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 in jest, 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 who has been flying for a number of years and that you would like the same treatment as all other passengers. 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.

This is only a short-term solution in the wake of recent events. If you are subjected to an unreasonable search of your turban, please document the event thoroughly and contact (email: MemberSupport) and Sikh Mediawatch and Resource Taskforce (SMART) at the toll-free number 1-877-91-SIKHS ) or via e-mail at info.

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

1. As an airline passenger, you are entitled courteous, respectful and non-stigmatizing treatment by airline and security personnel.
2. 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 and SMART to file a report. If you are leaving the country, leave a detailed message with the above information at .

Item courtesy Sikh Mediawatch And Resorce Taskforce (SMART)