SSSS at Heathrow
Jun 20, 2019, 1:39 pm
#61
Join Date: Feb 2011
Programs: BA blue,, aeroplan 25K
Posts: 1,027
25% of passengers on flights to the USA must be screened for explosive residue at the gate, this is indicated by SSSS even though it is very different to the SSSS when within the USA which is a selectee based system and results in a very different search. In theory now having TSA PreCheck should mean that you don't get included in this random 25%, but that is a relatively new setup and we don't know yet whether that includes flights operated by BA or just the main US carriers. In short, no there is no-one you can call to inquire about this in the UK, you are either included in the 25% randomly in which case it isn't personal, or it is coming from the DHS and then the redress program is the resolution system. Just include your KTN in all your bookings involving US travel, including those on BA, and it should minimise the number of times you get SSSS abroad.
Jun 20, 2019, 2:04 pm
#62
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: DCA
Programs: AA EXP; BoNVoY Tit LTP
Posts: 1,923
I am TSA pre and just got SSSS on Tuesday at LHR (to IAD). Both my partner and I (travelling on the same reservation, both Global Entry) got the full swabdown, asking me to let them swab every electronic device as well as various body parts. Of course then there was a modest mechanical delay so we got to enjoy standing around the SSSS area until the plane was finally available for boarding.
Jul 7, 2019, 10:29 pm
#63
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AA EXP, IHG Diamond, IC Amb
Posts: 5,510
25% of passengers on flights to the USA must be screened for explosive residue at the gate, this is indicated by SSSS even though it is very different to the SSSS when within the USA which is a selectee based system and results in a very different search. In theory now having TSA PreCheck should mean that you don't get included in this random 25%, but that is a relatively new setup and we don't know yet whether that includes flights operated by BA or just the main US carriers. In short, no there is no-one you can call to inquire about this in the UK, you are either included in the 25% randomly in which case it isn't personal, or it is coming from the DHS and then the redress program is the resolution system. Just include your KTN in all your bookings involving US travel, including those on BA, and it should minimise the number of times you get SSSS abroad.
RT ticket booked almost a year ago and flying home now from a two-week vacation in Italy and I have the SSSS on my LHR-PHX ticket.
🤷🏻.♂️