What does the acronym “SSSS” on boarding passes mean?

If you’ve ever taken an international trip, you’ve probably been overwhelmed by feelings of excitement and nervousness. After all, exploring a new destination is always exciting, even if getting there can be a tiring journey, especially if you have to spend hours queuing at airport security.

Also, if you’re a “lucky” person, you’ve probably noticed that your boarding pass has the ominous acronym “SSSS” on it, creating a setback in your trip. But what happens next? What do these four letters mean and how did they end up on your card? Understand!

The mysterious meaning

The acronym “SSSS” is used to describe passengers selected for secondary security screening. In other words, you have already been chosen in advance to undergo further screening procedures. This is a measure used by the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to increase security at airports.

The agency tends to incorporate unpredictable security measures, visible or invisible, to fulfill the transportation security mission. “SSSS” may appear randomly on a passenger’s boarding pass, which will make the journey a little longer and more complex.

According to the TSA website, security measures for air travel begin well before you arrive at the airport. They work with intelligence and law enforcement agencies to share information and report any individuals who may pose a security threat.

Additional screening

If your boarding pass has the acronym “SSSS” marked on it, does that mean the TSA considers you a terrorist or a threat to the country? Not necessarily. While some passengers may be pre-screened due to their background, you may have been randomly selected for re-inspection.

During secondary screening, your bag will be inspected again to ensure that it meets TSA carry-on regulations or, for example, is carrying explosive items. Friends and family can see the person during the secondary inspection, so there is no need to be so scared.

In general, security just wants to make sure that you are not carrying any hidden prohibited items or threats to the lives of other passengers. Usually those selected are informed in advance of the procedure and the search takes place in a private room with an officer of the same sex. It should be noted, however, that those selected will not be able to skip the first screening just because they will be subjected to further checks.

There are several factors that may indicate why someone receives “SSSS” on their boarding pass. Due to the complexity of the procedure and the fact that the TSA does not publish details regarding this security measure, it is impossible to know exactly how common it is to receive this specific code. So always be prepared and don’t be caught by surprise!

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.