Originally Posted by
The Lev
My stab at an explanation is that the ssss is randomly generated and each time a boarding pass is printed it re-runs the ssss lotto. The first time the boarding pass was generated you were a "hit", the next time you were a "miss". The system could be more sophisticated and include some sort of algorithm (also know as profiling) that increases or decreases the chances of ssss based on a range of factors including frequent flyer status.
If my guess is correct, then this points to a flaw in the system since all a terrorist would need to do is ask for a repreint on the boarding pass when they see the ssss.
I don't think it's that complex. It's kinda like how you think the CBP and CBSA guys taking your passport know how much money you make, where you were, your pet's names, and so forth, but all they have is a screen that says whether or not you're a customs or immigration hit. You change flight plans, or buy one way ticket, or buy ticket with cash that day, you get SSSS.
To base SSSS on status would be preposterous; in theory, wouldn't they do a lot of flying so they could understand what they're doing. I've always gotten SSSS (but I'll be sure to try this trick out) when I change, and I'm an E. And of course, in this post nine-eleven world, you can't be too certain
