When you get on an airplane, chances are you’ll come across some real characters who push the airline’s dress code boundaries by either wearing not enough clothes or sporting offensive language on their T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, etc. But things get even crazier when you fly on Halloween, which I’ve done multiple times. I’ve seen passengers, flight attendants and airport workers wearing some pretty fun costumes, but fortunately, nothing too outrageous or scary.
With Halloween just around the corner, travelers might be wondering what they can and can’t wear or bring through airport security. Can you wear a Halloween mask? Bring fake blood? Pack a toy sword? And what about all that Halloween candy? The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has shared some entertaining Halloween travel advice over the years, and although its original Halloween-specific travel tips page is no longer available, TSA’s official What Can I Bring? tool is still a great resource for checking what’s allowed.
Here are some important things to know before flying on Halloween.
Halloween Makeup and Fake Blood
Whether you’re dressing up as your favorite wizard, a vampire or an evil witch, don’t forget TSA’s 3-1-1 liquids rule. Liquid makeup, gels, creams, pastes and fake blood must be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less and fit in a single quart-sized bag when packed in your carry-on. If you’re planning to go all out with your Halloween makeup, it’s probably easier to apply it after going through security. Otherwise, pack larger containers in your checked bag, as long as the products themselves are permitted.
Halloween Costumes
TSA has previously encouraged travelers to have fun with their Halloween costumes while reminding them to check their airline’s dress code. That’s an important point because just because TSA allows you through security wearing a costume doesn’t necessarily mean your airline will let you board wearing it. Airlines have their own policies regarding clothing that’s offensive, excessively revealing or otherwise inappropriate, so my advice is to keep your costume fun, comfortable and family-friendly.
One airline that’s traditionally gotten into the Halloween spirit is Southwest Airlines. In the past, even its executives and CEO have participated in the fun, so don’t be surprised if you see some airline employees getting creative with their outfits.
Halloween Props and Fake Weapons
This is one area where you definitely don’t want to take any chances. TSA has previously warned travelers that fake knives, hatchets and scythes should go in checked baggage rather than carry-ons. Even if your costume weapon is made of plastic or foam, it could cause problems at the checkpoint, so it’s best to leave it at home or pack it in your checked luggage if it’s permitted.
And don’t even think about bringing replica explosives, including fake grenades, bombs or rocket launchers. Those are prohibited in both carry-on and checked baggage. Even if you think a prop looks harmless, TSA officers may see it differently, and the last thing you want is to hold up the security line or miss your flight because of a Halloween costume accessory.
Halloween Candy
Here’s some good news for anyone traveling with kids or bringing home Halloween treats: TSA allows solid candy and chocolate in carry-on and checked luggage. However, liquid or gel treats, such as certain syrups or spreads, are subject to the 3-1-1 liquids rule in carry-on bags, so keep that in mind when packing your Halloween goodies.
I always bring candy or chocolates for gate agents and flight attendants, regardless of whether it’s Halloween or not, and they always appreciate it. It’s such a simple gesture, and it’s a nice way to brighten someone’s day, especially when they’re working during a busy holiday.
Halloween Masks
Planning to dress as a superhero, creepy clown or scary monster? TSA has previously advised that Halloween masks are fine to pack in your carry-on bag, but you’ll need to remove yours when officers need to verify your identity. After all, they need to make sure you are who you say you are, so my advice is to keep your mask in your bag until you’ve cleared security. It’s one less thing to worry about, and you won’t have to hold up the line while trying to take it off.
Can You Bring a Pumpkin Through TSA Security?
Believe it or not, pumpkins are generally allowed in both carry-on and checked baggage. TSA has even joked about travelers bringing their favorite orange gourds through security, whether decorated or not (see embedded tweet below). Of course, your pumpkin still needs to comply with your airline’s baggage size and weight restrictions, and if you’re bringing a jack-o’-lantern, make sure any candles or decorations you pack comply with TSA’s rules.
Here’s pumpkin to think about. When traveling within the domestic U.S. your squash is gourd to go. If you’re traveling internationally you butternut forget to ask your airline and the customs agency at your destination. #NationalPumpkinDay https://t.co/RI0eMUeg1L
— TSA (@TSA) October 26, 2023
TSA’s Halloween Costume Suggestions
TSA has a surprisingly good sense of humor, especially on social media. In a previous Halloween blog post, TSA even shared suggestions for costumes that would make getting through airport security easier. Some of their ideas included wearing an all-Spandex costume, dressing like an Olympian in a comfortable tracksuit, channeling Ted Lasso with khaki pants, a collared shirt and a mustache, or wearing an oversized neon T-shirt and matching sweats. They even suggested dressing like TSA’s social media team, with business attire on top and sweatpants on the bottom.
Traveling for #Halloween? If you’re ready to turn on the juice and see what shakes loose, you don’t have to say our name 3 times to travel successfully – but you do need to remember our travel-sized liquids rule if you’ve packed any potions. https://t.co/0nhapcW6Vs https://t.co/AicEe9HNE1
— TSA (@TSA) October 26, 2021
Personally, I’d choose something comfortable, especially if you’re going to be sitting on an airplane for several hours. And if you’re traveling with young kids, remember that costumes with lots of accessories can make getting through security even more of a hassle.
Have a Question? Ask TSA
What many travelers don’t realize is that TSA does an amazing job on social media. Their Instagram account is hilarious and often features funny travel-related posts, including seasonal reminders. If you’re unsure whether something is allowed through airport security, you can check TSA’s What Can I Bring? page or reach out to AskTSA for help with specific questions.
Just remember that TSA officers have the final say on whether an item is permitted through the security checkpoint, so if you’re unsure about a particular costume accessory, it’s always better to check before heading to the airport.
Bottom Line
Flying on Halloween can be a lot of fun. I’ve done it multiple times, and I always enjoy seeing how creative passengers and airport employees get with their costumes. But just because it’s Halloween doesn’t mean the normal airport security rules go out the window, so keep your costume comfortable, leave the fake weapons at home, follow the liquids rule and make sure your mask doesn’t interfere with identity checks.
And if you’re bringing Halloween candy, consider sharing some with your flight attendants or gate agents. It’s a small gesture that can go a long way. Happy Halloween and safe travels!
More Halloween Travel Inspiration
The Best Haunted Hotels in America You Can Actually Stay In
If flying on Halloween isn’t spooky enough for you, how about spending the night in a haunted hotel? From the hotel that inspired Stephen King’s The Shining to the historic Queen Mary in Long Beach, America has some beautiful properties with fascinating histories and plenty of ghost stories. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, these are some pretty memorable places to stay. Just don’t blame me if you end up sleeping with the lights on.
Halloween Travel Is Surging: Airbnb Reveals the Most Popular Destination and 31 Spooky Stays
Halloween isn’t just about trick-or-treating anymore. According to Airbnb, searches for Halloween weekend stays are up nearly 15%, and Salem, Massachusetts, is the top trending U.S. destination. Airbnb also rounded up 31 spooky places to stay, including famous movie houses, haunted mansions and even a former morgue. I’m all for a fun Halloween getaway, but I think I’ll pass on sleeping in a morgue.
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