sssss also occurs on flights ex Australia (at least) bound for the US. You see it immediately you get your boarding pass, so may as get your gear in order and just go with the flow through the extra security.

I believe agreeing to make this happen is one of the many things airlines flying into the US agree to in order to have landing rights.

Thanks, interesting. So airlines could "create" SSSS, but if not then who creates the SSSS?

The TSA Secure Flight info you have to submit when you book a flight into US airspace cross-checks your passport info with the SSSS list along with other info the airline provides. The whole process neatly integrates with the airline's reservation system.

I haven't got a SSSS since UA went SHARES but some of the old CO SSSSes were so small that they were easily missed by security staff. They were asked by a few groups whether they could change the size of the SSSS but they said they could not due to system limitations. Some CO stations, particularly in Canada, were handwriting "SSSS" on SSSS BPs so that they wouldn't be missed.

Same here. Booked a one way flight and been through the additional screening process...

Had SSSSS happen once pre 9/11 at LHR returning to SFO. I recall it being pre 9/11 because the I had an 8 pack of Tetley's smooth flow (widget) ale in my carry on (I miss those days). I smiled and told the Scotsman who was doing the additional screen that if he reached for my Tetley's, we were about to have an international incident to contend with. He knowingly smiled, nodded and the extra screen went without incident and I was on my merry way with my Tetley's intact.

SSSS isn't necessarily that random. A LH rep referred to it as "Special Security Screening" so that's what I associate the letters with now, though I'm not sure what the actual meaning or acronym would be.

I'm sure there is a randomized component, but a lot must also do with your travel history and itinerary.

I travel in and out of Yemen a lot for work and believe me, I have to deal with an SSSS every time I enter or exit the U.S.

It can be a bit of a hassle but it has also helped me through security faster at times where there are long line-ups. I believe it's a TSA process.

Also, if you do notice the SSSS on your boarding pass, point it out at security screening if the security rep doesn't notice. In Miami, I was called out of the Lounge to get the whole luggage search, pat down, and itemizer swab because the fellow at the line didn't notice it on my pass. I had seen it but didn't mention it to avoid the added hassle. They will refuse you entry on to the plane until they are able to cross-reference your boarding pass in the system and confirm you've been through the additional screening so you may as well be up front about it.

Thanks for that... I know Yemenis and everyone who travelled to/from Yemen was getting SSSS a couple of years ago when things were getting increasingly boombastic in Yemen. Makes sense that it is still continuing.

Does CATSA still do "random" jetway screening for YYZ-DCA? I had no SSSS but the load was light, no pre-board, I was 3rd to board after 2 families with kids, selected, and when they were done everyone else had already boarded.

Another way to be helpful if you're travelling with someone is to give them your carry-on, jacket, blackberry, etc. before the security line. Then the extra security takes no time at all. It's nice of them to give advance warning.