Now that October has arrived, millions of people are thinking about what costume they will wear for Halloween on Oct. 31.
This year, Americans are expected to spend a record $13.5 billion on the spooky holiday, including home decor, candy, costumes and accessories.
For some, there is another expense to consider: traveling to Halloween destinations such as Sleepy Hollow, New York City and Salem, Massachusetts, for major parades and celebrations.
Those traveling with their costumes also need to consider whether their costume accessories are permitted on airplanes. The Transportation Security Administration has strict guidelines for what can and cannot be packed in carry-on and checked luggage.
Thomas Spagnola, senior vice president of the travel technology
company Fareportal, offered tips on how to pack Halloween costumes and which items travelers should leave at home.
What Halloween costume accessories can I pack?
Makeup, fake blood and liquid latex are Halloween staples for creating the perfect costume effect. Most makeup and other liquids are permitted, but travelers must follow TSA's size restrictions when packing them in carry-on luggage.
Liquid, cream or paste Halloween makeup, including fake blood, must be packed in containers of 3.4 ounces or less and fit into a 1-quart, clear, resealable bag if brought in a carry-on. Larger containers can be packed in checked luggage.
What Halloween costume accessories can't I pack?
Spagnola said replica props depicting explosives, such as grenades, bombs or rocket launchers, should be left at home. TSA also prohibits realistic replicas of explosives from checked and carry-on baggage.
Other weapon-like costume props, including knives, pitchforks, brooms, swords and lightsabers, may be permitted in checked luggage but should not be packed in a carry-on, according to Spagnola.
Travelers should still be cautious about anything that looks realistic. TSA officers can determine whether an item poses a security concern during screening, so those bringing weapon-like costume accessories should consider purchasing them after arriving at their destination.
Can I wear my Halloween costume to the airport?
Some costumes, including jumpsuits or pajama-style outfits, may be comfortable enough to wear to the airport and through security.
However, costumes with metal pieces should be packed in a suitcase or carry-on rather than worn through the security checkpoint.
TSA also recommends that travelers avoid wearing full-face makeup or Halloween masks through security. Travelers wearing masks may be asked to remove them during screening, so it's best to pack them before arriving at the security checkpoint.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Traveling for Halloween? TSA says these costume items can't fly
