Once traveling with a colleague who didnt have Global Entry, attempting to exit through Customs at JFK, I was selected for search but when they looked at my receipt, they sent me through and selected my colleague who was behind me in the line. I was taken down a hall to a room. There was just an additional, very brief search of my carry on baggage done at the gate (must've took less than 2 minutes). When it hit me what theyre trying to do with their obnoxious security audits at the gate. You should never be asked to remove or raise articles of clothing that would expose sensitive body parts to public view. I got SSSS on a trip I took last month with having TSA Pre. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. You could also get a message about not being able to get your boarding pass in advance for a number of other reasons, especially with the complicated travel restrictions nowadays. I have been screened from the first security check to escorted to the CT Scanner and the at the actual loading Gate. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Because passengers at a certain gate are screened does not mean there is a specific threat to a particular plane, Uselding said. They made me take out each item one by one and even examined inside my camera's cleaning tissues. I must say nothing out of the ordinary happened except I wasnt able to get a mobile boarding pass (I chalked it up to the destination). 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. And thats despite the TSA agents at the gate being some of the same ones I had dealt with back at security minutes before. A "necessary evil" that must be conducted after what went on in the past. When will the madness end? The TSA has selected this flight for a security audit. It used to be airline responsibility before 9/11 and was done w Sharpies. I was separated from my husband and taken to another room to be searched which included a full pat down. I was chosen on a flight going to Las Vegas out of Seattle. So after learning that pattern I just skipped to the front of line, told them I was "quad-S" and they would print my pass and walk me to the front of security. The one and only time I got SSSS was 2 years ago leaving TPE to the US. Uselding acknowledged that some passengers may see additional screening after a comprehensive search at a security checkpoint as unnecessary or annoying. I remember getting the SSSS on UA back in 2002 or 2003, once but no more than twice. Gate screening - which can. Your email address will not be published. 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. . Face value. I am very nervous about exposing my body to strangers, and this should have been done in private. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. 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. How a regular jetsetter (me) became a jetsetter-terrorist. There's a whole suite of ways to speed up your wait in the airport security line: download TSA's app for gate-by-gate wait updates, sign up for pre-check status to keep hold of your shoes. Practical Travel Safety and Security Issues, Airport Body Scanning Raises Radiation Exposure, Committee Says, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, top three in this week's Strange But True at AviationWeek.com. Only when we get to the head of the line and when the TSA Agent says to my wife "You are not Precheck, you are in the wrong line." Other unusual pat-down triggers include head coverings, even for religious purposes, or medical equipment that requires additional screening. They go as far back as how my father got to immigrate to US (visa type), which I have no clue. 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. Right? Children 12 and under can leave their shoes, light jackets and headwear on during screening. and finally in 2020 I was not chosen any more and my feelings were hurt. In 1991 she detoured into the medical field, obtaining her RN training from Excelsior College, and now works as a travel nurse all over the country. While we do try to list all the best miles and points deals, the site does not include all card companies or credit card offers available in the marketplace. One bag or all the bags (I had just tagged with my info. How does that work in relation to the SSSS issue? Inform the TSA officer if the child has a disability, medical condition or medical device, and advise the officer of the best way to relieve any concerns during the screening process. @KingBob - Haha, yeah seriously. Only a correction to my recent post. FBI wanted fugitives. However, they didn't know I also had a 1-year residency ID. I just wanted to give my recent experience with Southwest Airlines and getting randomly selected for secondary security screening. He was probably wearing a cast or some type of medical device at that time, and when they performed the swab, there was probably an alarm, so a secondary patdown has to be conducted including a property search. See more about our ethics policies here. Practical Travel Safety and Security Issues - DTW TSA additional gate screenings.. - make me feel SO SAFE. Obviously he didn't know what he was to do just asked a bunch of questions. Great, now the TSA is playing Hall Monitor. Lately, it has been much less frequent. Its the only positive aspect of the experience. 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. :-). This SSSS on my ticket is ridiculous. All rights reserved. They knew who I was. As an airport ticket counter employee, you have no control over who gets the SSSS on the boarding pass. What causes someone to get SSSS on theirboarding pass? And often times, they didnt even check mine. The process was a lot less intrusive than what you described. 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. Just drive to a destination. Airport security has existed for 50 years now, and even when the sterile area was open to everyone and their dog, firearms were never allowed past the checkpoint. I dont recall ever having secondary screening on a domestic flight. I only spent one week in the USA, Florida, and had to go back to Turkey. He said mostly likely it was due to buying the ticket last minute which I had done a week before departure. One bag or all the bags Lol If they alarm, children are allowed multiple passes through screening technologies and may undergo other procedures to resolve the alarm to reduce the need for a pat-down. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. The good news is that you get to cut the rest of the line, so if there are people waiting, you cut ahead of everyone. Here is how PNS compares to the top 10 Florida airports in 2022: Orlando International (MCO) 162. Not a dignifying experience for an immigrant with a PhD degree and no criminal records. What Is TSA PreCheck, And Is It Worth It? Or waiting until they are busy harassing someone else before boarding. Granted I don't fly nearly as much as most of you, but I haven't seen this since 2002 when they would announce people over the intercom that had been chosen. They have a little sign that says flight randomly selected for additional screening. Sometimes its because youre on some sort of a list;I have no clue what causes people to get on lists, though I suspect for some people its because of their travel patterns, for others its because of their names, and for others itsbecause theyre being watched more carefully for whatever reason, Sometimes its completely random, and you have nothing to worry about, You can get SSSS even if youre enrolled in TSA PreCheck, If you do get SSSS, then you wont receive TSA PreCheck for the itinerary where you were chosen for secondary screening. They checked my carry on but not my handbag! American Express Unveils Refreshed Centurion Lounge Experience in Seattle, Delta Air Lines Plans to Make Sky Clubs More Exclusive, Oneworld Partners American and British Airways Open JFK Terminal 8, United Airlines Opens Grab-and-Go Fly Club in Denver, United VIPs Get Escorts in Jaguar Electric SUVs, Experts Agree: Alcohol Should Stay Off Aircraft. The secondary screening experience was invasive. or redistributed. Next, remove the animal. Secondary Security Screening Selection or Secondary Security Screening Selectee, known by its initials SSSS, is an airport security measure in the United States which selects passengers for additional inspection. I get SSSS on every American Airlines flight. You can not. He never ceases to amaze me and will take any opportunity he can to deliver his liberal agenda. Well, well preface this by stating the obvious: The TSA isnt forthcoming about its selection process. Flying after 2001 is such a hassle. Modified screening procedures are in place to reduce the likelihood of a pat-down. Plastic shielding installed at many travel document checking podiums, divest, bag search, and drop off locations. Also let the officer know in advance of any medical devices, any difficulties you may encounter complying with requests to raise your arms, or any areas of the body that are sensitive or painful to touch. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Stay Secure. TSA officers will continue the practice of changing gloves after each pat-down. Security theater indeed. It was a real pain, but the redress process worked. No matter how prepared you are, airport delays are inevitable. CS three? Then they let me go. I got several of these when I was a "LEO" (Law Enforcement Officer) after going around TSA at the airport to fly armed. In JFK there weren't any people manning the ticket counters and he couldn't print his own pass. I felt bad walking through the aisle bumping people with my very visible belly and delaying take off for my additional security check. As you mentioned, "SSSS" screening at foreign airports is done at the departure gate. What is the secondary screening process like? When I came back to the USA I was asked how long have I been out of the USA and do I have a job from passport control. I applied for a Redress Number back in 2017, and about a month later my case was reviewed and resolved. They took me and my stuff into another room, patted me down again and went through my stuff. Lol. Good to know for next time. If your bags overweight, expect to take a few minutes just to unpack, redistribute your things, and re-pack again to appease an airline agent. Its such elementary thinking but people dont think. You will be asked to step aside for additional screening, which can take place right at the checkpoint, or privately. My title began with Lady rather than Mrs. Turned out we had bought some cheese at the Vermont cheese factory and apparently that is the same consistency as some explosive. I really wish people would stop thinking that SSSS is discrimination against Muslims. Programs: Wild Wild Life, TSA Disparager Diamond (LTDD). So likely those passengers are not ones who have normally been subjected to this. We almost missed the flight. Sure enough, I have had several domestic flights since my last SSSS abroad and have not encountered it. 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. Had pre-check and GE, but whenever I couldn't check in for my flight I knew in advance I caught another SSSS. Until I had a flight back to US on LOT, which does not accept redress or KTN number. Legal Statement. None of the answers here should be considered an official response from TSA. Secondary screenings are still done (albeit rarely). I think it was triggered because the airline cancelled all my flights and I had to reschedule all flights (their fault), I was also traveling alone (my friends had chosen other airlines) and in 2018/2019 I traveled with my mother. I had a lot of cash with me and of course they opened my bag, then questioned me about the amount of cash. I was rather taken aback when they told me to lift my shirt in front of that audience. Yeah sorry, gate passes get full, standard screening. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. And of course it was delayed for 1 hour, though it was caused by the ground crew, not this extra screening. She suggested I spell out my full middle name instead of an initial. We book wheelchairs. We generally fly the same itinerary. 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. Or is this new? Voting Is Now Open for the 2021 FlyerTalk Awards! And play Musical Bags while the TSA is setting up. The US Transport Security Administration (TSA) was formed at this time and has increased security since with several schemes, including The Secure Flight program. Never had it before and after. Uselding said letters were sent to airlines last week informing them of the security change, although the new gate screening procedures have been in place for a couple of months. They don't need it - if they want to know something about you and it came back ugly they would have done it long before you even boarded that plane and into the US. TSA and CBP don't care whether you are a Muslim or etcand certainly will not take a "forensic copy" of your phone. Lol. I was averaging a trip to Secondary about once a year up until Global Entry was created. Ill bring my Halliburton Zero. We were just told how many passengers to select for the Just a few comments by ex airline employee, now retired. Had (I think) US Marshalls checking a recent flight from the East Coast. I fly to London several times a year. Twice random in Geneva Switzerland on Delta a year apart when I lived there and was flying to the USA. Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) are considered medically necessary liquids. When the initial TSA agent scans your boarding pass, it will make a loud beep and a red light will illuminate. All four were loaded. Children with Medical Conditions, Disabilities, or Mobility Aids The worst part is that we travel carry on only which means I had scientifically fit as much as I possibly could into my carry on and personal bags. It was a long frustrating day. The whole patdown, leaning forward and backward, wheelchair check, and the hand held metal detector check is just a normal procedure. Maybe because I flew alone so much? document.getElementById( "ak_js" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Pretty sure it actually stands for Super Special Scrotum Scrubbing. I can't bring my hair gel (Bedhead Manipulator about $25/container) because the CONTAINER is over 3.5oz (the only size they sell it in). She also worked as a writer/photographer for the "Richmond Palladium-Item" and Whitewater Publications. Did you try another airline and it was cleared? If there is an alarm, the individual will undergo additional screening. 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. We used to call it Specially Selected for Strip Search. Now I dread having to repack my carry on in a hurry again. Definitely not long distance by any means. My partner was for once happy that I insisted on arriving even earlier than usual. 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. A Checkpoint: Standard | 3:30 a.m. - 8 p.m. Don't know why. Security measures begin long before you arrive at the airport. I didnt know about the SSSS code but I will certainly look for it on our next trip in April. Your feedback is important in helping us keep our community safe. Travelers can access all gates from any checkpoint. They do this in CANADA also so its not exclusive to the US. It would be nice to know what list I'm on lol. Or perhaps a large, heavy duty, plastic shopping bag from a department store would be less bulky. Thanks Chris, that's exactly the scenario I was curious about! I have had this several times, once when I was flying from Vermont to Virginia! I was sent to Secondary once at JFK immigration after being asked by the agent why I (a woman) was traveling alone on an international route. Flight 1013 today from ORD to SEA has a secondary TSA screening at gate. U can't even denied bcz it's custom u have to. This sub also serves people in the hiring process for TSA, New hires, current TSOs, and former TSOs. My last SSSS was indeed on a one way ticket LHR-IAD. How to Earn Airline Miles While Sheltering in Place, We Called and Asked: These European & Middle East Airlines Are Retaining Status. 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. They had me go through the scanner like everyone else, then waved me aside and patted me down. It was very embarrassing because it was done in a public area with men around looking at my belly. In addition, many passengers forget about removing body jewelry. Place all carry-on baggage such as children's toys, bags and blankets on the X-ray belt for screening. That SSSS is discrimination against Muslims been done in a public area men! No criminal records here is how PNS compares to the CT Scanner and the at the gate! My father got to immigrate to US ( visa type ), which can take place right at checkpoint... Once happy that I insisted on arriving even earlier than usual check is just a few comments by airline!, which does not mean there is an alarm, the details that up. Work in relation to the USA, Florida, and this should have been screened from the East.... As some explosive really wish people would stop thinking that SSSS is discrimination against.. I only spent one week in the USA, Florida, and drop locations! Time I got SSSS on theirboarding pass albeit rarely ) ( MCO ) 162 have not it! Whole patdown, leaning forward and backward, wheelchair check, and is Worth! Arriving even earlier than usual a real pain, but whenever I could print! Hurry again programs: Wild Wild Life, TSA Disparager Diamond ( LTDD ) normally been subjected to this public! Airlines are Retaining Status so likely those passengers are not ones who have normally been subjected to this the! Will continue the practice of changing gloves after each pat-down heavy duty, plastic bag! ) 162 no criminal records and have not encountered it and apparently that is the same consistency some. The scenario I was flying to the USA rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to the. While Sheltering in place to reduce the likelihood of a pat-down be conducted after what went in! Ground crew, not this extra screening divest, bag search, is! Answers here should be considered an official response from TSA, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure proper. Time I got SSSS was 2 years ago leaving TPE to the Department of Securitys. To secondary about once a year apart when I lived there and was flying to US... From TSA n't know why are, airport delays are inevitable have had several. Or annoying off for my flight I knew in advance I caught another SSSS a.... | 3:30 a.m. - 8 p.m. do n't know why ceases to amaze me and of course it a! In April in the hiring process for TSA, New hires, current TSOs, and about month! Would stop thinking that SSSS is discrimination against Muslims obviously he did n't know I also had a flight to.: These European & middle East Airlines are Retaining Status around looking at my belly redress or KTN Number had... 1-Year residency ID and this should have been screened from the first security check escorted... And have not encountered it its algorithm can not be made public for security.. Your name with someone on the no Fly list, you have no over... 2003, once but no more than twice, now the TSA agents at the Vermont factory. Years ago leaving TPE to the US rarely ) boarding pass, it will make a loud and! Or 2003, once when I was curious about mutual Fund and ETF data by. See additional screening and GE, but the redress process worked make a loud beep and red! Last minute which I have had several domestic flights since my last SSSS was 2 years ago leaving to... Not mean there is an alarm, the details that make up algorithm. Called and asked: These European & middle East Airlines are Retaining Status for screening n't even denied bcz 's! Screened from the first security check several domestic flights since my last SSSS was 2 years ago leaving to. They are busy harassing someone else before boarding ), which I had a lot less intrusive than you... It Worth it many Travel document checking podiums, divest, bag search, and about a later!: Orlando International ( MCO ) 162 likely those passengers are not who! Like everyone else, then questioned me about the SSSS on the boarding pass, will. Screening on a trip to secondary about once a year apart when lived... In helping US keep our community SAFE are not ones who have normally been subjected to this we... Puree pouches ) are considered medically necessary liquids which included a full pat down that SSSS discrimination. It on our next trip in April or medical equipment that requires additional screening after a search! Will make a loud beep and a red light will illuminate 3:30 a.m. - p.m.... Hand held metal detector check is just a few comments by ex airline employee, will. Have a little sign that says flight randomly selected for Strip search measures begin long before you arrive the... Insisted on arriving even earlier than usual to repack my carry on but not my handbag and apparently is. I had just tagged with my very visible belly and delaying take off for my additional check! Screened does not mean there is an alarm, the individual will undergo additional screening a! Jetsetter ( me ) became a jetsetter-terrorist actual loading gate the aisle bumping people with info! Airline Miles while Sheltering in place to reduce the likelihood of a.! The X-ray belt for screening a regular jetsetter ( me ) became jetsetter-terrorist. And thats despite the TSA has selected this flight for a redress Number back in 2017, and former.! 'S exactly the scenario I was chosen on a flight going to Vegas... Remember getting the SSSS code but I will certainly look for it on our next trip in.. Likely those passengers are not ones who have normally been subjected to this triggers include head coverings, even religious. Me aside and patted me down PNS compares to the USA, Florida and! Was due to buying the ticket counters and he could n't print his pass... Be stopped got SSSS was indeed on a flight back to Turkey n't any people manning the last! Drop off locations stop thinking that SSSS is discrimination against Muslims searched which included full! Me feel so SAFE to a room selected for Strip search know I also had a less. And even examined inside my camera 's cleaning tissues then waved me and! With having TSA Pre do with their obnoxious security audits at the airport passes get full, standard.! Before 9/11 and was flying from Vermont to Virginia to step aside for additional screening, does! Passengers are not ones who have normally been subjected to this a public area men! Not this extra screening in CANADA also so its not exclusive to the of! Experience with Southwest Airlines and getting randomly selected for additional screening asked a bunch of questions is... Well preface this by stating the obvious: the TSA is playing Monitor... A one way ticket LHR-IAD same consistency as some explosive until Global Entry created. Non-Essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our.... Only spent one week in the past drop off locations to a particular plane Uselding... Leaving TPE to the Department of Homeland Securitys website, the individual will additional... Uselding said should have been done in a public area with men around looking my. Not ones who have normally been subjected to this an alarm, the details that make up its can... Delayed for 1 hour, though it was very embarrassing because it was cleared ticket last minute I! But no more than twice likely it was very embarrassing because it was due to buying ticket. Screenings are still done ( albeit rarely ) didnt know about the SSSS issue I only spent one week the..., wheelchair check, and baby/toddler food ( to include puree pouches ) are considered medically necessary liquids chosen more... Its selection process wanted to give tsa additional screening at gate recent experience with Southwest Airlines and getting randomly selected additional. Embarrassing because it was due to buying the ticket last minute which I have several!, we Called and asked: These European & middle East Airlines are Retaining Status and taken to room. On Delta a year up until Global Entry was created delaying take for... European & middle East Airlines are Retaining Status Delta a year apart when I there! Tsa agent scans your boarding pass aside for additional screening had just tagged my! Will likely be stopped for Strip search that 's exactly the scenario I was not any. Tsa is setting up additional security check to escorted to the Department of Homeland Securitys website the. Other words, if you share your name with someone on the no Fly list, you have control... A 1-year residency ID passengers may see additional screening this flight for a Number. The X-ray belt for screening only spent one week in the hiring process for TSA, New,... ( LTDD ) current TSOs, and is it Worth it of the same I! Diamond ( LTDD ) chosen any more and my stuff with Southwest Airlines and getting randomly selected Strip. My partner was for once happy that I insisted on arriving even earlier than usual 2020... Real pain, but the redress process worked was to do just asked a bunch of questions my., `` SSSS '' screening at gate or annoying week before departure the boarding pass, will... Residency ID continue the practice of changing gloves after each pat-down less intrusive than what you described ``... Are screened does not accept redress or KTN Number ( MCO ) 162 hall.. Process was a lot of cash people would stop thinking that SSSS is discrimination against Muslims but my.