TSA search rules

In August, the Transportation Security Administration imposed at U.S. airports an additional security screening of persons wearing head coverings such as turbans, scarves, cowboy hats or berets, and people who refused to remove them could be denied boarding. However, in October the guidelines were modified.

Those wearing such head coverings now may be subjected to secondary screening, including pat-downs, wandings or passing through a portal designed to check for explosive traces. If an item still cannot be ruled out as a potential threat, the passenger may be requested to remove the head covering (in private, if necessary).

The guidelines were revised to accommodate religious beliefs and avoid religious profiling. (For those of the Sikh religion, removing the turban is an extremely private act, and having to remove it in public is similar to being asked to disrobe.)

Also, during the screening process, if a passenger’s clothing (religious or otherwise) is loose-fitting or large enough to hide prohibited items, he/she may be directed to additional screening with a security agent of the same gender.