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Got an SSSS on your boarding pass?
Ever wonder why you seem to get patted down all of the time when you're going through security at the airport? Or why they selected you at all?The way that the TSA identifies threats is a complex process, but one way they have of adding a layer of security is by using your boarding pass against you. Specifically, the letters "SSSS" written on your pass mean that you need to get secondary screening, that is, a pat down and a quick search and swab through all of your belongings by a TSA officer.
That SSSS can come from a variety of sources – if the TSA agent who checks your ID at the beginning of the security line notices something strange about you or your or itinerary, he or she may write the code on your boarding pass and the agent at the metal detector will see it and pull you aside. The airline might also add the code when your document is being printed, perhaps, for example, if you purchased a high price one way ticket. Alternatively, a mean friend might write it on your pass when you're not watching just to watch you get shaken down.
So is there any way around it? If the code comes from a programmatic source, there isn't much you can do besides get to the security checkpoint early, be prepared for the worst and hope that your agent doesn't look too closely at your pass. If the code shows up mysteriously after you were a jerk to a ticket or TSA agent, well, it might be a good idea to be more polite next time.
Filed under: Airlines
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Christina Mar 18th 2009 11:03AM
Has happened to me a few times when purchasing tickets through Travelocity (not overly expensive or one way mind you) - Almost cost me missing my flight on more than one occasion.
Emland Mar 18th 2009 11:50AM
When I was a screener (2002-2003) that was ordinary. Either the airline or the TSA can designate Selectees.
The airlines use the criteria you mentioned and may also make you a selectee if you made reservations within 7 days of the flight, if you don't check bags, if you paid cash or book a one way flight.
SSSS isn't the only shorthand for branding someone a selectee. Some airlines use a checkerboard design under the flight info, some have a large S, etc. Each airline was different when I was doing it.
The way TSA chooses selectees (which is there lingo for a full search) is either by the ticket/bag tag or random selection. It used to be SOP that there should always be someone in the corral as a random selectee. So, if you are headed towards the checkpoint and there isn't anyone ahead of you and no one getting a pat down, you might do better to hang back and let someone go ahead. That doesn't mean you will not get tagged. They might be doing every 10th male and every 7th female for the random check and you get the pat down anyway.
jf Mar 18th 2009 2:23PM
Happened 4 times in a row. Full treatment ... almost had to undress ... not kidding. I Avoid flying in the USA now due to this assinine treatement!
Beth Partin Mar 18th 2009 3:29PM
Happened to me and my husband in Kansas City. He thought it was asinine. "Any terrorist worth her salt is going to notice this code and not go through security!" was his comment.
jrpar8thed Mar 18th 2009 8:40PM
Beth Partin -
Isn't that the point???! To get terrorists to not go through security??
Beth Partin Mar 18th 2009 10:40PM
I don't know--I thought it was to catch them in security! Silly me.
Bill Apr 13th 2009 2:59AM
TSA agents are not armed and do not have arrest powers. What do they do once they catch a terrorist in the security? Its much better if they don't come through at all.
Hank Mar 18th 2009 4:03PM
Effective Feb 11, 2009 Airline agents working in the US, St Thomas, and San Juan, PR are no longer allowed to force the use of SSSS on boarding passes. Selective screening is now up to the TSA as you pass through security.
Diane Mar 18th 2009 8:04PM
Happened to me every trip to/from Israel -- for 3-1/2 years. And that was just in the U.S., it was much more "fun" in Israel.
Leo Hopkins Apr 13th 2009 5:30PM
Okay, Lets get realistic here. I know all about "PC" and all that crap, but when all said and done it is because of muslim extremists that we (westerners) have to go through all of this crap. I know this isnt going to sound "politically correct" and I know that 99% of muslims are NOT terrorists - BUT - 99% of terrorists ARE muslims!!
So, shouldnt the governments stop hassling us natives and instead require a full search of all muslim/arab people?
(This will also have the knock-on effect of getting the normal muslims to hate the extremeists......suddenly, no extremeism anymore. JOB DONE.)
Alex Apr 19th 2009 3:37PM
You've not heard of the IRA, New People's Army, Tamil Tigers, Irish People's Liberation Organisation, or Aum Shinrikyo by any chance have you? Because all of those are non-muslim groups classified as terrorist organizations by their respective area governments who have been known to commit major terrorist acts. In fact, the Tamil Tigers are the ones who pioneered suicide bombing and have carried out more such attacks than Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and al-Qaeda combined.
And there's plenty more like them. In all reality, the likelihood is that you're just as likely to be blown up, shot, stabbed or otherwise killed by some western white guy as you are of being shot by an Arab or Persian.