A seasoned globetrotter has spilled the beans on what ‘SSSS’ on your boarding pass signifies and why it’s something you’d rather not see. Chloe Jade Meltzer, aged 30, a travel aficionado who has been exploring the globe since 2015, has set foot in an impressive 162 countries. During her extensive travels, Chloe has encountered ‘SSSS’ on her boarding pass on six occasions.
The acronym ‘SSSS’ stands for Secondary Security Screening Selection, indicating that the traveller has been singled out for extra security scrutiny by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) prior to their flight. This entails additional screening measures such as pat-downs, hand swabs, and comprehensive baggage inspections before they can board the aircraft.
Chloe points out that one tell-tale sign of being marked with ‘SSSS’ is if the boarding pass isn’t issued promptly. Hailing from New York City, Chloe, who documents her journeys on her travel blog, remarked: “I have gotten ‘SSSS’ on my boarding pass periodically over the years.” She advises: “When I get one, I will just try get the checks out of the way and head straight to the boarding gate to be screened again by airline staff.
“The duration of the process typically hinges on how swiftly you make it to the boarding gate, the manner in which your bags are packed, and the speediness of the search team.”
Chloe adds a crucial tip for flyers: “When you are checking into your flight, you usually get your boarding pass. If you don’t get it straight away, that can be a sign your pass will have ‘SSSS’ written on.”
Chloe explains that if you’re marked for secondary screening, you’ll be taken aside at the gate before boarding.
She detailed that you might undergo a pat down, an in-depth luggage search, or be tested for explosives. Chloe remarked: “You also might be asked a few extra question like where you’re going and how long you’re staying there. It can feel very targeted but usually this will be going on for a few other people as well or sometimes half the plane.
“I personally don’t like this because it takes longer, you can’t do this before boarding, they do it exactly at boarding.” Chloe highlighted that being tagged with ‘SSSS’ could be due to travel to certain countries that raise flags, or purchasing a one-way ticket. She reassures passengers not to worry about the ‘SSSS’ on their boarding pass as it’s often random.
Chloe said: “They say it is randomly selected, sometimes it’s because you have travelled to certain countries that are flagged, or because you bought a one-way ticket. Sometimes you might be on a watch list because you name is similar to one that they have flagged, or you have two different passports, you have passport irregularities. If you get the dreaded ‘SSSS’ don’t worry, it doesn’t mean you’re in trouble because it is random.
“Just deal with it, be ready to board early and get it done.”