What does SSSS mean on your boarding pass?


What does SSSS mean on your boarding pass? What is SSSS? Secondary Security Screening Selection, or SSSS, is a designation by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) that flags passengers for extra security screening. SSSS can happen on any flight to, from, or within the U.S., including inbound international flights.


Who Cannot get Global Entry?

Only U.S. Citizens, U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents, and Mexican nationals are issued Global Entry cards.


Does SSSS effect immigration?

SSSS is NOT about immigration but about another security search immediatoy before you board the plane.


What happens if you are on the no fly list?

TSA is among the U.S. government agencies that screen individuals using information from the Terrorist Screening Database. TSA implements the No Fly List through its Secure Flight program. Individuals on the No Fly List are prevented from boarding an aircraft when flying within, to, from and over the United States.


How do you know if you are flagged by customs?

There are signs that will indicate you have been flagged for additional screenings: You were not able to print a boarding pass from an airline ticketing kiosk or from the internet. You were denied or delayed boarding. A ticket agent “called someone” before handing you a boarding pass.


Why did I get selected for SSSS?

TSA doesn't publish specific guidelines on why certain passengers get SSSS markings on their boarding passes. Anecdotally, passengers with unusual travel patterns, one-way international flights and travelers to certain countries get it the most. It is also possible that TSA assigns SSSS markings randomly.


Why did they swab my bag at the airport?

The airport official swabs the outside of your hand luggage liberally, before inserting the swab into a mysterious machine. This process, known officially as explosive trace detection, is doing just that—checking to see if your luggage has come into contact with a bomb or explosive material.


Why does TSA randomly check your phone?

TSA protects transportation systems: they scan your luggage, ensure your ticket is valid, and provide airport security. The only reason they might be interested in your phone is if it looks suspicious.


Can you get SSSS with Global Entry?

Programs that normally expedite passage through security checkpoints such as TSA PreCheck or Global Entry do not prevent an SSSS code from appearing on a boarding pass. The SSSS code overrides these programs.


Are random security checks really random?

It all depends on the country and the airport. Some metal detectors and scanners are set to give a false positive signal at random intervals, leading to a personal search, but in many instances what are declared to be random searches are not that at all.


What happens if your checked bag gets flagged?

As a result, prohibited items may result in both a TSA civil enforcement action and a criminal enforcement action. Before leaving home, remember to check your baggage to ensure you are not carrying any prohibited items to avoid a possible arrest and/or civil penalties.