- Think out your outfit. Understand that at most airports you will be asked to remove all bulky clothing, shoes, and accessories before walking through the scanners. It is easier to walk through passport control or customs with as few carry-ons as possible. If you are nervous that you won’t know when to remove excess clothing, there are signs by security checks to let you know what is required. To keep your stress levels low, it is better to prepare in advance to remove excess clothing. While security agents are growing more accustomed to such religious garments as the Abaya, cultural knowledge is not guaranteed. If asked to remove your Abaya, politely remind the agent that it is part of your religious wear. To breeze through security, light cardigans over your clothing or a plain Abaya would be best.
- Be prepared for a pat-down. It is part of the agents’ job to do a ‘pat-down’ if you are unable to remove excess clothing. Pat down essentially means searching for concealed items by passing hands over clothing. Security agents will walk you through the process, but don’t assume this will happen in private. You need to ask for privacy. Understand that female agents may not be immediately available, so you will likely have to wait.
- Be aware while travelling in Niqab. Travelling to non-Muslim countries while wearing a Niqab can be very difficult, especially when walking through checkpoints. Passport control areas now have face scanners that take pictures of your face, and your identity must be verifiable through all the important stages: check-in, passport control/customs, and boarding the aircraft. Save yourself some time and research the policies and protocols of the airports you travel to. Remember, you’re always allowed to ask for a female officer to help you through any process of the security check.
- Re-think the Hijab pins/hair accessories. It is best to take out the Hijab pin or forgo it entirely during travel. Metal ones will beep under the detectors and large clips under the Hijab will also require a pat down. Save yourself the hassle and keep the clips to a minimum.
- Don’t be nervous. Although travelling has become more of a hassle, understand that these are protocols everyone has to go through. Take a deep breath, recite the supplication for travelling, and listen to every instruction laid out by the security agents. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, when you need it. It is easier for everyone, if you ask for clarification, rather than have to go through the security check twice.
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