TSA Official Know Before You Go Sikh 2018 (1).pdf

Exhibit A

FOR SIKH TRAVELERS

The Transportation Security Administration is committed to ensuring access and serving all persons with dignity and respect.

If you are enrolled in a trusted traveler program (TSA Precheck, Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI), enter your known traveler number or PASS ID

when making airline reservations. When you check in for a flight, look for the TSA Precheck boarding pass indicator.

We are aware and respect that Sikh travelers may wear traditional clothing and/or carry religious items. Observant travelers may be wearing a

Dastaar (religious head covering/turban), Kara (metal bracelet), and a Kangha (wooden comb). The Kirpan is considered sharp object and must be in

checked baggage, and cannot be worn or carried through the checkpoint. Please view TSA.gov for the list of prohibited items.

WHAT TO KNOW

• Signing-Up for TSA Pre✓

o Apply online at TSA.gov.

o You will go through a background check where your identification and citizenship will be verified, among other things. Make sure all of

the information on your identification is exactly the same. Inconsistent information can delay the process.

o Then you’ll get a Known Traveler Number (KTN). You have to enter in your KTN every single time you make a reservation, otherwise

you will not get the benefit of TSA Pre✓

o As one of many layers of TSA security, you may, on occasion, be randomly selected to receive additional screening.

Exhibit B

• Making Reservations:

o TSA requires airlines to collect a traveler’s full name, date of birth, gender, and redress number (if applicable) to significantly decrease

the likelihood of watch-list misidentification. TSA verifies a traveler’s identification through Secure Flight.

o You are encouraged to book your reservation such that the reservation information matches the full name, date of birth, and gender on the

government issued identification (ID) that you will use for travel, as well as your Known Traveler Number (KTN) if you have signed-up

for TSA Pre✓

. For additional information about identification documents, visit the Identification page on TSA.gov here.

o On arrival to the security checkpoint, you must present your government-issued ID that has the same name as the one on your boarding

pass to the TSA Officer who will verify that the names on the ID and boarding pass match, and that the photo on the ID matches you.

• TSA Cares:

o TSA Cares is a toll-free helpline, 1-855-787-2227 or Federal Relay #711, available for travelers to ask questions about screening or to

request help at the checkpoint. You may call from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekends and

holidays.

o If you would like to arrange assistance at the checkpoint, TSA recommends that you call at least 72 hours ahead of travel so that TSA

Cares has the opportunity to coordinate checkpoint support. Checkpoint support may include coordination with a Passenger Support

Specialist (PSS). Each airport has different resources; therefore, the level of assistance you receive at the checkpoint will vary. Some

airports have an individual who will call you to gather additional information and arrange a meeting time and place. Other locations

notify the checkpoint manager of your itinerary, but no pre-contact is made.

o If you arrive at the checkpoint and have any concerns before, during, or after the screening process, you should immediately request to

speak with a Supervisory Transportation Security Officer (STSO) or a PSS for assistance.

• Planning Your Trip:

o Arrive early to allow time for security screening.

o Communicate your specific needs (e.g., turban, accommodations, delicate/fragile items, sensitive items or body areas) to the TSA

Officer before screening begins to have a smooth airport screening experience.

o The 3-1-1 liquids rule for carry-ons allows each traveler to have liquids, gels, aerosols, creams and pastes in quantities of 3.4 ounces

(100ml) or less per container; in 1 quart sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; and in one bag.

o This rule does not apply to medically-necessary liquids for travelers with disabilities and medical conditions. However, you will need to

declare medically-necessary liquids for inspection at the checkpoint, and officers may need to conduct additional screening of these

items.

• Walk-Through Metal Detectors (WTMD):

o You may be chosen to be screened by a Walk Through Metal Detector (WTMD), most commonly in the TSA Pre✓

lane.

o You cannot request WTMD screening instead of receiving screening via the Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) or a pat-down.

o Learn more about Walk Through Metal Detectors at TSA.gov.

• Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT):

o You are eligible to be screened via Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) if you are able to stand, walk through the machine, and stand

holding your hands above your head for five to seven seconds without support. If there is an alarm, you may need to stand for additional

time to resolve the alarm.

o If you do not want to be screened by AIT, or are ineligible, you may request a pat-down. A reminder - you may not request screening

using the Walk Through Metal Detector.

o The AIT has software that protects individual privacy, eliminating traveler-specific images by auto-detecting potential threats, which are

shown on a generic outline of a person on a screen located after you exit the machine. You can see this as well. The generic outline is

identical for all travelers. If there is an alarm indicated on the generic outline, TSA Officers are trained to clear the alarm, not the

individual. Additional screening is conducted to determine whether a prohibited item is present.

o You may always request a private screening at any time if a pat-down is needed to resolve an alarm.

o TSA is committed to ensuring effective and efficient security screening, while treating all travelers with dignity and respect.

o Learn more about Advanced Imaging Technology at TSA.gov.

• Pat-Downs:

o You may opt-out of the screening technology and receive a pat-down.

o You will undergo a pat-down if any screening technology alarms, or if you are randomly chosen for pat-down screening.

o When conducted, the pat-down will be performed by a TSA Officer of the same gender as you present.

o You can request a private screening at any time and may be accompanied by a companion of your choosing.

o You can request a chair if you need to sit down.

o You may request that the TSA Officer change his or her gloves, prior to conducting the pat-down.

o A pat-down may include inspection of the head, neck, arms, torso, legs, and feet. This includes head coverings such as your turban,

hair, and sensitive body areas such as breasts, groin, and the buttocks. You may be required to adjust clothing during the pat-down.

• The TSA Officer will advise you of the procedure to help you anticipate any actions before you feel them.

• Pat-downs require sufficient pressure to ensure detection.

o Travelers wearing turbans may be subject to additional security screening, which may include a traveler self-conducted

pat-down or officer-conducted pat-down. A swab test for traces of explosives may also take place. Any alarm will

require additional screening by a TSA Officer.

o You may request:

▪ Private screening; and

▪ That the TSA Officer change gloves prior to conducting the pat-down, and/or change ETD swabs prior to testing.

o The private screening area should have a mirror available, if it is necessary that your turban be removed.

• TSA Officers use the back of the hands for pat-downs over sensitive areas of the body. In limited cases, additional screening

involving a sensitive area pat-down with the front of the hand may be needed to determine that a threat does not exist.

o Learn more about pat-downs at TSA.gov.

Explosive Trace Detection (ETD) Screening:

o TSA Officers may swab your personal property or hands, and then use ETD technology to test for explosive particles. This is not a drug

test.

o Travelers may request a new swab prior to their hands being sampled.

WHAT TO REMEMBER:

• Packing: Separate medically-necessary liquids and equipment from other belongings so they can be quickly identified and accessed for

screening.

• Known Traveler Number (KTN): Enter your known traveler number when you book your flight to get TSA Pre✓® (PreCheck) benefits.

• Companion: You can be accompanied by a companion of your choosing to provide assistance during the screening process. However, the

companion must be re-screened after providing assistance that involves physical contact.

• Body Piercing: Certain metal body piercings may cause the machines to alarm, which will result in additional screening. If additional

screening is required, passengers may be asked to remove their body piercing.

• Gift Wrapping: You should refrain from wrapping gifts until arriving at your final destination. If a TSA Officer needs to inspect a wrapped

gift, it may have to be unwrapped.

TSA Pre✓® (PreCheck)

Standard Screening

If you have TSA Pre✓® (PreCheck) on your boarding pass:

o Proceed to the TSA Pre✓® (PreCheck) line;

o Present your boarding pass and government-issued ID to the

TSA travel document checker;

o The TSA travel document checker will verify your

identification and scan your boarding pass barcode and confirm

that you are eligible for this lane.

During the screening process:

o Generally, TSA Pre✓® lines are shorter and have shorter wait

times. Find out when TSA Pre✓®lanes are available at your

airport at TSA Pre✓® Checkpoint Schedule.

o If eligible, you may be screened using Advanced Imaging

Technology or Walk Through Metal Detector. If not, you may

be screened using a pat-down.

You are required to remove:

o Medically Necessary LGA over 3.4 ounces (from accessible

property)

You are not required to remove:

o Shoes

o Jackets

o 3-1-1 compliant bag

o Electronics the size of a cell phone and larger;

o CPAP/BPAP

It is recommended that you remove items from your pockets to

expedite the screening process and minimize the need for additional

screening.

If you do not have TSA Pre✓® (PreCheck) on your boarding pass:

o Proceed to the standard screening line;

o Present your boarding pass and government-

issued ID to the TSA travel document checker;

o The TSA travel document checker will verify your

identity and scan your boarding pass barcode.

During the screening process:

o Generally, travelers experience longer lines depending on the

day, date, and time of travel.

o If eligible, you may be screened using Advanced Imaging

Technology or Walk Through Metal Detector. If not, you may be

screened using a pat-down.

You are required to remove:

o Shoes;

o Jackets/Coats; and

o 3-1-1 compliant bag of liquids, gels, and aerosols.

You are required to separate:

o Medically-necessary liquids;

o Electronics the size of a cell phone and larger;

o CPAP/BPAP

It is recommended that you remove items from your pockets to expedite

the screening process and minimize the need for additional screening.

KNOW YOUR

RIGHTS

AT THE AIRPORT

If you believe your civil rights have

been violated, we encourage you to

report TSA screening discrimination

directly to the TSA and the Sikh Co-

alition via on our mobile app, FlyR-

ights. Download the app at: http://

y-rights.org/

You can also le complaints with the

TSA online at: https://www.tsa.gov/

contact-center/form/complaints

BEFORE TRAVELING

• You may sign up for TSA Precheck at TSA.gov

to expedite the security checkpoint process. A

background check will be performed, asking

you questions about citizenship, and re-

questing additional information. If successful,

you will be provided with a Known Traveler

Number (KTN) for use every time you make a

reservation.

• Make sure the details on the airline reservation

match the information on your traveler’s iden-

tication (ID) that will be used during travel.

• The TSA is aware that Sikh travelers may wear

traditional clothing and/or carry religious

items, such as a dastaar, kara, and kangha.

• The kirpan must be checked into baggage and

cannot be worn or carried through check-

points.

• Remember to place salais, dastaar pins, or oth-

er grooming tools in your carry on or checked

luggage as they may set o metal detectors or

other screening technology.

AT TH E AIR POR T

• Arrive 2 hours early for domestic ights & 3

hours early for international ights for secu-

rity screening and communicate any specic

needs to the TSA Ocer prior to screening to

ensure a smooth screening experience, includ-

ing your turban, accommodations, delicate/

fragile items, sensitive items, or body areas.

• You have a right to be accompanied by a

travel companion of your choice during the

screening process. The companion must be re-

screened after providing assistance involving

physical contact.

• The 3-1-1 liquids rule for carry-ons allows each

traveler to have liquids, gels, aerosols, creams

and pastes in quantities of 3.4 ounces (100ml)

or less per container; in 1 quart sized, clear,

plastic, zip-top bag; and in one bag. (This rule

does not apply to medically-necessary liquids

for travelers with disabilities and medical

conditions. However, you will need to declare

medically-necessary liquids for inspection at

the checkpoint, and ocers may need to con-

duct additional screening of these items.)

Exhibit C

REQUEST DIRECT ASSISTANCE FROM TSA CARES: Toll-free helpline: 1-855-787-2227, available for all questions about

screening or help at checkpoints, from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET., Monday through Friday, & 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends &

holidays. If you would like to arrange assistance at checkpoints, TSA recommends calling at least 72 hours ahead of travel so

TSA has the opportunity to coordinate support.

The Sikh Coalition does not endorse these TSA policies, and this document should not be construed as legal advice. It is

merely providing information to Sikh travelers on TSA policies during the screening process.

SCREENING

1. It is best to thoroughly wash your hands with soap prior to entering TSA checkpoints to avoid any oils or

contaminants on your hands. ( Please note some soaps may cause false positives due to oils or scents.)

2. You may be chosen for screening through either a Walk-Through Metal Detector (WTMD) or an Advanced

Imaging Technology (AIT) machine. Advanced Imaging Technology, a full body scanner, screens

passengers for metallic and/or non-metallic threats, such as guns or explosives, that may be concealed

under a person’s clothing. Any threats the technology scans will appear on a generic outline of a person on

a screen, which is intended to preserve privacy.

3. You have a right to refuse the AIT machine and request a pat-down. You may not request screening

through WTMD instead of AIT.

4. You may be required to adjust your clothing during the pat-down. The ocer will advise you of procedures

to help you anticipate actions that will be taken.

5. Travelers wearing turbans may be subject to additional security screening, including traveler self-

conducted pat-downs or ocer-conducted pat-downs, and swab tests for traces of explosives. You may

request that the ocer change their gloves and swabs prior to testing.

6. If either of the screening technologies alarms during the process, you will undergo a pat-down, which will

be conducted by an ocer of the same gender, as that which you present or declare. Pursuant to TSA’s

eligibility criteria, you may request a self pat-down of your turban, and the ocer will do a swab test for

traces of explosives on your hands, once the self pat-down is completed. You may also be chosen for a pat-

down randomly. Should you decide that a TSA ocer conduct the pat-down, you may request that they

change gloves and swabs prior to doing so.

7. If you undergo a pat-down, you have a right to a private screening with a companion of your choice.

Private screening areas must have a mirror available if removing your turban is necessary. You may request

a chair if you need to sit.

8. If TSA requests that your turban be removed for an additional screening, it should only occur after all other

screenings have been completed and resulted in positive indications. If you are asked to remove your

turban, you have a right to a private screening with a companion of your choice. Private screening areas

must have a mirror available if removing your turban is necessary. You may request a chair if you need to

sit.

9. Sensitive areas such as breasts, groin, and buttocks are included in the pat-downs and pat-downs require

sucient pressure to ensure detection. TSA Ocers use the back of their hands for pat-downs over

sensitive areas of the body. In limited cases, additional screening involving a sensitive area pat-down with

the front of the hand may be needed to determine that a threat does not exist.

10. If you arrive at a checkpoint & have any concerns before, during, or after the screening process,

immediately ask to speak with a Supervisory Transportation Security Ocer (STSO) or a Passenger

Support Specialist (PSS).

KNOW YOUR

RIGHTS

AT THE AIRPORT