What should i do at the airport if they ask me Questions?

Question

i am an american muslim and i am going to the middle east next summer to explore. what should i do if they question me in the airport? PLZ help me!! i am a sensitve person when it comes to my religon, so i don't want to start crying in front of the whole airport(talk about emmbarasing ) anything would be helpful

Answer 1

Just be honest, and remember that you have rights. You are an American citizen and no one has the right to bully you or discriminate against you because of your religion. Be strong; you can do it!

And if you are mistreated, sue the airline. I'm not joking; somebody has to start letting the Department of Homeland "Security" know that Americans will not stand for this kind of garbage.

Answer 2

Answer the questions, be polite. TO NOT BE arrogant, and since you are an American, you KNOW what arrogant is. It doesn't play well in airports or police stations, so don't try it.

They will treat you with respect, if you act respectful. I travel A LOT and see a lot of Muslims going on and off planes with absolutely no problems, with the exception of those few who think they are better than the guards, and show disrespect.

You may NOT get the respect you expect in the Middle East however, and may not be able to act like an American woman, and may need to resort to being a second class citizen. Enjoy your trip.

Answer 3

As a former TSA employee, I'd like to offer the following suggestions:

First off, do your BEST to not 'act' suspicious. Do deep breathing exercises, make sure you've had a good night's sleep, and when you pack your 'carry-ons', make sure they're not suspicious looking (put everything in zip-lock baggies for ease in inspection.)

As for secondary screening, don't flip out. Just follow the directions of the screener. If you're asked any questions, just use "yes" or "no" answers, don't volunteer a lot of information... and please just try to remember that the screener is just a person (just like you) with a job to do - a job that actually kinda sucks (which is why I quit, I don't like invading people's space).

Finally, if you think a screener is busting your chops or being out of line, ASK FOR A SUPERVISOR. It is your RIGHT to have multi-levels of scrutiny if it makes you feel more comfortable.

TSA is a multi-layered example of our government's dysfunction in action, and I apologize in advance for that. I obviously have my OWN opinions about the organization and its' objectives, but I'll save that for another time.

I wish you a WONDERFUL trip... and I'm a little envious. I want to go to Egypt someday.

Have a wonderful time, and if you'd like to communicate more, please feel free to email me.

Warm regards,
Harleygirl in San Diego