Are Claw Clips Allowed On Planes? | Travel Smart

Yes, claw clips are generally allowed on planes in both carry-on and checked luggage without specific restrictions from aviation security.

Preparing for a flight often involves a mental checklist, from packing essentials to navigating security protocols. Among the many small items we rely on daily, hair accessories like claw clips frequently prompt questions about their travel eligibility. Understanding how these common items fit into airline and security guidelines can streamline your journey and keep your hair perfectly styled.

The Simple Answer: Yes, They Are!

The good news for travelers who rely on claw clips is that they are indeed allowed on planes. Aviation security agencies, including the TSA, do not classify claw clips as prohibited items. This applies whether you choose to pack them in your carry-on bag or your checked luggage.

Claw clips are considered personal grooming items, similar to hairbrushes, combs, or hair ties. They do not pose a security risk and are not restricted based on material, size, or design within reasonable limits. This means you can confidently bring your favorite hair accessories along for your trip without concern.

Carry-On vs. Checked Luggage: What’s the Difference for Claw Clips?

While claw clips are permitted in both types of baggage, where you pack them can influence convenience and potential for damage during transit.

In Your Carry-On

Packing claw clips in your carry-on bag offers immediate access, which is ideal for quick touch-ups after a long flight or for keeping your hair tidy during the journey. Most travelers prefer this option for practicality.

• Accessibility: You can use your clip throughout the flight, whether to keep hair out of your face while reading or to refresh your look before landing.
• Security Screening: During security checks, small plastic or metal claw clips rarely cause an issue. They typically pass through X-ray scanners unnoticed as part of your personal belongings.
• Material Considerations: Even larger metal clips are usually fine in carry-on bags. Security officers are looking for specific threats, and a hair clip does not fit that description.

In Your Checked Bag

Placing claw clips in your checked luggage is also perfectly acceptable. There are no additional restrictions for these items in the cargo hold.

• Protection from Breakage: Checked bags can endure rough handling. If your claw clips are delicate or made from brittle materials, consider wrapping them in clothing or placing them in a small, padded pouch to prevent breakage.
• Space Management: If you are tight on carry-on space, tucking a few clips into your checked bag is a simple solution.

Navigating Security Checkpoints with Hair Accessories

Security screening is designed to identify prohibited items, not to scrutinize everyday personal accessories. Claw clips generally sail through without incident, but understanding the process can help avoid minor delays.

When you place your carry-on bag on the conveyor belt for X-ray screening, your claw clips, along with other contents, are scanned. For the vast majority of clips, especially those made of plastic, they will not trigger any alarms or require further inspection.

Larger metal claw clips, or those with dense, intricate designs, might occasionally appear on the X-ray screen in a way that prompts a closer look. This is uncommon, but if it happens, a security officer might simply ask to inspect your bag briefly. It is not an indication of a problem, just a standard procedure for clarifying an X-ray image.

If you are wearing a large metal claw clip in your hair, it is highly unlikely to trigger a walk-through metal detector, as these devices are calibrated for larger metallic objects. However, if you are selected for a secondary screening that involves a pat-down, an officer might ask you to remove the clip to ensure there are no concealed items. This is a routine request for any item that could interfere with a thorough pat-down. Being cooperative and understanding of these procedures helps maintain a smooth flow through security.

Claw Clip Material Considerations for Travel

Material Type	Pros for Travel	Cons for Travel
Plastic/Resin	Lightweight, diverse styles, unlikely to trigger metal detectors.	Can be brittle, prone to snapping if dropped or crushed.
Metal (Alloy/Aluminum)	Durable, strong grip, often sleek designs.	Heavier, slight chance of triggering metal detectors (minor).
Cellulose Acetate	Flexible, durable, often vibrant colors, less brittle than plastic.	Can be more expensive, still susceptible to heavy impact.

Comfort and Practicality During Your Flight

Beyond security, the comfort and practicality of wearing a claw clip during a flight are important considerations, especially on longer journeys.

Choosing the Right Clip for Flight

Selecting the appropriate claw clip can significantly impact your in-flight experience. Rigid, large clips with sharp edges might feel uncomfortable when leaning back against a seat’s headrest. The pressure can create discomfort or even a mild headache over several hours.

Consider softer, more flexible clips, or those with a flatter profile. Clips made from materials like cellulose acetate or softer plastics tend to conform better to the shape of your head without digging in. Smaller clips that hold only a portion of your hair, or those used for half-up styles, might also be more comfortable than a large clip holding all your hair in a tight bun.

In-Flight Hair Management

Claw clips are excellent for keeping hair tidy in the confined space of an airplane cabin. They prevent hair from falling into your face while eating, reading, or watching entertainment. They also offer a quick way to refresh your hairstyle before landing, giving a polished look even after hours in the air.

For sleeping, many travelers opt to remove their claw clip and use a soft hair tie or simply let their hair down to avoid pressure points. You can easily re-clip your hair upon waking.

Material Matters: Plastic, Metal, and Beyond

The material of your claw clip primarily affects its durability, weight, and how it interacts with security screening equipment, though usually minimally.

• Plastic Clips: These are the most common and come in a vast array of colors and designs. They are lightweight and generally do not cause any issues with metal detectors or X-ray machines. Their main drawback is their potential for breakage if subjected to significant pressure or impact.
• Metal Clips: Often made from aluminum alloys, these clips are known for their strength and sleek appearance. While metal, they are typically small enough that they do not trigger walk-through metal detectors. In X-ray scans, they appear as dense objects, but their recognizable shape prevents misidentification. They are less prone to snapping but can bend or scratch if mishandled.
• Cellulose Acetate Clips: This material is a plant-based plastic known for its flexibility, durability, and rich, deep colors. It offers a good balance between the lightness of plastic and the strength of some metals, making it a robust travel companion.

Hair Accessory Packing Checklist

Item	Carry-On Priority	Checked Bag Priority	Notes for Travel
Claw Clips	High (for in-flight use)	Medium (for extras)	Choose flexible clips for comfort; pack fragile ones carefully.
Hair Ties/Scrunchies	High (essential)	High (for variety)	Always useful, take up minimal space.
Headbands	Medium (if regularly used)	Medium	Fabric ones are more comfortable for long wear.
Bobby Pins/Hair Pins	Medium (for specific styles)	Medium	Keep in a small container to prevent loss.
Hair Brush/Comb	High	High	Travel-sized options are space-efficient.

International Travel Considerations

While the focus here is on US-based travel and TSA guidelines, it is worth noting that most international aviation security bodies maintain similar policies regarding common personal items like hair accessories. The rules for items considered dangerous or prohibited are generally harmonized across major global airports.

It is exceptionally rare for a claw clip to be an issue when traveling internationally. Security protocols are primarily concerned with weapons, explosives, and liquids/gels restrictions, not everyday grooming tools. If you are traveling to a particularly strict country or have any specific concerns, a quick check of that country’s national aviation security website can provide reassurance, though it is almost certainly unnecessary for a claw clip.

Packing Smart: Protecting Your Clips and Your Belongings

Proper packing ensures your claw clips arrive intact and do not damage other items in your luggage.

• Soft Pouch or Case: Store delicate or multiple clips in a small, padded pouch or a hard-shell eyeglasses case. This prevents them from being crushed or snagging on clothing.
• Nestled in Clothing: If you are short on specialized packing, tucking clips into socks, folded t-shirts, or the pockets of a jacket can provide a protective cushion.
• Avoid Loose Placement: Do not just toss loose clips into your bag, especially if they are metal or have sharp edges. They could scratch electronics, tear delicate fabrics, or get lost easily.

Beyond the Clip: Other Hair Accessories on Planes

The general principle that applies to claw clips extends to most other common hair accessories. Hair ties, scrunchies, headbands (fabric or plastic), bobby pins, and hairnets are all perfectly fine to bring on a plane in both carry-on and checked luggage.

The key is common sense. Items that could be perceived as weapons (e.g., very long, sharp metal hair sticks, though even these are often allowed if not excessively sharp) might warrant a second look, but standard hair accessories are never an issue. Focus on packing liquids and aerosols correctly, and your hair accessories will be the least of your worries.