Originally Posted by corporate-wage-slave

I would not assume it's SSSS, though it could be. It may be that if you simply run your passport from the self check kiosks it will simply chuck out your boarding pass, assuming it's the same passport as on your booking. If it is SSSS it's not a big deal, you have the option to have your bags scanned before boarding starts and thus get pre-boarded. It should take well under 5 minutes and they may do an explosives check on your phone or fingers. Now if you do get SSSS some people may think it's worth giving your partner all your bags except one token bag for a quick rummage - but obviously I couldn't possibly condone such behaviour.