Can You Bring An Iron On A Plane?

When traveling, especially for work, most people want to look their best. Often this means ensuring your clothing is pressed and wrinkle-free. 

While most hotels provide irons (and ironing boards) to their guests, there are some circumstances where one may not be available.

Before boarding a plane with an iron in your luggage, the TSA has some rules and restrictions to keep in mind.

Clothing irons are not specifically listed on the TSA’s prohibited list, but due to their size and weight, it’s up to individual TSA agents to decide if you can take an iron in your carry-on. In most cases, it’s okay to pack an iron in checked luggage.

Can You Take a Clothing Iron in Carry-On Luggage?

Yes, you can bring a clothing iron in your carry-on bags. Just make sure to empty out any water that may be inside it.

There are no specific guidelines for irons in a carry-on, but it’s at the discretion of the TSA as to whether it passes through airport security. 

Full-sized irons can be considered weapons, and if yours happens to trigger an alert, you may not be permitted to take it on the plane. 

Can You Take a Travel Iron in Carry-On Luggage?

Yes, you can bring a travel-sized iron in your hand luggage without any issues, as the smaller size makes them more suitable to take on a plane. 

A travel iron is your best option when packing light and only bringing a carry-on bag. 

When Wouldn’t the TSA Allow an Iron on a Plane?

The TSA restricts anything passing through security in hand luggage that can be used as a weapon. 

Irons are heavy, and it’s easy to see how one could be used to harm somebody. 

TSA security officers are trained to recognize items that may be dangerous, and if they happen to be alerted by your iron, they may ask you to open your carry-on so they can check it. 

They will then decide if you can take the iron on the plane or if you have to forfeit it. 

There is some risk involved in bringing a full-sized clothing iron in your hand luggage, so if you’re concerned, you may want to bring a cheap iron or consider getting a travel iron. 

Otherwise, just pack it in your checked luggage or forgo the idea altogether.

Can You Pack a Clothing Iron in Checked Luggage?

You can pack a clothing iron in your checked luggage with no problems. You can even bring more than one iron or iron of any size if you so choose. 

That said, if you’re only checking a bag just to bring an iron, it might not be worth the cost. 

You may be better off buying an iron when you reach your destination or sucking it up and springing for dry cleaning. 

What is the Best Way to Pack an Iron For a Flight?

The best way to pack an iron is in your checked luggage. 

Clothing irons are pretty resilient, so you don’t have to do anything too special with them, but you can take a few general steps to avoid any mishaps.

The first step is to ensure your iron hasn’t been used recently. It goes without saying, but do not attempt to pack a hot (or even warm) iron.

Next, empty any water left in the steam chamber. The last thing you want is water leaking all over your clothes.

Lastly, wrap the iron in a thin towel and/or put it in a plastic bag to keep it separate from your other items. 

Sometimes irons can have rust or black marks that can transfer onto your clothing or other items you have packed. 

Can You Take Liquid Wrinkle Remover on a Plane?.

You can always opt for liquid wrinkle remover to avoid bringing an iron, but if you plan to put it in your carry-on, you’ll need to follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule required by the TSA.

Any more than 3.4 oz (100 mL) of wrinkle remover must be put in your checked luggage, or it will be confiscated at security. 

Luckily, many travel-sized liquid wrinkle removers are available and meet TSA requirements. 

Can You Take a Garment Steamer on a Plane?

If you don’t use an iron or have particularly delicate items, you can pack an empty garment steamer in either your checked or carry-on bags. 

You cannot bring a garment steamer that still has water inside it. Not only is this against TSA rules, but packing a full steamer could also cause it to leak and leave you with a mess.

Just ensure your garment steamer doesn’t make your bag overweight or oversize; otherwise, the airline will charge you extra to bring it.

Conclusion

The TSA restricts many items from passing through airport security, meaning some things can be packed in your checked luggage but can’t be brought in your carry-on bags. 

When it comes to packing an iron, you are permitted to bring it in your hand luggage, but it’s usually best to put it in your checked bags. 

The TSA doesn’t prohibit irons, but some security officers may feel it’s not safe and will ask you to remove it from your carry-on luggage. 

A travel-sized iron may be a better option if you’re only taking a carry-on bag, as this smaller item is less likely to raise suspicion. 

Use your best judgment when deciding if you should pack your iron in your carry-on or checked luggage.

If you have any questions, you can always reach out to the TSA via AskTSA on Facebook Messenger or Twitter, and they’ll give you the information you need to make your flight stress-free.