The Holiday season is here and people are beginning to travel. December 2nd is the busiest travel day of the year with over 3 million passengers trying to get home after Thanksgiving. But today, November 27, is the second busiest travel day of the year with over 2.9 million people on the way to their Holiday destination.We are aware that this can be a stressful time. Here are a few tips for you to make sure your travel is smooth and stress free.
When going through security at the airport, you will first go through one of the two prevalent screening methods US Airports: the Walk-Through Metal Detector (WTMD) and the Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) machine. If you set off an alarm from either of these two methods you will be required to do additional screening. The secondary screening procedure and the options available are as follows:
- You will need to have secondary screening if you set off the metal detector, OR, if you have an area on your body highlighted on the AIT machine. If you dastaar requires screening, you are allowed to conduct a self pat-down of your dastaar, followed by testing of your hands for explosive residue, and screening by a hand-held metal detector.
- You can also submit to a pat down by the officer if you prefer, however, you have the right to choose what type of screening you would like.
- If the test yields a positive for any explosive residue, officers can conduct a pat-down followed by testing of the swab or the Officer’s gloves for explosives.
- You have a right to refuse the initial screening of the AIT machine and opt for a pat-down by an officer.
Before undergoing secondary screening, you should request that the screening officer change their gloves and swabs prior to testing.
If the secondary testing sets off an alarm you will be subject to a final screening were TSA may ask for you to remove your turban, it should only be conducted if all other screenings have been conducted. You are allowed to ask for a private screening in a separate area.
Three ways that can help reduce chances of setting off an alarm:
- Remove pins from your turban
- When you are in the AIT machine keep your hands up and away from your head.
- Wash your hands thoroughly prior to going through security screening and make sure you have clean fresh clothes to reduce the chances of residue.
Please make sure to document any and all irregularities and report them to SALDEF and also you may contact TSA directly.
Safe Travels!