SSSS Tag On Boarding Pass – Everything You Need To Know

Introduction

SSSS, the acronym stands for Secondary Security Screening Selection. These four letters on the boarding pass can cause you some discomfort at the airport. For instance, if you are traveling Canada to India flight, then always pray not to get SSSS. basically, the Quad S letters mean that a passenger will have to undergo additional enhanced security screening by the Transportation Security Administration and the Department of Homeland Security. In this security check-up, an individual has to go through body and personal items checking.

In this article, we will be uncovering everything related to ‘SSSS’. So take a seat and grab some snacks as we are about to begin.

What is Secondary Security Screening Selection or SSSS?

In the aviation industry, the SSSS plays a very crucial role for both passengers and flight staff, particularly while boarding. The Secondary Security Screening Selection is a tag to indicate that a passenger is selected for additional enhanced screening of body and personal items like carry-on baggage at the airport. The TSA (Transport Security Administration) screening area or the boarding gate can do this security check.

Carter Langston, the TSA press secretary explained SSSS to TPG as “an intelligence-oriented, risk-based screening process that is just one part of multiple layers of airport security.”

Users of flights within or bound for the US use the abbreviation SSSS. TSA uses this tag to mark passengers who will undergo extra security screening before flight boarding. The United States follows this method very strictly. However, you might also get to experience the SSSS security check method at other airports worldwide.

If SSSS Tag is on Boarding Pass, take appropriate action.

Every airport randomly checks passengers with additional security screening check-ups. However, the process of SSSS screening may vary by airport and TSA security officials. But a typical SSSS screening process involves selected passengers being separated from the boarding line or TSA line. Further, passengers are directed to an adjacent review table with a TSA member.

From the carry-on baggage of the passenger to the full body, everything is thoroughly examined by machines and TSA officers. In this process, each item is inspected carefully, including the bag’s lining and exterior pockets. In fact, electronic devices like mobile, laptops, etc. also undergo security inspection by TSA department officers.

Apart from the materialistic checking, people also have to undergo body screening. Generally, this process involves a full-body pat-down an additional metal-detecting wand wave, and explosive-detecting swabs rubbed on your baggage and at least your hands. In some cases, feet swabbed is also involved reported by some travelers who were selected for SSSS security checks. Further, the TSA representative asks certain questions like who packed the bag. To cross-verify the information, the TSA department may ask the same question to others also in regard to your itinerary, the reason for travel, destination information, etc. The SSSS screening may be more or less intrusive and involve additional steps if the TSA agent isn’t satisfied with the information you provide. You can request the Transport Security Administration department to perform the security check in a private screening room.

Although there is no time limit for SSSS-enhanced screening, screening can be finished in less than five minutes or continue even after 30 minutes. Usually, the waiting time for the SSSS screening is longer, especially when there is a huge rush of passengers with an SSSS tag on the boarding pass. Passengers are treated professionally and courteously during this process. In case, you have any questions or concerns about the SSSS screening process or additional queries, then you can request the TSA supervisor. However, this will be an add-on to the overall process, increasing the time of the screening.

Reasons You Might Get The SSSS Tag

According to the TSA department, the SSSS screening process is quite vague and this is a part of the procedure. As unpredictable security measures at and around airports intentionally during the travel booking process is a strategy.

As per Langston, there are several reasons you might get the SSSS designation. However, this would neither confirm nor deny any further details of the selection process. These crucial elements are primarily kept indefinite to eradicate possible suspected individuals from adjusting their behavior to bypass screening.

‘Many factors are involved to specify whether to select an individual for secondary screening and these details cannot be revealed for security reasons’ summarizes the DHS website. Although there is no official explanation of the SSSS available, TPG shared anecdotal details to determine that some items might cause a red flag for additional screening.

For instance, activities like booking one-way tickets, buying air tickets using cash, taking unusual itineraries, someone else booking the flight for you, traveling to a flagged destination, etc.

Secondary Screening Process

The secondary screening process by TSA is done thorough version of the standard security screening. Check the below-mentioned points: –

A TSA agent will scan the boarding pass at the security checkpoint.
In case of any red alert, an alarm on the scanner may trigger a loud beep and/or flashing red light.
Then, the TSA agent will inform you that “the airline has randomly selected you for additional SSSS enhanced security screening”.
By a senior agent, you will be then accompanied to the SSSS screening area.
During the screening, you will have to walk through the metal detector and then come back.
Additionally, you will also go through the body scanner.
The TSA agent might do a physical pat-down to search your body thoroughly.
Another TSA agent will check all of your luggage comprehensively, and wipe swabs on items in your luggage to check for residue.
The TSA agent will also ask you to turn on every electronic device to check them properly (data). This might demand reviewing your personal data like your social media account and personal messages.
A TSA supervisor might also take a photo of your boarding pass and ID to fill up a form for security purposes.
The TSA supervisor will stamp your boarding pass to demonstrate that they searched you for SSSS security.

*Important Note* – Make sure to get the stamp on the boarding pass from the TSA officer once the SSSS screening is completed. As the airline staff will later check your boarding pass and then allow you to board the flight. While the airline crew will check the boarding pass, an alarm will ring but the crew will ignore the alarm if a stamp is available. The TSA department will send you back for screening if you do not comply.

How To Prepare for Additional Security Screening?

Even though the SSSS tag will cause an inconvenience but won’t let you miss the flight unless you’re late. So always go to the airport before the flight boarding time. For instance, if you have direct flights from Canada to India and your flight boarding timing is 10:00, then reach the airport by 09:00.

Pack Yourself – You must pack your baggage yourself so it is easily inspectable. This will make the inspection process smooth and fast. Also, eliminate any chances of embarrassment due to any odd items. You can invest in packing cubes to make the inspection easy if needed.

Always be polite to the officers if you are ever selected for the SSSS additional security check-up. Else, you might have to face extra trouble for no reason. No matter how annoyed you might get due to the security checking, always maintain your calm and be nice to the TSA agents throughout the security check-up.

Submit Electronic Belongings – If you are ever selected for additional security checking with an SSSS tag on the boarding pass, then hand over your electronic gadgets and other similar time-consuming items to travel companions before the security check. As the TSA department also checks the electronic items in the SSSS screening along with your personal data.

Request Politely – In case you have any questions or concerns, then ask the TSA agent politely but never indulge in an argument. There are often scenarios when TSA agents particularly target people based on color, sex, gender identity, national origin, religion, or disability. If you would be nice and polite, then the chances of zero problems are high and you can complete the SSSS screening easily.

Seek Medical Assistance – Even if you feel that your medical condition can cause you the SSSS enhanced security, then you must seek medical assistance by nicely discussing your concern with the TSA agent. You can anytime contact TSA Cares for advice, recommendations, and help.

Steps To Follow If You Keep Getting The SSSS Tag

Authorities have selected many travelers for regular and repeated random SSSS screenings for months or even years. The SSSS security checking is very hectic and sometimes unpleasant. So if you want to avoid these types of unwanted trouble, then follow the below-mentioned steps.

Try to get the TSA to remove your name from the “SSSS Selectee List”. Despite the fact that there is no way to check if you are actually on the TSA list.
You can apply for a DHS TRIP if the airport constantly directs you for additional SSSS screening.
To enter the TRIP portal, you must have an account on the portal. Here, you can add your profile information with validating proofs provided by the Governement along with your travel experiences.
Passengers are provided with a redress control number.

Bottom Line

There are many travelers who are unaware of the SSSS tag on the boarding pass. The TSA department randomly selects travelers for the SSSS screening based on unknown reasons. Generally, an SSSS tag print on a boarding pass can cause shock to many travelers, particularly those people who are unaware of it and facing this for the first time. If you have basic knowledge and understanding, there is nothing to worry about.