The toy chainsaw was confiscated at the airport security checkpoint. (Photo by John Moore)

Are you traveling this Halloween weekend? The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has some tips on how to pass airport security without a terrorist show.

The agency is promoting a series of useful Halloween suggestions, including clarification whether passengers are allowed to put candy in checked and carry-on luggage (yes and yes), and whether it is recommended to wear Halloween masks at security checkpoints (no).

According to TSA, “Keep these masks in your hand luggage until after the security checkpoint to avoid any alarms and delays.”

This is also reliable advice if you are traveling with children who want to wear clothes on the plane. "Keep in mind that certain clothing may trigger alarms on checkpoint body scanners. Often, screening alarms will result in the need for careful inspection to ensure that there are no prohibited items," the TSA said. "The best technique for a quick checkpoint security experience is to wait until you pass the security checkpoint and put on that outfit."

Passing through airport security checkpoints in uniform may slow down your customs clearance.

You can carry a Halloween costume with you at the airport security checkpoint, with one big exception: any type of toy weapon used to decorate your costume is always prohibited. "Although realistic reproduction of weapons may enhance your Halloween costume and add a festive atmosphere, they are not allowed to pass through checkpoints," the TSA said. "To avoid unnecessary delays, please put your replica sickles, pitchforks, chainsaws, brooms, butcher knives, axes, swords, etc. in your checked luggage."

Most clothing-even artificial skeletons-can be carried with you.

Please note that explosive devices, even if they are counterfeit, will impose severe financial penalties on you. "If you plan to carry imitation explosives such as bombs or grenades in your checked or carry-on luggage, please do not do so," TSA warned. “Officials will assume that these items are real until they are determined to be props. Carrying props that resemble weapons may slow down you and everyone else at the checkpoint, cause delays in your checked luggage, and result in fines.”

Of course, any real weapons are not allowed to pass through airport security checkpoints. Since the beginning of the pandemic, TSA has described the "epidemic" of guns at US airports and pointed out that the vast majority of guns seized are loaded.

Equally terrifying is the first excuse TSA officials heard when facing passengers carrying loaded guns through airport security. "Passengers often say that they left the gun in their bag and they don't plan to take it on the plane. This mistake can result in a fine of up to nearly $14,000 and may include criminal prosecution," the TSA said.