TSA bans popular Halloween outfits and accessories — here’s what to know if you want to fly in costume

As Halloween creeps up on the calendar, those planning to fly that day should keep a few key TSA rules in mind if they want to travel in costume.

While dressing up when flying by plane (rather than witch’s broom) on October 31 is not generally prohibited — indeed, pajama-style outfits like animal-themed onesies can easily double as a plush, cozy travel outfit — costumes with metal pieces are a no-go.

That doesn’t mean all hope is lost for travelers hoping to cosplay as some sort of sci-fi cyborg or armored warrior. But it does mean that detachable metal costume pieces and metal-based outfits must be packed away in one’s carry-on to pass through security checkpoints without a hitch, per the Sun.

Dressing up while flying is not prohibited by the TSA, but certain costumes should be reviewed first. LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS – stock.adobe.com

Another, perhaps obvious rule for costumed Halloween flyers is to leave costume props that depict explosives like bombs, grenades and rocket launchers at home, as these replicas should never be in checked or carry-on bags, even on the holiday of pretend. 

Thomas Spagnola, senior president of the travel technology company Fareportal, added to the Democrat and Chronicle that other weapon-depicting props like fake knives, pitchforks, swords and light-sabers, as well as witch brooms, may be allowed in checked luggage but should not be placed in a carry-on, with discretion ultimately up to the TSA officers on duty.

The holiday travel rules don’t stop there. Flyers are also advised not to wear full face makeup and masks when passing through security checkpoints, as these would need to be removed and could hold up the screening process. 

When it comes to bringing Halloween makeup along, regular TSA rules still apply. Powder products over 12 ounces must be packed either in checked luggage or a separate security checkpoint bin, with similar rules for solid makeup.

Liquid makeup — including fake blood and liquid latex — must be packed in accordance with the TSA’s 3-1-1 rules when packed in a carry-on, which means it needs to be 3.4 ounces or less and in one quart-sized, clear and resealable bag. Larger containers can go in checked bags.


A Transportation Security Administration worker screens luggage at LaGuardia Airport.
Depending on container size, Halloween makeup should either be placed in a carry-on bag or checked bag. Getty Images

The reminder comes as convos around Halloween costumes are already in full swing — and on the heels of Target’s costume snafu in late August, after the mega-chain came under fire for selling a circus-clown outfit that critics condemned for evoking Blackface and racist 19th-century minstrel shows.

The costume, which had been sold under Target’s seasonal Hyde and EEK Boutique brand, had been promoted as the “Kids’ Glows Under ‌Blacklight Circus Clown Halloween Costume,” per the since-deleted listing. 

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