Actor: Can’t Board Due to Turban
Jesse Tabit February 09, 2016
[Update 2/9 10 a.m. PST: AeroMexico released an apology Monday to Ahluwalia. The actor/designer, who had previously vowed not to leave Mexico City until he received an apology from the company, said he wasn’t angry. “Let’s just make that change so that no one else has to deal with anything like this again.” For more information on this story, visit Buzzfeed.]
Waris Ahluwalia, a Sikh-American designer, model and actor, claims his turban prevented him from boarding his Aeroméxico flight Monday. Ahluwalia was in Mexico City traveling back to New York City when the incident occurred. Ahluwalia took his thoughts to social media, posting a photo on Instagram with a caption that read:
“This morning in Mexico City I was told I could not board my @aeromexico flight to NYC because of my turban. #FearisanOpportunitytoEducate #humanrights #dignity #lovenotfear”
The airline has yet to respond to the situation.
For more information on this story, visit NBC News.
[Photo: StyleLikeU]
He wasn't denied boarding because he was wearing a turban. He was denied boarding because he was asked to remove it as part of a security check and he refused. Anybody with any kind of hat or clothing that refuses to take it off when asked to show that there's nothing under it would be denied boarding, this is what happened in this case. He had already been through the metal detector, but I don't think metal detectors are capable of finding things like plastic weapons, drugs or explosives.
Many Sikhs with turban's on go through airline and TSA security in the US and of course worldwide, it's not that Sikhs with a turban are novelty at airports, but sure is for the ignorant who have not see one before. The Aeromexico's staff acted like it was the 1970s or something, in this day and age these kind of mistakes are unacceptable.
I see no relation between SSSS and boarding denial. I don't remove my clothes (except belt and shoes) when screened, so, he shouldn't be required to remove his turban for screening, unless of course if the metal detector lighted up. Usually, a turban is only made of cloth. Ignorance indeed.
You forgot to post the picture he uploaded to Instagram with his BP clearly showing the "SSSS" markings. This guy was randomly selected for screening and decided to make a publicity stunt out of it. Preying on the ignorance of the public who has no idea about SSSS.
“We are all born ignorant, but one must work hard to remain stupid.”