Navigating the airport can be quite tiring. Ideally, we would smoothly pass through security to have time to browse duty-free shops or enjoy a leisurely cup of coffee. However, there are various points where delays can occur.
One sign that your airport journey may not go as planned is when your boarding pass is issued. Check-in staff often add codes to alert airport personnel to watch out for specific situations. There is one code that travelers wouldn’t want to see, especially if they are heading to the World Cup.
Passengers flying to or from the United States might notice “SSSS” on their boarding pass, which signifies Secondary Security Screening Selection or Selectee. Essentially, this code means you have been selected for additional inspection, which could be for various reasons.
While some airlines do not use “SSSS,” they may have their own system to indicate passengers needing extra scrutiny. For example, Southwest Airlines reportedly uses a chequerboard pattern on boarding passes.
Individuals from certain countries with sanctions or political tensions with the USA might have a higher chance of seeing “SSSS” on their boarding pass. However, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not disclose the specific criteria for flagging passengers in this way.
The ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) has previously stated that the TSA maintains a “Selectee List” for enhanced screening of individuals every time they fly.
Besides nationality, other factors that may lead to additional screening include one-way bookings, cash ticket purchases, past travel to high-risk countries, frequent visits to unconventional destinations, or suspicious travel patterns.
Having a name similar to someone on a Department of Homeland Security watch list could also trigger extra security checks and even result in denied boarding. Passengers repeatedly selected for additional screening can apply for the DHS Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (DHS TRIP) to receive a Redress Control Number, facilitating smoother travel arrangements.
If you find “SSSS” or a similar code on your boarding pass, there is no need to worry. It often means you will need extra time for security clearance, which may involve a thorough pat-down, manual bag inspection, and potential use of a handheld metal detector.
Travelers should follow their airline’s recommendations on when to arrive at the airport to ensure ample time for any additional security procedures. In the USA, TSA advises arriving at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international departures.
