Many travelers have noticed the acronym “SSSS” on their boarding passes but might not understand its significance.
What does “SSSS” stand for?
This four-letter code stands for “Secondary Security Screening Selection.”
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and airlines employ it as an additional security measure.
Recently, more passengers have become curious about what this code means and why it appears on their boarding passes.
This code signals to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) that you have been randomly selected for additional security checks beyond the standard screening procedures.
Why do passengers get “SSSS”?
The reasons behind the “SSSS” designation can vary.
The TSA works closely with intelligence and law enforcement agencies to identify potential security risks.
Factors such as your travel patterns, the airports you frequent, or even your name could potentially trigger this additional screening.
Even if you’re a frequent flyer with a trusted traveler program like TSA PreCheck, the “SSSS” code can still appears on your boarding pass.
When you see the “SSSS” on your ticket, therefore, be prepared to undergo a more thorough screening process at the airport.
What happens if a passenger gets “SSSS” on their boarding?
Luggage inspection
Your carry-on and checked bags may be subjected to a more extensive search to ensure compliance with TSSA regulations and to check for any prohibited items.
Explosives swabs
Your belongings, including your clothing and personal items, may be swabbed for traces of explosives.
Pat-Down screening
Sometimes, a TSA agent of the same gender as you might need to perform a pat-down search.
They do this to look for any concealed items or potential threats.
These additional security measures can be time-consuming and may cause some inconvenience.
However, they are in place to ensure the safety and security of all passengers.
Passengers can not remove them.
Remarkably, you cannot remove the “SSSS” designation from your boarding pass, even if selected for additional screening multiple times.
If you believe these extra checks are unfair, you can file a complaint with the Department of Homeland Security’s Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (DHS TRIP).
This program helps travelers who think they have been wrongly or too often picked for extra screening.
It’s hard to say how often the “SSSS” code appears on boarding passes because the TSA doesn’t share details about its security rules.
The selection may seem random, but it probably involves a mix of intelligence and risk assessment.