Airport Security and your rights as an airline passenger

GUIDELINES FOR SIKHS IN AIRPORT SECURITY CHECKS - August 14 2002- by Akal Security, Espanola, NM.

SOME THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND FIRST
1. Understand in advance that it is a different world than a year ago.
2. All airport security personnel, including security screeners, are on heightened alert.
3. Understand that the FAA does have a Watchlist and the name Khalsa does appear on that list.
4. All magnetometers (metal detectors) are tuned very high so items that may not have set it off previously, like hairpins, are likely to set it off now.
5. Understand that security protocols in effect now call for random screening of passengers, which means that you may be pulled out of line and questioned or checked more thoroughly. This does not necessarily mean that you are being profiled or discriminated against.
6. While we are asking that our rights be protected and that we be treated with the respect that is due us, please understand that we don’t want a situation to arise where someone with malintent could disguise themselves as a Sikh and cause another problem.
7. Remember that we are Sikhs, but we are also Americans and world citizens who are concerned about the security and safety of our country, fellow citizens, and the world at large, therefore relate to submitting to the security screening procedures as another way of doing your duty to ensure the well-being of everyone. Think in terms of setting an example for others.
8. Finally, remember that you do have the option not to submit to additional searches or questioning, but if you choose that option you don’t get on the plane and it may complicate your future travel since your name will be put on file.

SECURITY AND YOU
(Remember that these are guidelines based on our meetings and discussions with airport security and operations personnel and the Federal Air Marshals: the choice is up to you)

1. It is best not to put a sly/salai in your turban or metal hairpins in your hair before you fly. They are likely to activate the magnetometer leading to the possibility that you will be asked to remove your turban.
2. It is best not to put your kanga in your hair since security may do a pat down of your turban and if they feel the kanga may ask you to remove it. Especially kangas with kirpans in them should not be worn. You could keep the kanga in your bag if you want to take it with you on the plane.
3. It is best not to wear a turban pin. Pack it in your luggage.
4. It is best not to wear kirpan necklaces or really any heavy jewelry that is likely to activate the metal detector. Pack them.
5. It is best to remove your kara (if you can) before going through the metal detector.
6. If you activate the metal detector, you will be asked to submit to a wand scan. If you refuse you can go no further. So try to be aware of the response of the magnetometer when you walk through and if you.
7. You may be asked to submit to a wand scan anyway as part of the random screen procedures that security is required to do.
8. You may also be asked to submit to a pat down.
9. Wand scans and pat downs may be the result of you activating the machine or the result of random screening. The security person must ask your permission to scan you or pat you down. This is normally done in plain view, so as to avoid misbehavior on the part of the security personnel and so there are witnesses.
10. If they wand you they will wand your turban and may pat it down, that is why kangas, especially those with kirpans in them are not recommended for travel.
11. If you are asked to remove your turban, you can ask them what is their probable cause for making that request. The Albuquerque, New Mexico Airport management have agreed that Sikhs will not be asked to remove their turbans without probable cause (ie activating the magnetometer), however that may not apply at other airports. Airlines do have the right to ask you to remove it for additional screening. We are working on this, but that is the way it is at this time.
12. If you are asked to remove your turban, they are obligated to take you to a private room and once you are cleared, you will be allowed to retie it.
13. If you feel that your rights are being violated, you can request to see the Ground Security Chief. You can explain your situation to the GSC, however their decision is final.
14. Remember that like any business, the airlines have the right to refuse service so think in terms of being a good customer.
15. Please be courteous, graceful and dignified at all times and think more in terms of being helpful rather than being victimized. For the most part people are simply trying to do a good job. Safety and security are huge issues now. Remember that your behavior will affect people in your environment, so think that you are helping them to feel secure.

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AIRPORT SECURITY AND YOUR RIGHTS AS AN AIRLINE PASSENGER: How to respond to requests for the removal of your turban by airport security staff.
(10/3/01) - by SMART

We have become aware that Sikhs are sometimes being asked to remove their turbans at airport security checkpoints. Although Sikh Americans should continue to cooperate with law enforcement officials, Sikhs should also be aware of their rights as Americans.

If a security agent requests that you remove your turban, please DO the following:

1. REMAIN CALM no matter what the provocation
2. Write down the name of the agent, the airport, the date and time of the incident, and the flight that you are boarding.
3. Write down everything you can about how the incident progresses including exactly what you are asked to do.

No matter how the agent behaves, please DO NOT:
1. Yell at the agent
2. Use profanity
3. Call them racist or ignorant (even if you think they are)
4. NEVER MENTION WEAPONS, EVEN IF KIDDING, AT AIRPORT SECURITY. THEY CAN ARREST YOU FOR DOING SO.

Instead, try to reason with the agent. Please restrict your remarks to the situation at hand. The agent is unlikely to be receptive to broader discussions concerning Sikh history or theology.

The following are some talking points you might want to make should such a situation arise:
1. Convey to them that you are also concerned with safety on board the flight, and that you hope they are checking all passengers thoroughly.
2. Let them know that your turban is not a hat, but is instead a mandatory requirement of your religion. It cannot be taken on and off like a hat, but instead must be wrapped and unwrapped.
3. Ask them to search your turban in the same way that they search the rest of your clothing - electronically. We suggest that you say something like:

"Let me walk through the metal detector like all the other passengers, and if that beeps, why don't you use your wand (hand held metal detector) to perform a closer search? If something goes off after you check me with the wand, then I am willing to have the agent "pat-down" my turban, and if absolutely necessary, I will be willing to go to a separate area, remove my turban and then retie it."

NOTE We urge you to use the above sample statement ONLY if you feel comfortable with a security officer/agent conducting a physical check. If you are not comfortable undergoing the physical search, you have the option to leave.

If a security agent gives you a hard time, please request to see the manager or supervisor. Once a manager comes, try to explain that you are a Sikh American who has been flying for a number of years and that you would like the same treatment as all other Americans. Make the same offer that you made to the security agent that electronic methods be used to check you first and that a manual search be performed only as a last resort.

We will be working closely with the government to make sure that Sikhs are treated the same as all other Americans. If you are subjected to an unreasonable search of your turban, please document the event thoroughly and contact SMART at our toll-free number, 877-91-SIKHS or via e-mail at info@sikhmediawatch.org.

Provided below is a short check list of actions you can take if you believe you have been mistreated or discriminated against. Please cut and carry this on you when you travel.

Know Your Rights As An Airline Passenger

As an airline passenger, you are entitled courteous, respectful and non-stigmatizing treatment by airline and security personnel.
You have the right to complain about treatment that you believe is discriminatory. If you believe you have been treated in a discriminatory manner, do the following immediately:
1. Ask to speak to a supervisor.
2. Ask if you have been singled out because of your looks, dress, race, ethnicity, faith, or national origin.
3. Ask for the names and ID numbers of all persons involved in the incident.
4. Ask witnesses to give you their names and contact information.
5. Write down a statement of facts immediately after the incident. Be sure to include the flight number, the flight date/time, and the name of the airline.
6. Contact SMART to file a report. If you are leaving the country, leave a detailed message with the above information at (877) 917-4547.

This is a critical time during which all Sikhs in America need to educate their neighbors and coworkers about our identity.

Above Information Provided by SMART
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CONTACT: Navtek Singh Khalsa
Email: info@sikhmediawatch.org
Phone: 1-877-91-SIKHS (877-917-4547) x25
http://www.sikhmediawatch.org

About SMART:
Founded in 1996 to promote the fair and accurate portrayal of Sikh Americans and the Sikh religion in American media and society, the Sikh Mediawatch and Resource Task Force (SMART) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization. Its mission is to combat bigotry and prejudice, protect the rights and religious freedoms of Sikh Americans, and provide resources that empower the Sikh American community.