What “SSSS” Means on Your Boarding Pass
If you spot SSSS on your boarding pass, it stands for Secondary Security Screening Selection. This means the TSA has selected you for extra checks at the airport. Expect to spend an additional 15–45 minutes (or more) going through enhanced screening steps—such as pat‑downs, hand inspections of your bags, swabbing for explosive residue, and detailed questions about your trip.
Why You Might Be Selected
- Pure chance: It can be a random choice by TSA’s screening system.
- Travel patterns: One‑way tickets, last‑minute bookings, or cash transactions may increase your chances.
- Itinerary ink spots: Traveling from certain countries or having unusual travel routes could flag you.
- Name matches: Sharing a name similar to someone on a watch list may trigger a selection.
What You Can Do
- Arrive early: Give yourself an extra 30–45 minutes to get through security.
- Stay calm and cooperate: The screening is thorough but routine.
- Apply for redress: If you’re repeatedly selected, you can request a Redress Control Number through the DHS Traveler Redress Inquiry Program to ease future screenings.
In short, SSSS isn’t a judgment—it’s a prompt for added security. It can be mildly inconvenient, but being prepared makes the experience much smoother.
