What does code SSSS mean on a boarding pass?

What does code SSSS mean on a boarding pass? A Secondary Security Screening Selection or SSSS designation on your boarding pass means that you've been picked for a secondary security screening. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) may select passengers for SSSS on flights from, to and within the U.S.

How long does SSSS last?

An SSSS code stamped on your boarding pass overrides pre-approval through a Trusted Traveler Program such as TSA PreCheck and can add 15 to 45 minutes (or more) to your boarding process. Unfortunately, there are many groups of travelers who are no strangers to being flagged repeatedly for invasive TSA screenings.

Do you get SSSS on domestic flights?

Unfortunately, you will find an SSSS on boarding passes on both domestic and international flights. It is more common on flights that arrive into the United States, but can happen for flights within the United States as well. The SSSS will not appear on flights to international destinations.

What is the black boarding pass on American airlines?

Instead of printing it, and displaying it as though it were a watermark on the card stock, it will be in the bottom left hand corner and inside of a circle. Black means elite status or other 'priority access' eligibility, and if it isn't shaded black it displays your boarding group.

Why you never want to see these four letters on your boarding pass?

What Is “Secondary Security Screening Selection” (SSSS)? According to the TSA, any passenger with the four-letter code on their boarding pass can be swabbed for residue of illegal substances, such as drugs or explosives. Those passengers will also face additional questioning over travel plans and previous trips.

What flags you at TSA?

Not following protocol. The litany of things — liquids, loose change, laptops, throwing stars — that must be removed from your pockets and carry-on baggage at airport security is inconvenient. But following TSA protocol is a surefire way to make the process smoother for everyone involved.

Why does airport security look at your wrists?

Airport security personnel will typically ask individuals to lift their arms and show their wrists as part of the security screening process. This is done as a precautionary measure to ensure that no individuals are able to bring explosives or other dangerous items into the airport or onto an aircraft.

Why did TSA wipe my hands?

Why Does the TSA Swab Hands? The Transportation Security Administration randomly swabs passengers' hands at security checkpoints and airport gates to test them for traces of explosives. The TSA swabs are analyzed for nitroglycerin, nitrates, glycerin, or other chemicals.

Why did my groin get flagged at TSA?

When a body scanner repeatedly highlights a specific area, such as the crotch, it may be due to a variety of factors, including: Clothing and Fabric: Certain types of clothing, fabrics, or folds in clothing can create the appearance of an anomaly in the crotch area on the scanner's image.

How do you know if you are flagged by customs?

There are signs that will indicate you have been flagged for additional screenings: You were not able to print a boarding pass from an airline ticketing kiosk or from the internet. You were denied or delayed boarding. A ticket agent “called someone” before handing you a boarding pass.

Does TSA still strip search?

TSA conducting a “strip search” is rare and is conducted in private. Their checkpoint “search” is a “warrantless exception”. They will notify the airport LE agency or DHS special agent if they find something on you—drugs, weapon, etc. TSA screeners are not sworn federal police officers.

Why do TSA agents scribble on boarding pass?

It's the agent's own initials (or sometimes signature), providing a very informal paper trail of who checked the passenger's ID. The agent will also highlight SSSS (Secondary Security Screening Selection) if it appears on your boarding pass, indicating that you have been selected for additional screening.

Why does TSA randomly check your phone?

TSA protects transportation systems: they scan your luggage, ensure your ticket is valid, and provide airport security. The only reason they might be interested in your phone is if it looks suspicious.

Is SSSS common on boarding pass?

If you are on the Selectee List you will automatically be chosen for additional screening each time you fly. Being on one of these lists or even if you share the same name with someone on one of these lists means you are likely to receive a SSSS on your boarding pass.

Why would you be denied TSA?

If you commit certain violations of federal security regulations, such as assault, threat, intimidation, or interference with flight crew, physical or sexual assault or threat of physical or sexual assault of any individual on an aircraft, interference with security operations, access control violations, providing ...

Are TSA random checks really random?

It all depends on the country and the airport. Some metal detectors and scanners are set to give a false positive signal at random intervals, leading to a personal search, but in many instances what are declared to be random searches are not that at all.

How do I not get flagged by TSA?

What looks suspicious on an airport scanner?

Airport body scanners alert the TSO to threats—mainly weapons such as knives, guns and explosives. They are designed to detect “metallic and nonmetallic threat items,” according to the TSA. Those are things like explosives or knives made out of materials other than metal, like ceramics, says Malvini Redden.

What triggers SSSS on boarding pass?

What it means if SSSS is printed on your boarding pass. If you find your boarding pass has SSSS printed in the upper left corner of your ticket it means you have been “randomly” chosen for Secondary Security Screening Selection.

Why do I always get flagged at the airport?

As shown in more detail below, this additional screening could be caused by things like: Your name matching a name of interest in a database. You raising suspicions while going through airport security. Your bag getting flagged when going through an x-ray machine.