What is a selectee passenger?

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. People from certain countries are subject to it by default.

Is SSSS really random?

Is it actually random? Yes and no. According to TSA spokesman Michael McCarthy, SSSS appears on a passenger's boarding pass when they have been selected by the agency's Secure Flight system for enhanced security screening.

What triggers SSSS on boarding pass?

It's a tag printed on your boarding pass to indicate that you have been selected to receive additional enhanced screening of your body and your personal items like carry-on baggage at the airport — either at the initial TSA screening area or the boarding gate.

Why do I keep getting SSSS?

But, some of the common reasons for getting SSSS are based on the premise that there was something unusual in your travel pattern, your ticketing, or your overall profile such as below : Booking last minute airline tickets. Booking of one-way international flight tickets. Traveling from a high-risk country.

What does SSSS means on the ticket?

For travelers lucky enough not to know, SSSS stands for Secondary Security Screening Selection. It's the Transportation Security Administration's way of flagging airline passengers for “enhanced” screening.

What does 'SSSS' on your boarding pass mean?

How can you avoid SSSS?

Unfortunately, there's no surefire way to prevent being selected for SSSS. However, if you notice that you're getting selected repeatedly, you can find out what a redress control number is and apply through the Department of Homeland Security Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (DHS TRIP).

How do I get rid of SSSS?

If you find yourself getting the dreaded SSSS regularly, you should consider applying for a Redress Number. If you are approved and receive a Redress Number, you'll be able to add it to your frequent flyer accounts so it is applied to your bookings.

How long does SSSS screening take?

The entire screening process takes anywhere between 10 and 20 minutes, in my experience, depending on how efficient the people screening you are. Note that you can also get a secondary search at the gate on a US-bound flight. I find that the screening process there typically isn't quite as invasive or time consuming.

Can TSA search your phone?

TSA is not a law enforcement agency and therefore lacks certain types of search and seizure authority. According to communications from the TSA, the agency, “does not search electronic devices for electronic content that may be contained on the device, and does not extract data from passenger electronic devices.”

Am I on the SSSS list?

The way you know for sure you've been selected for SSSS is that you'll see “SSSS” printed on your boarding pass, usually near the corner or edges and in bolded letters that are hard to miss. Check the image below for what it might look like.

Can you get SSSS on a domestic flight?

While you are more likely to be tagged with the dreaded 4Ss during international travel and when entering the United States, it can happen on domestic (US) flights as well. TSA Precheck does not guarantee you will not be flagged for additional screening. Nor does Global Entry.

What is a selectee list?

The Selectee list is a list of individuals who must undergo additional security screening before being permitted to board an aircraft.

What does TSA see when they scan your ID?

The system temporarily captures and displays the photograph from the passenger's ID for viewing only by TSA agents to help them compare the photo to the person carrying the ID. Finally, CAT/BPPS compares the encoded data on the passenger's ID to data on the boarding pass. If they match, they fly.

Why did TSA take my phone?

TSA said the screening “is solely intended to verify that there has been no physical tampering or hidden threat placed within the electronic device.”

Why did the TSA swab my hands?

As CNN explained, the Transportation Security Administration randomly swabs passengers' hands at checkpoints and airport gates to test them for traces of explosives. This was an expansion from simply swabbing luggage and other items.

Can airlines tell if your phone is on?

Does the flight attendant really know that your phone is still on? As a rule, no. There's no device that's regularly installed on airplanes that can figure out how many phones, tablets, e-readers or other kinds of device are on in the cabin.

Can I leave my phone in my carry-on?

According to the TSA, only electronics larger than a cell phone must be removed from their carrying cases and X-rayed separately. This does include laptops and tablets, but it doesn't include phones, electric toothbrushes, or hair dryers. TSA PreCheck members don't have to remove electronics for separate screening.

Can TSA take your money?

TSA screeners often stop and detain travelers for bringing a wad of cash to the airport for a domestic flight. Although TSA can't take your money, they might attempt to call in a law enforcement officer to seize your money for civil asset forfeiture.

Do you need a boarding pass to get through security?

Note: The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has thorough screenings at the main security checkpoints of all airports. Anyone passing through a security checkpoint will be required to have a government-issued photo ID and either a Boarding Pass or a TSA approved Security Document.

Can adults get SSSS?

SSSS in adults is a rare disorder, though there are now over 50 documented cases. Usually SSSS occurs in predisposed individuals, but not all adults have an underlying illness. Whereas mortality in childhood SSSS is approximately 4%, the mortality rate in adults is reported to be greater than 60%.

What does SSSS look like?

What is staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome in children? Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS) is a serious skin infection. The infection causes peeling skin over large parts of the body. It looks like the skin has been scalded or burned by hot liquid.

How do you diagnose SSSS?

How is SSSS diagnosed? Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome is usually diagnosed based on medical history and complete physical exam. In some cases, the doctor may order a skin biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. This test involves taking a small piece of skin to check under a microscope.

Do they run your name at the airport?

TSA agents typically do not scan your ID. Usually, they scan your boarding pass which will pull up information such as if you have TSA Pre-Check, or if you are subject to something like enhanced security screening also known as SSSS (these markers are already visible on your boarding pass).

Do airlines do background checks on passengers?

Airlines are not required to conduct criminal background checks on all passengers. Airlines lack police authority. If a screening is conducted, it is done at the direction of the TSA. It will rely on the Transportation Security Administration's identity identification and risk assessment (TSA).

How much is the TSA PreCheck fee?

The application fee for TSA PreCheck® is $85 for 5 years. Before you apply, we recommend that you review the various DHS trusted traveler programs, such as the TSA PreCheck® Application Program, Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI, to ensure you meet the eligibility requirements and determine the best program for you.