Why did I get flagged for SSSS?

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 you see the SSSS code on your boarding pass it means you have been selected for extra security screenings, which may take additional time.

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If you find your boarding pass has SSSS printed in the upper left corner of your ticket it means you have been “randomly” chosen for Secondary Security Screening Selection.

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If you already think airport security is a hassle, you better buckle up if you spot SSSS printed on your boarding pass. The dreaded designation stands for Secondary Security Screening Selection, and it means your airport security experience is about to get a lot more intense.

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It's the agent's own initials (or sometimes signature), providing a very informal paper trail of who checked the passenger's ID. The agent will also highlight SSSS (Secondary Security Screening Selection) if it appears on your boarding pass, indicating that you have been selected for additional screening.

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The Redress Control Number (redress number) is a unique seven-digit identifier issued by the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) Secure Flight program to match travelers with the results of their redress case through the DHS TRIP program.

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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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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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One of the most common reasons you will get a pat down is if you refuse to go through the walk-through metal detector or the full body scanner. For some people going through a metal detector is not an option, while others just may prefer to not go through these.

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Why Does the TSA Swab Hands? 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.

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A-Listers who've not bought Business Select are checked in automatically beginning 36 hours before departure, starting with position A-16.

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If EarlyBird Check-In® is available, we'll automatically check you in and assign your boarding position within 36 hours of your flight's departure - that's 12 hours before general boarding positions become available.

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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.

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Although some have claimed otherwise, there are thousands that wear underwire bras through airport security each day without setting off the alarm. If you really want to avoid setting off the metal detectors at all costs, consider wearing an underwire bra with plastic, a strapless bra or a sports bra.

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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.

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