A Halloween costume that looks great at home can still slow you down at airport security. TSA’s Halloween guidance covers the fake weapon and face paint that make the look work, but a few props can’t fly at all.
TSA has said its officers will screen travelers dressed as goblins, vampires, zombies and witches at security checkpoints. The agency’s no-pranking rules still apply, though, and officers will still look out for prohibited items.
Fake Weapons Belong in Your Checked Bag
TSA lists seven costume props that must go in checked baggage, whether they’re fake or real: knives, hatchets, pitchforks, light sabers, brooms, swords and scythes.
- Fake grenades, bombs and rocket launchers can’t go in any bag. TSA bans explosive replicas from carry-on and checked luggage alike.
- Officers assume a replica explosive is real until they confirm it’s a prop. TSA said weapon-like props may slow down everyone at the checkpoint and result in a fine.
- TSA generally allows toy weapons in a carry-on but recommends checking them. The agency prohibits toys that look like realistic weapons, and the officer at the checkpoint makes the final call.
Fake Blood and Face Paint Come With Limits
- Fake blood falls under TSA’s liquids rule, so each container in a carry-on has to be 3.4 ounces or less and fit in a quart-size bag. Bigger bottles go in a checked bag.
- TSA prefers that travelers not fully paint their faces for the checkpoint, since officers still need to match each traveler to an ID photo.
- Candy of any size can go through the checkpoint. TSA suggests moving large bags of it into a bin so officers can see it’s just candy.
- A carved or decorated pumpkin can go in a carry-on, though TSA doesn’t advise bringing one through security. Pumpkin spice lattes and spreadable pumpkin butter fall under the same 3.4-ounce limit.
Put the Costume On After Security
- Officers ask travelers wearing masks at the checkpoint to take them off so they can check ID. Pack the mask in a carry-on and put it back on once you’re through.
- A cape can set off the body scanner and make screening take longer. TSA asks travelers to keep capes in a carry-on or a bin until screening ends.
- Some full costumes can set off the scanner too, and an alarm often leads to a pat-down. TSA said the best way to get through quickly is to wait and put the costume on after the checkpoint.
When the List Doesn’t Cover Your Costume
TSA’s lists don’t name every costume piece, and officers can still send an allowed item for extra screening if it sets off an alarm. For anything the lists miss, the AskTSA team answers travelers’ questions year-round, so a quick message before you pack can settle where that fake scythe belongs.