I've been searching for other threads on this and can't find one - but, please combine if I've missed it!

My husband couldn't use OLCI last week for our Friday flight and we couldn't figure out what the issue was. Called SW, but they had no idea what the problem was either. When we got to the airport and he got his BP, the check-in agent showed him the SSSS on the bottom, but had no idea why that happens or what causes it. Hubby spoke to the TSA agents (who were surprisingly nice and helpful!) and they explained that a certain number of pre-check/global entry passengers would be randomly getting SSSS and to expect it again in the future. Explained that it wasn't based on anything negative, just a random thing. Hubby went through the increased screening, etc, and we were on our way.

Through my highly scientific research (on FT) I've seen that there are various reasons for getting the SSSS. This shouldn't really matter on most airlines (though upgrade priority could be affected), but on WN it is a huge pain as your boarding place is significantly lower when checking in at the airport. Not a huge problem if you're A-list or traveling with someone who's willing to save you a seat, but for a non-elite traveling alone you'd be SOL.

Any idea on how this affects your boarding number if you have EB? Any other issues this may cause?

We didn't check bags and were on different bookings, so I'm just not sure if there are any other issues the SSSS causes or if it's just extra time at the airport. Insight and thoughts appreciated!