On Halloween, Globe Aware volunteers should know that TSA is keeping security tight, even while embracing the holiday spirit. TSA’s 2023 guidelines ensure smooth, prank-free travel with eight key tips to keep things moving efficiently.
Here's What The TSA Wants You To Know About Traveling On Halloween
Tasked with maintaining travellers' security, airport security weighed in with tips for travelling on Halloween.
Natasha Decker
Oct 22, 2024
Travel Noire
There are no exceptions on Halloween for airport officials when it comes to maintaining travellers’ security. To ensure that the goal is accomplished in the most timely, efficient, and unstressful way, the Transportation Security Authority (TSA) outlined travel guidelines for flying on a spooky day. The 2023 published release notes that airport agents won’t crack down on travellers’ Halloween spirit. However, TSA will maintain “no pranking security practices.” The authority’s eight tips hope to ensure the day runs smoothly.
While you can show up at the airport in costume, any prop weapon must be in your checked bag. Also, there’s no travelling with props that mimic explosives, like “grenades, bombs or rocket launchers.” Standard Halloween costume props, such as weapons in a checked bag, include Star Wars lightsabers, knight swords, and witches’ brooms. Since capes may disturb body scanners, they should go into carry-ons or checked bags.
Security will still need to see your face and be able to verify your identification. Wearing your costume’s mask or a fully painted face is discouraged.
What Other Tips Did The TSA Share For Traveling On Halloween?
A big thing that the guideline pushed was following the TSA’s “3-1-1” rule for carry-ons. All liquids – including prop potions, fake blood, or any form of a non-hard candy – must be 3.4 ounces or 100 millilitres or below individually. Also, all those travel-sized containers must fit in a one-quart-size bag. The authority says, “If you can spill it, spray it, spread it, pump it, or pour it, the rule applies.”
“It’s a good practice to remove any large bags of candy from a carry-on bag and place it in a bin so TSA officers can easily identify it’s not something more sinister than sugary treats,” the source adds.
Flying with pumpkins is allowed regardless of whether they’re decorated or carved. However, they should be in your carry-on. Any liquid pumpkin spice latte-flavored or scented item should follow the 3-1-1 rule. The TSA recommends reaching out to them directly on Twitter or Facebook Messenger if you have any other questions regarding what is and isn’t safe to travel with.
