Full Breakdown
TSA Warns Halloween Costumes May Slow Airport Security
By Drooid · · How we work
TSA Alert for Seasonal Dress-Up Travel
The Transportation Security Administration’s website now highlights that while most costumes are permitted, certain accessories, masks, heavy makeup and metal components can create problems at checkpoints. The agency notes that elaborate face coverings or makeup that prevents facial recognition may require travelers to remove them for identity verification.
Items Likely to Trigger Additional Screening
TSA guidance lists several categories that can delay screening:
- Masks and full-face coverings that obscure facial features.
- Metal-heavy costume pieces that set off screening equipment.
- Prop weapons such as fake knives, swords, guns, pitchforks and replica explosives, which are prohibited in carry-on bags and may only be allowed in checked luggage after inspection.
- Liquid makeup exceeding the standard 3.4-ounce (100 ml) limit for carry-ons, which must be placed in checked baggage.
Expert Advice on Managing Costume Gear
Keith Jeffries, vice president of K2 Security Screening Group and a former federal security director for TSA at Los Angeles International Airport, advises travelers to pack problematic items rather than wear them through security. He recalls incidents involving replicas of “Lucille,” the barbed-wire baseball bat from *The Walking Dead*, and explains that such objects cannot pass a checkpoint and should be checked. Jeffries also points out that facial-recognition systems are increasingly used, so makeup that hinders recognition can cause “all kinds of challenges” and slow the screening process.
Expected Impact on Airport Operations
By urging passengers to check bulky or metal-laden costume components and to adhere to liquid limits, TSA aims to reduce bottlenecks that could arise from additional manual inspections. The agency’s recommendation to place most costume accessories in checked luggage is intended to keep the flow of travelers moving smoothly during the Halloween travel period.