Travelers planning to fly in costume this Halloween week should expect a few extra questions — and possibly delays — at the security checkpoint, according to the Transportation Security Administration.
Costumes themselves aren’t banned, but the TSA warns that certain accessories, masks, heavy face makeup and metal pieces can complicate screening, according to the agency’s website.
Travelers with elaborate masks or thick costume makeup may be asked to remove it if screeners can’t verify their identity. Keith Jeffries, vice president of K2 Security Screening Group and a former federal security director for TSA at Los Angeles International Airport, told Fox News Digital that facial recognition systems are increasingly used at checkpoints.
“If you’re wearing … Halloween costume-style makeup, and it can’t recognize you, that’s going to create some challenges,” Jeffries said.
Costume props can also raise flags, especially anything resembling a weapon. The TSA bans replica explosives, including fake bombs and grenades, from both carry-on and checked luggage. Weapon-like props such as fake knives, swords, guns and pitchforks shouldn’t go in carry-ons, though some may be allowed in checked bags depending on the item.
Jeffries recalled travelers during his 20 years with the TSA trying to bring through replicas of “Lucille,” the barbed-wire-wrapped baseball bat from “The Walking Dead.”
“Of course, that just can’t go through the checkpoint,” Jeffries said, adding that it could go in checked luggage instead.
Costumes with a lot of metal can also trip up screening equipment, leading to additional checks. “That’s going to cause all kinds of challenges and just slow the whole process down,” Jeffries said.
Makeup is subject to the usual TSA liquid rules: containers of 3.4 ounces or less in carry-ons, with anything larger going into checked bags.
For bulkier or more elaborate getups, Jeffries suggested packing rather than wearing them through the checkpoint.
“My biggest recommendation [is] put all of that stuff in your checked luggage, even if you normally don’t like to check a bag,” he said. “Pack your costumes, go to where you’re going and enjoy your fun.”
Fox News Digital reached out to the TSA for further comment.
