Summer is traditionally a time for traveling... and over the past few years I have done more than my share, both within the U.S. and internationally. On nearly every flight, I have been "randomly" selected for extra scrutiny at airport security. Whether it was my one-way tickets here and yonder, or the fact that I was easily identified as a Muslim, I don't know. But along the way, the airline and security officers I have met (without a single exception) were polite, professional, quick, thorough, and friendly.
In the new era of very tight airport security, there are steps that passengers can take to make the security process faster and smoother. This is particularly important for those passengers who (right or wrong) are frequently selected for extra scrutiny. Muslim travelers, follow these tips to make your trip smooth and safe.
Remember the Importance of Safety Screening
It's not easy, especially with lots of heavy luggage and tired children in tow, to maintain patience while waiting for x-ray machines to be available, for strangers to rifle through personal belongings, or for one's shoes to be retrieved at the other end of the security zone. Try your best to maintain a smile, a sense of humor, and a realization that the security personnel are looking out for everyone's safety - including your own.
Arrive Early
Expect that you will be screened carefully, so allow yourself extra time. It becomes more difficult for everyone if things are rushed, and you are more likely to become impatient if you're running late. Even if you breeze through security quickly, there's no harm done by arriving early.
Pack Carefully
Be aware of the latest list of
prohibited items and do not carry anything (even something innocent) if it possibly could be construed as a weapon. Follow TSA and your airline's guidelines about carry-on and checked luggage.
Pack Lightly
Don't over-stuff your bags. This is hard for some of us, as we tend to cram every square-inch of space with gifts, hard-to-find items from overseas, children's belongings, etc. But if the security personnel need to open your bag, be sure that they can get it closed back up again! Another reason to pack lightly: many airlines are now charging for extra bags.
Accept Assistance
If you expect to be selected for extra screening, you will need to go to the ticket counter inside the airport to check your bags in. But that doesn't mean you can't try checking in at curbside. As soon as your name is flagged, the porter will walk your things in, to the front of the line. You will need more time to go through the process, so it's only fair that you be jumped ahead. Porters or airline personnel may also offer to walk your bags to and from x-ray machines; just be sure to watch your bags at all times.
Listen Carefully to Instructions
Listen carefully to the airline and TSA personnel and follow their instructions. They will let you know where to go, what to do, and how to present your items for clearance. They will lead you through the process, and signal when they are ready for you to proceed.
Be Aware of Your Privacy Rights
You may be scanned with a hand-wand (by a TSA officer of the same gender) and your carry-on bags will be hand checked. TSA has the right, if necessary, to ask sisters to remove a headcovering, abaya, or jilbab so that they can check underneath it. Simply explain that these items are part of your dress and cannot be removed in public. You have the right, under
TSA policy, to request a private area with a female TSA officer in order to complete this part of the screening.
Remember that Impressions Count!
Smile and be pleasant -- airport personnel are doing their job to make travel safe for everyone. If you have an attitude or a chip on your shoulder, it will only give people a bad impression of Muslims. Be patient, and have a good trip!
