- Australian travelers share what the 4-letter code on their boarding passes means.
- EXPLORE FURTHER: It’s only now dawning on people what the hidden ‘SSSS’ code truly signifies.
An Australian traveler has expressed her astonishment upon noticing an enigmatic code on her boarding pass.
Ruby was getting ready to take off. Brisbane When she was at the international airport heading to the United States, she spotted the four letters 'SSSS' printed on her ticket.
When sharing on social media, Ruby, who resides permanently in Chicago , mentioned it as 'the four-letter word no traveler wishes to see on their boarding pass.'
The acronym represents 'Secondary Security Screening Selection,' a measure implemented by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) that identifies particular travelers for extra security assessments prior to departure.
Travelers flagged with SSSS should prepare for a more rigorous inspection process than normal.
These improved security measures may include thorough searches of baggage, with swab tests conducted for explosive materials and drugs, as well as an examination of electronic devices after they are turned on.
Several travelers have mentioned experiencing having their feet swabbed or being pulled aside for a confidential inspection.
TSA officers might additionally inquire about specific details regarding the traveler's journey, such as their final destination and whether they personally packed their luggage.
The duration of the SSSS process isn't fixed, yet it has the potential to substantially postpone your boarding time.
Consequently, all travelers heading to or departing from the US are recommended to arrive ahead of time, should they be chosen for screening.
"I have visited more than 30 countries, so I am familiar with the stigma associated with it," Ruby explained. Yahoo News .
The mark SSSS was already visible on her boarding pass when she hadn't even cleared airport security yet.
"She mentioned that they neither verified her documentation nor uttered a word, which struck her as unusual," she explained.
Only when she reached the gate did the additional scrutiny begin.
"After scanning my boarding pass, they told me to go over there and asked for my passport, which they then examined," Ruby remembered.
I placed all my belongings on the table, and they wiped down every item—including my bag, laptop, hands, and even my stomach. This was something new for me.
Upon arriving in the US, Ruby mentioned that border officials questioned her extensively before finally permitting her to proceed with her journey.
The 'Secondary Security Screening Selection' procedure was implemented following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, as part of stringent security measures initiated during President George W. Bush’s administration.
The TSA has never disclosed exactly how or why passengers are chosen, with the criteria remaining a tightly held secret.
Following Ruby’s video, numerous fellow travelers added their own accounts of SSSS encounters.
"I experience this all the time; even though they claim it’s random, I’m convinced it isn’t," another user commented.
Another person chimed in, "I experienced the Super Special Security Screening in Lisbon. It was quite manageable—they simply went through my carry-on bag and thoroughly inspected each part of every item."
It’s quite an annoyance," another person remarked, "but much less frightening once you know about it ahead of time. When I received the SSSS in Barcelona on my flight back home, I was completely unaware.
Yet another frequent traveler, who holds an American passport, found herself puzzled when she noticed a mysterious code on her partner's boarding pass during their latest trip to the airport.
After passing through security, she realized she had been separated from her companion. She then witnessed him being allowed entry following additional scrutiny at passport control and quickly snapped a picture of the event.
Sharing her experience to social media, the American content creator detailed 'On flights to/from the US, you can get 'randomly' selected to undergo a much higher level of security.
For my partner, this involved dividing all his belongings from mine, removing every single item from his bag, cleaning each piece thoroughly, and ensuring that his laptop powered on (to allow for an inspection).
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