Originally Posted by
Often1
It has nothing to do with your status or fare basis.
Yes didn't mean to imply it has anything to do with FF status or ticketed cabin, just to note to OP that if he's worried about time there is a separate J/elite line at the secondary screening.
OP, I've noted my experiences above, which I've also had coming from HKG and EZE...It's never been anything to be concerned about. Airlines will submit names of passengers and their information to DHS/CPB in advance of check-in. A percentage of them will be randomly selected for additional screening, and some will be selected based on countries they've been on that trip, travel patterns, etc. It's definitely not an accusation or an indication that DHS thinks you've done something wrong.
As I said, they'll see the SSSS, and likely have a list of SSSS passengers (so they will make sure everyone gets screened who is supposed to), and do the additional screening politely and efficiently.