I'm leaving for a trip to Spain and France in a couple of weeks. My question is can you take the butane curling irons (Braun) was the one I have or can anyone tell me what they are using now in its place.

No, you may not take butane on an airplane!

I don't use curling irons so I can't tell you what to take, but many years ago when I did use some sort of curling iron, I never felt it was necessary to take it on vacation.

to be honest - If you must have a curling iron, it is best to buy and inexpensive one in Europe.

The dual voltage ones you can get in the states will work w/ just an added plug adaptor, but will not heat to the highest remps and there is always the chance they will burn up.

And the smaller "travel" curling irons are just not powerful enough unless you have short easily curled hair.

And butane tanks are now banned. Just buy a curling iron after you get there if having one is a "must".

As to buying one in France, we had a terrible time finding one to buy! I took my dual voltage iron with an adapter which had worked fine on many trips. I somehow left the adapter in the first hotel ..... hence the search for another adapter or a curling iron. None of the hair salons use them - ????? - very strange. Finally found a very small barrel one in a super market. Had purchased a hair dryer the year before easily - they were available everywhere. But curling irons are not a popular item in France evidentally. I would recommend taking a dual voltage iron with an adapter - it will work just fine (as long as you keep up with the adapter!)

like previous posters, I personally have not had good luck with curling irons abroad (I'm in the USA), I had one melt on me once in France, with the proper adapter and transformer.
It seems to be a matter of luck.

I have been travelling with a Braun butane curling iron since my electric one caught fire in a Paris Hotel, caused the power to go off on my floor, and then fell on the rug burning a hole about an inch square. The hotel wanted to charge me the equivalent of $4,000 to replace the rug for entire room. Eventually we agreed on the amount of $100.00. I had what I thought were the correct adapters and converters. I travelled with my gas curling iron in my carry-on as recently as October. Did not know they were banned.

Take your Braun butane curling iron to Europe.

Buy the fuel when you get there.

I bought my dual voltage curling iron online b/c I wanted a chubbier one than those I have seen all over Europe. I've tried in UK, Italy, and France, and the are all the "skinny" ones, which produce tight little curls.

Call me dumb, but why can't one take a butane curling iron to Europe? Can't the curling iron be sent through in the luggage? I thought I carried mine to London last summer. Maybe I didn't. what is the deal?

The rules have changed - as of Feb 1 butane lighters and butane tanks are banned on flights to/from the USA. they are listed as "fuels" in the list of prohibited items on the TSA web site

I have spoken with my airline on this issue. I am allowed ONE butane refill in the checked luggage.

Lighters were banned from the carryon, they can still go as checked luggage according to Delta.

I have taken the stupid Butane thing every time I go to Europe. Have no idea why since it really doesn't work on my hair, but....

So far from what I am gathering that I might take the Braun without fuel and take a chance I find the cartridge when I get there or buy a large cheap curling iron once I'm there. But where would I look for the fuel (cartridges) once I get there? Would El Corte Ingles (department store Spain) have it, that is our first stop.

My local tv news just announced a ban on all butane on airplanes effective in April. You can't carry on or check any butane. They were talking about lighters but I would think if all butane is banned that would include curling irons.

Hi everyone: I realize that jlsayre is probably on her way. But for those of you who are interested, I have just returned from Spain via Paris and was allowed my Braun butane curling iron in checked baggage. The only restriction is that the cartridge HAS to be attached to the iron.
I called the airline prior to departure (AF) and they said no problem.It could depend on the airline.

Here is a link to the new ban for butane and lighters
http://www.tsa.gov/public/display?th...00051980104b15

I too have a butane curling iron which I take with me. Good luck trying to find a cartridge in Europe. One trip I got there and discovered that I was out of butane. We searched high and low in France for a refill and couldn't find one.

The article says the ban will be enforced starting April 14, 2005.

Thanks to everyone on covering this subject. I have given up on taking it to Spain and France (butane) packed or carry on. You can't count on finding it there (the refills). So will try with out it or buy one there. Sounds like the best way to go. Thought of taking the dual iron but I have found it doesn't always work. I might look weird but could be the least hassle. Leave thursday am. Can't wait.

Hi jlsayre, I think you made a good decision.

I just heard on the news last night too that butane even in checked in luggage will be banned beginning soon.

Have a wonderful trip!

I use a revlon ceramic curling iron that is dual voltage, has a 1 1/2 inch barrel, heats up in 60 seconds, has a temperature control (1-7), and auto shut off if you forget to shut it.

I use use it at home (NYC) and used it just fine with a plug adapter in Spain this past summer. I have curly/course hair that I like to blow out straight and I use the curling iron to curl the ends of my hair under - which is hard to do if you have a weak curling iron... even if it is in the US - and it worked beautifully on 220V (or is it 240V?) You don't even need to flip a voltage switch, it just adapts.

I bought it in Duane Reade (or Rite Aid) for $19.99 and have also looked for it in CVS - just for price comparison (it was the same price). It was in the hair dryer section. I highly recommend it.