TSA says these common beauty items are banned from flights | Official Website of Louis Velazquez, entrepreneur, finance guy and tech innovator

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was established in November 2001 in response to the 9/11 attacks.

Yet even 24 years later, many travelers often end up confused about which items need to be kept out of checked luggage (versus with them in a carry-on) and which cannot be brought aboard a plane at all.

Some seemingly innocuous foods, such as hummus and certain dips and spreads, can enter into “3-1-1 liquid rule” territory, while certain common electronics can pose a fire hazard.

Earlier this year, the TSA updated its website to reflect that the Samsung Galaxy Note7 cell phone model cannot be brought aboard U.S. airlines due to a manufacturing defect that can cause the battery to overheat and explode mid-air.

The same type of lithium-ion battery is commonly found in the power banks that the TSA requires travelers keep near them in a carry-on, rather than stowing them in checked baggage.

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Want to pack that curling iron? There may be a small problem, TSA says

On the extensive list of banned and restricted items posted on its website, the TSA also singles out certain common items used by beauty addicts.

While some cannot imagine leaving the house without at least some basic hair styling, cordless hair straightening flat irons and curling irons are not permitted in checked luggage, as the same type of lithium battery allows them to be charged electronically.

The high energy density of these batteries makes them more prone to short-circuiting and catching fire. While any smoke and flames in the cabin are quickly noticed and can be put out immediately, a fire in the cargo compartment can be a major hazard if it goes undetected.

Transporting these items in carry-ons also comes with additional restrictions such as needing to make sure the safety cover is on at all times. Hair styling devices heated through a traditional cord can be packed in both carry-on and checked baggage, as long as they are kept secure.

Hair straighteners can end up becoming a hazard aboard a plane.

Image source&colon; Shutterstock

TSA: ‘The device must be protected from accidental activation’

“Cordless curling irons that contain lithium metal or lithium ion batteries or are gas or butane fueled are only allowed in carry-on bags,” the TSA states on its website. “A safety cover must be securely fitted over the heating element. The device must be protected from accidental activation.”

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Other beauty and personal care appliances that should be checked for lithium batteries include airbrush makeup machines, light therapy masks, microcurrent massagers, and electronic toothbrushes.

Makeup items such as concealers and creams fall under the liquid rule and so need to be transported in containers of no greater than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters in carry-on luggage.

Items that toe the line between a liquid and a solid ultimately end up under the discretion of the TSA officer and can be taken away if deemed too fluid.

“Powder-like substances greater than 12 oz./350 mL must be placed in a separate bin for X-ray screening,” the TSA writes. “They may require additional screening and containers may need to be opened. For your convenience, we encourage you to place nonessential powders greater than 12 ounces in checked bags.”