People Are Only Just Realising What Secret Code ‘SSSS’ On Boarding Pass Means And Its Not Good
Let’s face it—going to the airport is rarely a stress-free experience. Between frantically shoving your liquids into a tiny plastic bag, praying your suitcase isn’t overweight, and making it through security without losing your dignity (or your belt), the process is already enough to raise your blood pressure.
But imagine this: you finally have your boarding pass in hand, ready to head through security, when you notice a mysterious four-letter code printed on it.
If those letters happen to be “SSSS”, buckle up—your airport journey is about to get a little more complicated.
What Does “SSSS” on a Boarding Pass Mean?
“SSSS” stands for Secondary Security Screening Selection—a special security check that can add significant time to your airport experience. This designation only applies to flights to and from the U.S., and it means you’ve been randomly (or not-so-randomly) chosen for additional screening.
Instead of breezing through security, you might find yourself pulled aside for:
✈ Extra bag searches
✈ Additional body scans or pat-downs
✈ More in-depth questioning about your trip
✈ Delays ranging from a few minutes to an hour
In short, if you were hoping for a quick and smooth airport run, this code is basically the opposite of a fast pass.
How Do You Get the “SSSS” Code?
According to travel experts, passengers flagged for secondary screening are typically selected when airlines share their passenger manifest with U.S. security authorities in the days leading up to a flight.
According to officials, there’s no way to predict when booking your flight whether you’ll be chosen for SSSS.
Some possible reasons you could be flagged:
1.One-way international tickets
2.Last-minute bookings
3.Cash purchases for flights
4.Travel history to high-risk destinations
5.Having your name match someone on a security watchlist
That being said, sometimes it’s just pure bad luck—passengers can be selected completely at random.
Can You Avoid or Bypass SSSS?
In a word: Nope.
Once your boarding pass is stamped with “SSSS,” there’s no getting around the additional screening. Refusing to comply isn’t an option—the TSA won’t let you board your flight until you’ve passed the extra security measures.
While frustrating, the TSA insists these screenings are a vital part of maintaining safety. A spokesperson explained:
“Security measures begin long before passengers arrive at the airport. TSA works closely with intelligence and law enforcement communities to share information.”
So, if you find yourself with “SSSS” on your boarding pass, take a deep breath, arrive early, and prepare for a little extra scrutiny. At least now, you’ll know what’s coming!
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