This 4-letter detail on your boarding pass can determine how smooth your check-in will be
It can be relatively easy to travel via flight. However, the processes one has to go through at the airport can be strenuous. With check-ins, security and so much more, one can easily face challenges before peacefully boarding their plane. A traveler who goes by @mesicanspartan on TikTok shared that there is one element you want to avoid having on your boarding pass at all costs. The man who travels frequently revealed that he was going on a flight from Canada to the USA. Despite traveling regularly, he faced inconveniences due to a single marking made on his boarding pass.
The man revealed that his pass was stamped with an “SSSS” sign which he titled a “death trap.” He added that this sign on your boarding is as good as the “kiss of death.” the acronym stands for “Secondary Security Screening Selection,” and is the nightmare of every passenger, per The Point Guy. TSA press secretary Carter Langston said that SSSS is "an intelligence-oriented, risk-based screening process that is just one part of multiple layers of airport security." It indicated enhanced security screening of your body, carry-on bag or other personal items. According to the passenger, having the symbol on your boarding pass means that you will be “padded down 4 times.”
He also added that it is not a fun experience and it is a “harassing” and embarrassing feeling. The checking that takes place for people with this symbol is more time-consuming and rigorous. It requires the passenger to be separated from the TSA check line and have a separate and thorough check conducted. Each of the items in the carry-on bag is likely to be removed, examined and handled. This entire process takes anywhere between 5 to 30 minutes and can be an inconvenience to travelers. You want to avoid getting this symbol on your pass and if you do, your check-in will likely try your patience more than usual.
The man wasn’t sure why he was assigned the SSSS tag despite being an avid traveler. However, there are a few things that could be at risk of getting you the dreadful tag. These include traveling to a flagged destination, purchasing one-way tickets, having suspicious itineraries or behavior and so on. Langston also noted that around 10% of travelers can also get the SSSS tag is random. The officer added that there are many trivial reasons to get this tag and the best approach is to check out the guidelines, especially those on the TSA website, to avoid the dramatic screening. “Those 4 S’s are not your friend,” the passenger remarked.
@mesicanspartan SSSS (four S’s) on a boarding pass are a trap! Hope you never experience the unecessary pat down! #travel #americanairlines #calgary #dfw #fyp #fypシ ♬ original sound - mesicanspartan
@jennawennas wrote, “I got an SSSS in London and I was asked to take my socks and other layers of clothing off and got my laptop swabbed. In front of everyone, at the gate.” @briser3 added, “My wife got that in Paris. It prevented us from checking in online and we had to wait in a line for 90 minutes to get a boarding pass.” The best way to avoid this screening is to pack in a way that items are easily inspectable and to be wary of your behavior at the airport.
