with you, here's what you need to know.

The big change? Three types of hair styling items are now banned from checked luggage at Michigan airports:

• Cordless curling irons and flatirons powered by butane gas are no longer allowed in checked bags.
• Cordless versions with lithium metal or lithium-ion batteries are also banned from checked bags.
• Gas refills or cartridges are strictly banned from both checked and carry-on luggage.

And one item has been banned entirely. Spare gas cartridges can’t fly at all anymore, so just leave them at home and go old school.

The good news? If you absolutely need your cordless curler or straightener, you can still bring it in your carry-on, but only if it has a safety cover to prevent it from accidentally turning on mid-flight.And if you stick with traditional plug-in tools, you’re in the clear.

Electric curling irons and straighteners with cords are still allowed in both checked and carry-on bags. (Thank god, that’s what I use and I’m not gonna give up looking great when I’m on the go.)

Why is TSA banning these 3 items?

The TSA says it’s issuing these bans mainly for fire safety. Devices powered by butane and certain batteries pose more of a risk in the cargo hold, where an incident would be harder to detect or control until it’s way too late.

So before you pack for your next trip out of Grand Rapids, Detroit, or anywhere else in Michigan, double-check your styling tools.

The last thing any of us want is to have our favorite curler confiscated. Or worse, be the one holding up the security line while TSA digs through our bag. (My literal nightmare.)