Airport Security And The Sikh Kangha: What's Allowed?

One of the five articles of faith in the Sikh religion, the kangha is a small wooden comb representing self-discipline and worn in the hair to remind the wearer to rid themselves of what is morally undesirable. In recent years, there has been much discussion about whether Sikhs are permitted to carry the kangha and other religious items with them at airports and on flights. While some countries have restrictions or bans on carrying religious knives and swords longer than a certain length, others allow blades of 6 cm or less, including kangha. It is important for Sikh travellers to be aware of the laws and guidelines of the countries they are travelling to and from, as well as their rights as passengers.

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Kangha is one of the five articles of faith, or 5Ks, that Sikhs carry at all times

In 1699, Guru Gobind Singh commanded Khalsa Sikhs to wear five items, or the Five Ks, at all times. These articles of faith are not just symbols but collectively form the external identity and the Khalsa devotee's commitment to the Sikh way of life. One of these items is the Kangha, a small wooden comb for the Kesh (uncut long hair). The Kangha is used to comb the long, uncut hair and keep it tidy, symbolising not just accepting what God has given but also maintaining it with grace.

The other four items that make up the Five Ks are the Kesh (uncut hair), the Kara (a bracelet usually made of iron or steel), the Kachera (an undergarment), and the Kirpan (a small curved sword or knife made of iron or steel). The Kirpan is often between 3 and 9 inches long, and many countries have restrictions or bans on carrying these on flights and in public places.

In terms of airport security, a Sikh traveller has the right to ask for a private screening area if a search requires the removal of their turban. After clearing all screening procedures, Sikh travellers are permitted to board their flights while wearing a turban or chunni (a headcover worn by Sikh women).

As for the Kirpan, there are varying regulations depending on the country. In Canada, almost all public places permit Sikhs to carry Kirpans, and since November 2017, Transport Canada has allowed Kirpans smaller than 6 cm on domestic and international flights except to the USA. In the UK, Heathrow Airport permits blades up to 6 cm for international flights. However, the Eastern High Court of Denmark has ruled that carrying a Kirpan is illegal. It is important for Sikhs to research the laws of their destination countries before travelling.

The TSA prohibits carrying religious knives and swords longer than 2.5 inches on one's person or in carry-on baggage

For Sikhs, carrying the five Ks—the Kesh (uncut long hair), Kangha (small wooden comb), Kara (iron bracelet), Kachera (underwear), and the Kirpan (a sword)—is a religious commandment. However, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) prohibits carrying religious knives and swords longer than 2.5 inches on one's person or in carry-on baggage. This restriction is part of a broader set of safety regulations and restrictions implemented by the TSA to enhance the safety of passengers, flight crew, and airport employees.

While the TSA's restriction on religious knives and swords may pose challenges for Sikh travellers, it is important to note that other accommodations are in place to respect their religious practices. For example, Sikh travellers have the right to request a private screening area if a search involving the removal of their turban is necessary. After completing all screening procedures, they are permitted to board their flights while wearing their turbans.

To comply with TSA regulations, Sikh travellers can opt to place their Kirpans, which typically range from 3 to 9 inches in length, in their checked baggage. Some travellers choose to wear smaller Kirpans, such as a 1-inch Kirpan worn as a necklace, to remain in adherence to their religious commandments without violating TSA guidelines. Additionally, certain countries have specific regulations permitting shorter blades. For instance, Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand conform to an EU standard that allows blades of 6 cm or less, including Kirpans. However, it is important to note that this allowance does not extend to flights travelling to the USA from Canada.

When travelling as a Sikh, it is advisable to research the regulations of your destination country beforehand. While some countries accommodate the carrying of religious swords on international flights, others, like Denmark, have outlawed the practice. Being informed about the laws and restrictions of your destination can help you navigate any potential challenges and ensure a smooth travelling experience while adhering to your faith.

Canada allows Sikhs to carry kirpans smaller than 6 cm on domestic and international flights, except to the USA

As part of their religious commandments, Sikhs are obliged to carry five things at all times, including a kirpan, which is a sword typically between 3 and 9 inches long. The kirpan is considered a symbolic reminder to stand up against injustice and is not seen as a weapon by Sikhs. However, many countries have restrictions or bans on carrying kirpans on flights and in public places.

When travelling with a kirpan, it is essential to do your research as different countries have varying restrictions. For example, Denmark has banned the carrying of kirpans, while the UK, Australia, and New Zealand allow blades of 6 cm or less. Additionally, the TSA in the United States prohibits carrying "religious knives and swords" longer than 2.5 inches on one's person or in carry-on baggage, requiring them to be packed in checked baggage.

It is worth noting that airport security procedures can be frustrating for Sikhs, and it is crucial to stay patient and follow the laws of the airport while being mindful of your rights. Sikh travellers have the right to request a private screening area if the removal of their turban is required during security checks. After clearing all screening procedures, Sikhs are permitted to board flights while wearing their turbans or chunnis (headcovers for Sikh women).

The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) has guidelines on how sacred or spiritual items must be handled during the screening process

The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) has specific guidelines for passengers travelling with sacred or spiritual items. While all persons and their belongings must undergo screening, CATSA instructs screening officers to treat these items with the utmost respect and care. Screening officers are trained to provide passengers with options to minimise the likelihood of officers handling sacred and spiritual items. For example, passengers travelling with sacred or spiritual items in their carry-on luggage can request a facilitator at the beginning when their boarding pass is scanned or at any time before the item goes through the X-ray.

If a sacred or spiritual item alarms during the screening process, the alarm must be resolved. Screening officers are instructed to work with the passenger to ensure that these items are screened with the utmost sensitivity and respect. Passengers should inform the screening officer that they are carrying a sacred or spiritual item and advise them of any preferences on how and when their items are handled.

CATSA also provides guidelines on its website for packing and screening sacred or spiritual items. While most checked baggage is screened without the need for a physical bag search, there are situations where CATSA may need to physically inspect checked baggage. For this reason, CATSA does not recommend packing delicate or fragile sacred or spiritual items in checked baggage.

In terms of specific items, a kirpan is a sword typically between 3 and 9 inches long that Sikhs carry as part of religious commandments. In 2017, Transport Canada updated its Prohibited Items list to allow kirpans smaller than 6 cm on all domestic and international flights except to the USA. Blades longer than 6 cm should be packed in checked baggage. Blades of any type or length are prohibited on flights to the US.

Sikh travellers have the right to ask for a private screening area if the removal of their turban is required

For Sikhs, the kirpan, kesh (uncut long hair), kangha (small wooden comb), kara (iron bracelet), and kachera (undergarment) are religious commandments that they are obliged to carry at all times. However, airport security can be challenging for Sikhs, especially after the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, which led to increased suspicion and hate crimes against the community.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has implemented regulations for screening procedures for Sikh travellers, which include the use of Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) machine scans or full-body pat-downs. While all travellers are advised to remove headwear during screening, Sikh travellers are exempt from this requirement and can request to use the Puffer machine, which detects chemical traces without touching the turban.

If a Sikh traveller is asked to remove their turban, they must refuse and explain its religious significance. In such cases, travellers can request a private screening area for the pat-down. The TSA has recognised the importance of accommodating religious head coverings and has implemented training for its screeners to address these concerns respectfully.

It is important for Sikh travellers to be aware of their rights and stay patient when dealing with airport security. They have the right to ask for a private screening area if the removal of their turban is required and to board their flights while wearing their religious head coverings after clearing all screening procedures.

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