I love to travel, as probably many of you do. However, one thing I really can’t stand is security checks at airports.
I know they are there for everyone’s safety and are essential to avoid many unpleasant or dangerous situations, but sometimes the long waits and meticulous checks can be really stressful.
In particular, there is one case I want to point out to you that will definitely not make you happy. If you have a small code printed on your boarding pass, the security checks for you will be much longer. But for what reason and how does it work? Let’s find it out!
A Little Code That Means a Lot
Maybe even if you are frequent travelers you may not have noticed it, or maybe it has never happened to you.
Basically on your boarding pass there might be a small 4-digit code “SSSS”.
You can find it either on digital copies or on boarding passes that are usually printed at the airport (as we will see later this is more common).
Do you have to worry if you see these letters? Not necessarily, let’s see what happens when you get to the security checkpoints.
The Meaning of the “SSSS” Code
“SSSS” stands for Secondary Security Screening Selection, and as you might guess, these are additional, more in-depth and more targeted security checks.
The code was designation by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and helps identify passengers considered “high-risk” who should be checked more carefully.
Remember that is a code used by the United States, so you will not find it if you travel in Europe or other parts of the world.
It could be used on domestic flights but also on flights leaving or arriving in the United States (even international or intercontinental flights).
What Happens at the Security Checks?
First, remain calm. If you have done nothing wrong or have nothing to hide, there’s nothing to worry about.
You may be moved to a different line than most passengers. Once your turn comes, you will be taken aside by a TSA agent and a thorough search of your luggage and/or person will be conducted.
In some cases your suitcase or carry-on luggage may be opened. Tests may be done on the liquids or items you carry and there may be a pat-down.
It’s difficult to quantify the duration of the whole process. It could take a few minutes to more than half an hour. For this reason, it is always a good idea to leave early to reach the airport.
Can I Know in Advance if I Will Get an SSSS and Why It Happens?
As you can imagine, the Transportation Security Administration doesn’t reveal the real reasons why a passenger may undergo a Secondary Security Screening.
If they did that, it would be too easy for ill-intentioned people to avoid receiving it.
Generally speaking, from what we know, it seems to be more common for passengers who make trips that are considered “ unusual.”
For example, passengers living in the United States who purchase a one-way ticket to foreign countries, or foreign passengers who purchase a one-way ticket to the United States.
In some cases it also seems to be more frequent when traveling to countries considered dangerous or high-risk.
Finally, it seems that it’s sometimes randomly assigned to some passengers who must then undergo more stringent spot checks.
There is no way to know in advance if you will have to undergo this type of check; the only thing you can look for is the presence of the 4 S’s on the boarding pass.
One sign might be that you cannot check in online, and therefore have to print your boarding pass at the airport (but this could mean something else as well).
What To Do if You Are Selected For the Secondary Security Screening Too Often?
In some cases, a passenger may notice that he or she is selected extremely frequently for these additional checks.
It’s something that can happen. It happens especially if you travel frequently to high-risk countries or if your name is on a no fly list or some other Federal Government watchlist.
In this case you can register for the DHS TRIP, a program that is designed for people that have had difficulties during travel screenings at airports or U.S. borders.
As part of the application process, you will need to submit ID documents, complete agency forms, and share details about the travel incidents you had.
If your application is completed correctly you can use the Redress Control Number (which will be assigned to you) when you make an airline reservation to avoid recurring security problems.