Hajj Traveler Awareness: Know Before You Go

News & Happenings

October 27, 2010

TSA understands that the Hajj is a significant religious event for Muslims and is one of the five pillars of Islam. Many observant Muslims perform Hajj, making a pilgrimage to Mecca and Madinah in Saudi Arabia.  Each year, more than a million pilgrims take part in the Hajj, including over ten thousand Americans. The travel period this year for the Hajj will likely commence several days or more before the onset of the pilgrimage (approximately November 14, 2010) and end several days or weeks after its conclusion (approximately November 21, 2010).

Quick Tips to Prepare for Travel During Hajj

• Pilgrims travelling in traditional or religious clothing which may be considered loose fitting or bulky may be subject to additional screening at the TSA security checkpoints. For additional information on the security screening processes for religious and cultural needs, please review the TSA website at:http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1037.shtm.
• Pilgrims may travel through a security checkpoint which has advanced imaging technology. Being screened through this technology is voluntary. For additional information on advanced imaging technology, please see the TSA website at:http://www.tsa.gov/approach/tech/ait/index.shtm.
• Pilgrims returning from Hajj who wish to bring back holy water should pack it in their checked baggage if the container is larger than three ounces, pursuant to TSA's 3-1-1 liquids regulations. For additional information about the 3-1-1 process, please see the TSA website at: http://www.tsa.gov/311/index.shtm.  
• Pilgrims may wish to consult the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s website atwww.cbp.gov for additional information on port of entry guidelines or restrictions.

Addressing Travel Issues or Concerns

• Travelers experiencing difficulties such as denied or delayed airline boarding, or denied or delayed entry into and exit from the U.S. at a port of entry or border checkpoint may seek redress through the DHS Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (DHS TRIP). Complete information on filing a TRIP complaint can be found on the TSA website at: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/customer/redress/index.shtm.
• Travelers who believe they have experienced discriminatory conduct because of a protected basis may file a concern with TSA’s Office of Civil Rights and Liberties. Complete information on the complaint process can be found on the TSA website at: http://www.tsa.gov/what_we_do/civilrights/travelers.shtm.
• Travelers may also file discrimination concerns with the DHS Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties. Complete information on the complaint process can be found on the DHS website at:http://www.dhs.gov/xabout/structure/editorial_0373.shtm.
• Travelers who believe they have experienced rude or unprofessional conduct at a security checkpoint are encouraged to request a supervisor at the checkpoint to discuss the matter or to submit a concern to TSA’s Contact Center at: TSA-ContactCenter@dhs.gov.