From trudging through long queues, to organising liquids and electronics, to awaiting your bag getting the all-clear after it’s scanned, we can collectively agree getting through airport security can be a stressful experience.
But if you come to notice a secret four-letter code on your boarding pass, it could spell bad news for those who hope for a brisk, seamless airport experience.
Holidaymakers across the globe are beginning to realise what ‘SSSS’ means on their boarding pass – and some have even dubbed it the ‘kiss of death.’
One jetsetter, Jordyn Verzera, was left scratching her head after spotting the cryptic code on her boyfriend’s ticket during a recent airport run.
In a video posted to her TikTok account, @themobilehomie, Verzera found herself separated from her partner after they passed through security, before she captured the moment he was cleared after undergoing further questioning at passport control.
In an accompanying caption, the American content creator detailed: ‘On flights to/from the US, you can get “randomly” selected to undergo a much higher level of security.
‘For my partner, this meant separating all of his things from mine, pulling absolutely everything out of his bag, swabbing everything, and then making sure that his laptop turned on (so that they could inspect it).’
In short, SSSS stands for ‘Secondary Security Screening Selection,’ an extra-thorough security check enforced by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the US.
SSSS stands for ‘Secondary Security Screening Selection,’ an extra-thorough security check enforced by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the US
Those who discover the code on their boarding pass should expect an ‘enhanced’ screening, which can take longer than standard security procedures and, in turn, potentially cause delays.
According to The Points Guy, the screening typically 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.’
Some travellers have even reported having their feet swabbed, as well as being asked to turn on and present all of their electronic devices for inspection.
Bags are subject to a complete search, with the lining of luggage and its exterior pockets prodded, scanned and swept for narcotics and other contraband.
A TSA agent will also most likely ask you questions regarding your reason for travel, your trip itinerary, destination information whether you packed your bags yourself.
Some passengers may be subject to a more invasive search, which involves additional steps, and a private screening room is offered to those who request privacy while undergoing this process.
While there’s no specific allotted time for completion of SSSS checks, travellers leaving and travelling to the US are warned to arrive early to the airport to avoid delays in the event they are selected for screening.
On TikTok, some holidaymakers shared their thoughts on the ‘violating’ process, while others expressed their shock over the real meaning of the code.
The screening typically 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’
One person wrote, ‘I know what sss stands for but not ssss. I got super suspicious suspect,’ while another said, ‘I thought it meant like super super super safe so you don’t get selected again or something.’
A third shared: ‘I never understood this algorithm- I got SSSS and I’m a Veteran and 20 year federal employee,’ as another commented, ‘I was flagged all the time because I used to fly solo before I turned 18.’
Finally, one person recalled: ‘This happened to me the last time I flew out to see my best friend, the TSA scanned my phone and made a copy of all my texts, app messages, pictures etc.
‘The whole thing was weird and violating, but I guess the TAS can enjoy all the close up shots of weird pimples I can’t regularly see lol.’
Meanwhile, a British man has issued a warning to fellow travellers after he was charged £400/$518 for a very simple booking mistake.
Will Hobson, 32, told MailOnline Travel, the ‘nightmare’ experience unfolded at New York JFK when he was attempting to fly to Munich for work.
But it wasn’t until the traveller arrived at the airport for his Lufthansa flight that he realised something was wrong.
