TSA won't care it's Halloween. You can't travel with these things

You’re never too old to dress up for Halloween, but maybe hold off if you're heading to the airport.

Just like any other time of year, Transportation Security Administration officers and TSA's facial recognition technology need to verify your identity before allowing you into secure areas.

"Anything that’s going to impair your face … they’re going to make you take it off," said Tom Spagnola, senior vice president of Supplier Relations at Fareportal, the parent company of CheapOair.

That goes for heavy face paint, too.

"From Ghostface to Pooh, it’s boo-rrific with us if you’d like to put on your costumes *after* security!" TSA posted on X on Oct. 26.

Here’s what else travelers should know before flying around Halloween.

What to check in

Fake weapons should generally go in checked bags, not carry-on luggage.

"Fake knives, swords and hatchets, anything related like that is going to be considered a threat, so that would have to be in a checked bag," Spagnola told USA TODAY. "Any type of firearm would also have to go through checked baggage, even if it’s a prop."

Otherwise, count on being stopped through airport security.

"Your only option now is to take back those props and run back out of security to go check your bag," he said. "That definitely could be a real problem for missing your flight."

What not to check in

Some things can’t even go in checked luggage.

"Leave anything resembling an explosive at home," TSA posted on X. "We’d prefer to keep the screams & 'oh, bother' to a minimum."

Spagnola said a good rule of thumb is "just thinking about what you would travel through TSA with normally."

TSA has an extensive list of what is and isn’t allowed, posted on its website. Travelers can also direct questions to @AskTSA through social media, email, text and phone.

This story was updated to add links and additional information.