For example, one time the guy searching my bag found my passports, and thought they were fraudulent, because I haveboth a United States and German one. However, if you get this designation several trips in a row, you can assume youre on some sort of a list. Your email address will not be published. I always have a good attitude during the process. document.getElementById( "ak_js" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window). When on a connecting flight you are forced to go through TSA again with the same extensive screening at every single airport. While it's implied in your post, I would suggest that you explicitly clarify that this whole thing is an exclusive US-only invention. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. One guy patted me down, had a look through my carry-on and that was it. , Then youll be asked to walk through the metal detector, and then back again. Agents go down the line and makes everyone show their ID and boarding pass. At least that's how it is at my airport. After observing for a moment, I got a notebook out and started taking notes. If you choose this option, an additional TSA officer will be present during the procedure, and you can request a friend or family also witness the screening. 4s kinda sounds like double SS. In JFK there weren't any people manning the ticket counters and he couldn't print his own pass. My wife has TSA Precheck, and I have Global Entry. Enroll in person 10-min in-person appointment that includes fingerprinting for a background check. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Its the only positive aspect of the experience. I get SSSS on every American Airlines flight. How a regular jetsetter (me) became a jetsetter-terrorist. Travel with Ease Add your Known Traveler Number to your airline reservation to enjoy faster, more seamless screening. It was certainly introduced before the shoe bomber (all shoes off) and the underwear bomber (the large, mainly ineffective nude o scan machines that rotate around you supposedly to find explosives). The way you stalk all these posts shouting down people talking about their wctual experiences is pretty telling. It means you are in for a very long and frustrating day! They kept pushing my items over the edge of the table which made me take even longer repacking. According to the Department of Homeland Securitys website, the details that make up its algorithm cannot be made public for security reasons. (What we do know is that TSA uses Secure Flight, a pre-screening process that involves identifying low and high-risk passengers before they arrive at the airport by matching their names against trusted traveler lists and watch lists.) In other words, if you share your name with someone on the No Fly list, you will likely be stopped. Unfortunately, some Americans are fed by the media propaganda that middle easterns are a threat to their national security. Why not swap with yourself? When this all first started, I too was on a list. FBI wanted fugitives. TSA works closely with the intelligence and law enforcement communities to share information. How to Carry Prescribed Medication on a Plane, How to Obtain Chinese Z Visa Health Check. There have been four firearm detections at PNS in 2023 as of Feb. 24. ( See She's So Special). That literally astounds me. Wait Times TSA X-ray machines do not adversely affect food or medicines. I'm always pleased to get this, as it normally means I get to bypass the long lines, plus I don't have to virtually undress to get through Security. First step: Place the carrier on the belt that leads to the scanner. A global entry ID don't mean much to TSA. One will search every inch of your belongings. At this point, there will typically be at least two TSA agents involved, if not three. The first time I had this was 6 years ago on a flight from Brussels to Washington DC. On the plus side, the trouble was all washed away with a glass of lemon mint juice once onboard. Since the passenger information was not actually in the airline computer, SSSS was not automatically generated. So SSSS not much to worry about. I also was wearing a blouse with Lynn meaning I think that mightve touched off something as well. My husband is in a wheelchair and every time we fly they pat him down, have him lean forward in his chair, use the cloth wand, etc. This is an important point, because when you get to the gate your boarding pass will alarm once again, at which point the gate agent will check to make sure the TSA stamp is on there. Diana Price began writing in 1986 with the "Kokomo Tribune." Future experiment: Travel with someone, switch bags, and watch the TSA lose their minds. Did you change anything from the previous post? I had it in LHR heading for the States just after Christmas. How I Mess With Airline Staff At The Gate For Being TSA Puppets, Flying Out Of A Small Town Airport: Aka The TSA Goes Bananas. Only me. Market data provided by Factset. The US Transport Security Administration (TSA) was formed at this time and has increased security since with several schemes, including The Secure Flight program. Remove these items from your carry-on bag to be screened separately from your other belongings. To be clear, just because you get that message doesnt necessarily mean youll get extra screening. Can you get SSSS if you have TSA PreCheck? Gate passes require full screening no matter what. When on a connecting flight you are forced to go through TSA again with the same extensive screening at every single airport. On Pre Check they do have random checks that ring the alarm and you're forced to go through the nude o scan machine. make me feel SO SAFE. The fact that they scan your body in three ways seems like a slight overkill to me, but whatever. Thanks Chris, that's exactly the scenario I was curious about! And often times, they didnt even check mine. One bag or all the bags Lol Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. My title began with Lady rather than Mrs. See more about our ethics policies here. Don't know why. Since then it's never happened to me again. We had given ourselves ample time (1.5 hrs from TSA to boarding time) but ended up being the very last ones to board before pushback. No. As weve written before, you might also be selected if youre flying to or from whats considered a high-risk country. She suggested I spell out my full middle name instead of an initial. It really doesn't matter who they were pulling aside, this disgusting harassment should not be happening at all. Inform the TSA officer if your child is able to walk through the metal detector or needs to be carried through the metal detector by the parent/guardian. Additional steps will be taken to clear the liquid and you or the traveling guardian will undergo additional screening procedures, to include Advanced Imaging Technology screening and additional/enhanced screening of other carry-on property. The TSA has selected this flight for a security audit. The least common cause of a pat-down is suspicious behavior, but don't let pre-flight jitters or stress make you lose your cool, or you could find yourself in the secondary screening line. What Does SSSS On Your Boarding Pass Mean? The secondary screening, or pat-down, doesn't need to be traumatic and can usually be avoided altogether if you know what to expect and follow passenger rules. Leave it to our resident troll UA-NYC to make another inappropriate and totally unrelated (to the topic) comment. The secondary screening experience was invasive. Not only will they look at everything, but theyll swab your itemsto check them forany residue. Card for turkey. For a few years, I got selected every single time I flew. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, I already knew I was going to be subjected to a secondary. The TSA agent will tell you "the airline has randomly selected you for additional screening" (which is a lie), and ask you to step to the side. Have you ever had an SSSS on your boarding pass when taking a flight with an airline? Please prepare to show ID and present your bags to an agent for inspection.. Just drive to a destination. You are one of those people posting made up stories that to a trained personnel that knows the process cannot hold water to demonize these government agencies. I'll add that to this post, since it's a good thing to clarify. Review: EgyptAir Lounge Cairo Airport (CAI), Another Year On The Executive Platinum Hamster Wheel. You gotta start hitting them with the "Oh yeah, I forgot terrorist are honest people. I traveled very frequently when I was in medical school and I ended up on the SSSS list almost every other time that I flew. We were just told how many passengers to select for the extra screening on each flight and we just manually marked those passengers boarding passes at random. I havent had any major issues since. It was about 10 times faster then regular security. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/32957073-post2009.html. And play Musical Bags while the TSA is setting up. According to the TSA: This Hidden Setting Will Stop Chrome From Killing Your Laptops Battery, These Are the Best Cheeses for a Grilled Cheese Sandwich. The agent will pat down every inch of your body, from your waistline to the area around yourcrotch. Or waiting until they are busy harassing someone else before boarding. This also applies to breast milk and formula cooling accessories, such as ice packs, freezer packs, and gel packs (regardless of presence of breast milk). Is It Safe for American Citizens to Travel in Morocco. Tampa International (TPA) 131. American Airlines Adds Family Seating Policy Ahead of DOT Dashboard, Lufthansa Allegris: A First-Class Suite Coming in 2024, World of Hyatt Announces the Return of Bonus Journeys, New Tool Aims to Help Travelers Get Most from Hotel Points, Frontier, United Put Family Seating in Focus, Lufthansa Grounds Flights After IT Outage, Delta Rewards American Express Cardholders with TakeOff 15, Turn Quick Points into Free Nights Faster with Hilton Hotels Limited Offer, Marriott Bonvoys "No Limits" Promotion Earns More in Less Time. Never had it before and after. Fortunately I am in fine shape but it's still rather embarrassing. If you just get this as a one-off thing, dont be worried. - TSA Agent. One other theory is that they determine your risk based on what might be considered suspicious behavior, like buying a one-way ticket or paying for your flight in cash. It was very embarrassing because it was done in a public area with men around looking at my belly. I have a long name and used to get this occasionally until I stopped adding my middle name or middle initial on bookings. Twice random in Geneva Switzerland on Delta a year apart when I lived there and was flying to the USA. I got several of these when I was a "LEO" (Law Enforcement Officer) after going around TSA at the airport to fly armed. It was a pain, but everyone was pleasant, polite, and professional. I was rather taken aback when they told me to lift my shirt in front of that audience. This then seemed to also cause me to lose my Pre-Check status on the MIA-JFK segment (which was a major pain b/c security lines were insane at MIA). I just stopped flying with them all together. Havent had an issue since! The whole patdown, leaning forward and backward, wheelchair check, and the hand held metal detector check is just a normal procedure. Youll know for sure when you print your boarding pass at the airport, and see the SSSS on it. Or is this new? @KingBob - Haha, yeah seriously. Advertiser Disclosure: Some links to credit cards and other products on this website will earn an affiliate commission. First step: Place the carrier on the belt that leads to the scanner. Ive sat at a gate just inside the checkpoint before and counted who got profile vs who didnt, and what their skin hue was. Outside of banner ads published through the Boarding Area network, this compensation does not impact how and where products appear on this site. Getting A SSSS on your boarding pass is irrelevant since you have gone through all the initial screening and ready to board the plane.It make no sensep. TSA and CBP don't care whether you are a Muslim or etcand certainly will not take a "forensic copy" of your phone. They asked why I was so calm about it and already knew that the USMS has a sense of humor, of sorts. I would love to hear what TSA/Airport Security agents think, as well as any tips to stop getting selected [because] it has literally become a joke.. I got SSSS coming back from Spain a few years ago. Ice packs, freezer packs, frozen gel packs and other accessories required to cool formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) regardless of the presence of breast milk are also allowed in carry-ons, along with liquid-filled teethers. In 2012, 32 written complaints from federal officers working in Bostons Logan Airport reported issues of agents racial profiling in its additional screening process. I kind of understood why if was flagged, as that was very different from my usual flight pattern. Its happened to me one time. Who gets chosen, and why? The TSA collects intelligence from the FBI as well as state, local and national government agencies when forming new procedures. Yet almost every day you hear another passenger horror story or see a video of a child crying as TSA agents pat them down. Your email address will not be published. They had an agent hovering over my luggage at the end of the counter and asked if they were all mine. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. He was tearing through my carry-on, while he had me sit and watch. I traveled very frequently when I was in medical school and I ended up on the SSSS list almost every other time that I flew. I am not Muslim amd my name doesn't sound "muslim", yet I get picked a lot. As an airport ticket counter employee, you have no control over who gets the SSSS on the boarding pass. Next, remove the animal. What causes someone to get SSSS on theirboarding pass? Who knows. As a TSA agent told me years ago--"looks like you're going to be our ssssssssspecial friend today!" All rights reserved. Airlines. The SSSS is just an SSSS. At my home airport everyone with a carry on gets searched at the gate if the SSSS has a carryon. TSA Pre is an expedited screening program that allows qualifying travelers in select screening lanes to leave on their shoes, light outerwear and belts and to keep their laptop in a case and 3-1-1 compliant liquids/gels bag in a carry-on. Why didnt they always check my bag? I questioned them because I didn't know anything about it. Since then it's never happened to me again. Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters are allowed in carry-on baggage and do not need to fit within a quart-sized bag. We finally went to a first class counter when a person showed up. Card for turkey. When going through security screening checkpoints: Each person is allowed one carry-on bag, plus a personal item . This SSSS on my ticket is ridiculous. Had pre-check and GE, but whenever I couldn't check in for my flight I knew in advance I caught another SSSS. - TSA Agent. I just got one in London, I upgraded (no connection with SSSS) from PE to business and the dreaded SSSS was still on the new boarding pass (just in case someone wants to upgrade put of it) - it was 3min procedure, all people very professional, looking in the fact I went for the random sniffer check both in my port of origin and LHR transfer, it was just third iterration of the same (pointless) process in the same day. - TSA Agent. Because passengers at a certain gate are screened does not mean there is a specific threat to a particular plane, Uselding said. The security checkpoint opens about an hour before the flight departs from that gate. The process was a lot less intrusive than what you described. It was a long frustrating day. You can not. Then she gets sent to the end of the non-TSA Precheck line. Good to know for next time. I tried to get off said list. I said I was going to Vegas, it was gambling money. Children with Medical Conditions, Disabilities, or Mobility Aids, Liquid Formula, Breast Milk, Toddler Drinks, and Baby/Toddler food (to include puree pouches), http://www.tsa.gov/contact-center/form/cares. The TSA Rep thought he got one of the top ten It is treated just like any other identification and will not give you a free pass, so if you get selected for random, you will be sent for random. Security Checkpoint Hours. You never know when some underwear or shoe bomber or female maxipad bomber is going to take my life away. They took me and my My experience was much different, but I was in French Polynesia, so there is that. "Gate screening is particularly effective at addressing insider threats and serves as a random and unpredictable security layer that, like all TSAs security measures, was developed using a risk-based approach," Uselding said. I am an airline crewmember and even in the crew line we are, at times, selected for extra security check and redirected to the public lane to have this completed. Would love for all the Trump Terrorists at the Jan 6 insurrection to have SSSS for life with no chance of redress. I know exactly why I was selected. Gate screening which can involve anything from identification checks to hand-wand metal detectors was implemented after Sept. 11 as an additional layer of security. TSA strongly urges travelers to remove all items from pockets. An inadvertent admission by TSA? The way youll want to address this is by applying for a Redress Number. Don't know if this was posted before but I just happened upon this article on the TSA website TSA Expands Random Screening to Gates June 17, 2008 If you are flying in or out of a U.S. airport this summer you may notice Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) conducting random additional screening. Additional agents asking various people in line to put their carry on luggage on the cart, and give it a cursory (sometimes more than cursory) inspection. Department of Homeland Securitys website. I've been flying this route for 40 years.. it has to stop. The immigration secondary screening was very extensive, a 30 minute interrogation. TSA launched the " Stay Healthy. You must pass through security checkpoints to access your departure gate, where TSA security officers screen you and your carry-on baggage. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Call TSA Cares 72 hours priorto traveling with questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint. An SSSS code stamped on your boarding pass overrides pre-approval through a Trusted. TSA, "automated target recognition software detects any metallic and non-metallic threats concealed under clothing by displaying a generic outline of a person on a monitor attached to the advanced imaging technology unit highlighting any areas that may require additional screening." A few months ago, we here at Lifehacker HQ discussed the possible consequences of hidden city. 2. No lights went off, but there were a LOT of knowing looks at each other when I went to board the plane. I'm thinking this is also because of the SSSS but apparently they ask everybody leaving that particular country. From here, youll head to security and likely be brought to a different line for extra screening when you show your boarding pass to a TSA agent; while the process varies depending on the particular airport, this might involve going through a metal detector and body scanner (maybe more than once), a full-body pat-down, and your carry-on checked for explosive residue. Theyll also ask you to power on your electronics. See you there is a actual no-fly list and nine airlines have their own version. SSSS stands for secondary security screening selection. Walk through the metal detector carrying your pet or guiding it by leash.Upon exiting, an officer. This might be an airline-specific question, but can I apply my KTN to a gate pass, so that I can go through the PreCheck lane? As you mentioned, "SSSS" screening at foreign airports is done at the departure gate. It was close to 25 minutes I must say. I had a lot of cash with me and of course they opened my bag, then questioned me about the amount of cash. Three to six TSA agents set up at the gate. I've always wondered if check-in agents can also add SSSS to a pax. Flying after 2001 is such a hassle. Which Way is Luxury Hotel Pricing Going in 2023? Children able to walk through the metal detector without assistance may do so separately from their parent or guardian. TSA Carry on Rules for Prescription Drugs. And thats despite the TSA agents at the gate being some of the same ones I had dealt with back at security minutes before. Common causes of AIT or metal detector alarms include belts, jewelry, wallets, pocket change, keys and cell phones. Dont worry, its not a huge deal, your life isnt over. There are a variety of things that can cause you to get selected for secondary security screening. Voting Is Now Open for the 2021 FlyerTalk Awards! -FLT Ops commuter. You may not be screened by this technology when carrying an infant or child. It took me a very long time to get everything to fit again. We had a connecting flight once we were back in the states as well. After about 10 minutes, a TSA Supervisor and someone from CLEAR came down and apologized to me. You can not. When done properly, the secondary screening should not require a private setting. They knew who I was. They just need to make sure that they can turn on, so be sure you have battery power for all your electronics. I'm so afraid to fly anymore. The horribly pathetic and transparently theatrical gate security audit. You know youre on a flight with someone on The List when the TSA posts up at your gate, checks everyones bags, and makes your flight late. Every flight Im on gets one of these random security audits. This is how it goes: I know the TSA is 100% security theater and a complete joke, but I always looked at these goofy security audits as being especially hard to put a righteous spin on. As a senior aged female (caucasian) I hardly coluld imagine anyone thinking I was a threat!! If youve gone through secondary screening in the United States, what was your experience like? They swabbed my cheeks for gunpowder residue I guess every search under the sun including all the bags. My first time flying BA first to DFW from LHR I was chosen and was stopped at the gate. I think it's important to note that it can happen much more on international journeys. Accessible property of all travelers, regardlessof age, must be screened. If you only get an SSSS on your boarding pass on one trip, you have nothing to worry about. I guess I'm not viewed as much of a threat these days. Its the passengers passport and travel profile.. You are one of those people posting made up stories Why do you have to make up that story? Luckily we had arrived early enough to be among the few people who could get the next available so we were thankful for that. I got SSSS on a trip I took last month with having TSA Pre. The line for SSSS was becoming longer and longer. I don't connect through MIA too often, but pretty much every time I do it is an unpleasant experience. I am very nervous about exposing my body to strangers, and this should have been done in private. Children 12 and under can leave their shoes, light jackets and headwear on during screening. Are major pain insane security lines at MIA normal? Infants may be carried in a sling/carrier (to include lap baby) through the walk-through metal detector or when being screened in a wheelchair, but may be subject to additional screening. Wonder if it was pure coincidence or if it was some sort of retaliation by the AAgent. It only happened once and once was enough. They checked my carry on but not my handbag! Hi I am a ground staff at Delhi airport yes u r ryt it's random check from custom every airline menifest where every pax name n past port number is given they marked randomly sometimes very rare case they have some information about that pax so they marked but very rare n they just ask u 2-3 question n SSS it's we r giving on ur boarding pass so that we can't forget that we Hi I am a ground staff at Delhi airport yes u r ryt it's random check from custom every airline menifest where every pax name n past port number is given they marked randomly sometimes very rare case they have some information about that pax so they marked but very rare n they just ask u 2-3 question n SSS it's we r giving on ur boarding pass so that we can't forget that we have to send that person to custom otherwise it will be a big problem for pax as well us also that's why we give This on ur boarding pass. They put me in touch with a TSA ombudsman who did absolutely nothing. Sure enough, I have had several domestic flights since my last SSSS abroad and have not encountered it. Secondary screenings are still done (albeit rarely). This happened to me at the airport in Reykjavik, Iceland. In this post I wanted to take a detailed look at the significance of that. Think about that.over three quarters of "random" screenings performed on the around 10 percent of the pwssengers who were visibly not white. I suspect this was because of my unusual travel patterns (I traveled to some suspicious countries, booked a lot of one-way international flights, etc.). You could carry a folded up laundry bag inside your shoulder bag. The agent will radio for a supervisor and say they have a quad (which I guess is the codeword for SSSS, with the quad referring to the four letters). I think the Koch brothers should always get secondary screening since they continue to do business with the baby killer-mass murderer Putin!!! Ill share my experience based on the last time I dealt with this in the United States, which admittedly goes back a while. You can do so throughthe DHS TRIP program, which stands for Traveler Redress Inquiry Program. Make your screening experience as smooth as possible and become familiar with the process. Flying out of Montreal the screener was rude, making fun of his western accent. The circular design of the power strip allows for the 15" to coil up inside the body of the productmaking it easy to wrap up and throw in a bag to take with you when traveling. Youre on a gate pass, so youre only eligible for standard screening. Then they let me go. NEW YORK - The Transportation Security Administration said Wednesday it is screening more passengers at airport gates, but not because of any specific threat. I was worried because I had it on 4 consecutive trips. Did you try another airline and it was cleared? The stress ruined my whole trip back. CS three? NEW YORK The Transportation Security Administration said Wednesday it is screening more passengers at airport gates, but not because of any specific threat. Not sure how I should feel about that. Yes, I have seen them in the past, not recently though. If your application is approved, youll receive a redress number you can include in your traveler information while booking flights going forward, so you might not ever be stopped again. For children 13 years and older, TSA's standard screening procedures apply. I got SSSS on a trip I took last month with having TSA Pre. The trick to success is diplomacy and communication. If you dont have it then theyll have to call the TSA to the gate. Obviously he didn't know what he was to do just asked a bunch of questions. - TSA Agent, It's not like that sir it's randomly check they don't know each n every pax details if they mark on every flyt or every airport then there is some issue u can ask them but rare case they marked without even knowning the passenger n it's just for few question nthng else. Ive gotten this because of my global entry when flying back into the US from abroad (at the gate before boarding to fly back). The TSA agent will tell you the airline has randomly selected you for additional screening (which is a lie), andask you to step to the side. She gets SSSS couple times a year (or more), I never get SSSS. I felt bad for the screeners doing such an unpleasant unrewarding job. I was slightly insulted by the question but ignored the sexist nature of it and was polite and said I was on business and showed him my business card. Ive always been able to avoid this waste of time by boarding with my phone to my ear as if in a call and not making eye contact with the security theater folks. Place all carry-on baggage such as children's toys, bags and blankets on the X-ray belt for screening. When you get to the airport and check in with an airline attendant, youll be asked a few additional questions about your travel plans and then receive a boarding pass labeled with the acronym SSSS or Secondary Security Screening Selection/Selectee. Had (I think) US Marshalls checking a recent flight from the East Coast.