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What triggers 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.



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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.

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If you see the SSSS code on your boarding pass it means you have been selected for extra security screenings, which may take additional time. Most likely, you will go through a metal detector, receive a pat-down and have your hands and luggage swabbed to test for explosives.

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If SSSS appears on your boarding pass regularly, you can apply to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (TRIP). That program may remove you from whatever mysterious watch list you may be on — if you're not a security threat, that is.

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A Secondary Security Screening Selection or SSSS designation on your boarding pass means that you've been picked for a secondary security screening. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) may select passengers for SSSS on flights from, to and within the U.S.

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Secondary Security Screening Selection — or The Quad S, as some call it — means you have been selected for additional enhanced security screening by the Transportation Security Administration and the Department of Homeland Security.

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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.

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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.

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How not to be “That Guy” at the airport checkpoint
  1. Get there early. ...
  2. Consider checking your bag. ...
  3. If you must carry-on, make sure your bag is well-organized. ...
  4. Get the 411 on 3-1-1. ...
  5. If you must travel with it, know how to safely pack your gun. ...
  6. Be ready when you get in line. ...
  7. Get through the line faster with TSA PreCheck™.


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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.

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

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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.

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You can provide your Global Entry number/TSA Pre-Check PASSID number (Known Traveler Number) when checking in online and at the check-in desk at the airport.

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The TSA largely looks for physical evidence that a passenger could be a threat, so they'll generally have no reason to search through the data on your phone. After all, they're the Transportation Security Agency, not a detective agency. Even if they did have reason to want to access your phone, they'd need a warrant.

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The Transportation Security Administration randomly swabs passengers' hands at security checkpoints and airport gates to test them for traces of explosives. The TSA swabs are analyzed for nitroglycerin, nitrates, glycerin, or other chemicals. This was an expansion in 2010 from simply swabbing luggage and other items.

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Group 5 is not priority boarding on American Airlines, but Preferred boarding. This group includes passengers that pay for Main Cabin Extra perks, as well as those who hold co-branded AAdvantage airline credit cards.

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Group 4: Passengers in Premium economy and paying for priority access, AAdvantage Gold, oneworld Ruby status holders, Citi/AAdvantage Executive cardholders, and select corporate travelers.

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What Is “Secondary Security Screening Selection” (SSSS)? According to the TSA, any passenger with the four-letter code on their boarding pass can be swabbed for residue of illegal substances, such as drugs or explosives. Those passengers will also face additional questioning over travel plans and previous trips.

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Every country I've been to (it's a moderate number) has had their own version of TSA. Most are armed and all of them have the same basic rules as TSA. Take your shoes off, no liquids, take your electronic out, etc. Russia makes you do it three times before getting to the concourse.

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