SSSS--will this happen again?
 

My husband is GM, traveled with a ticket in "F" (A fare) from ATL-SEA-ATL, departed Christmas Day and returned this evening (New Years Eve). This is the first time with SSSS on his BP and it was on both flights. When he couldn't do OLCI on the departure, we were suspicious and left plenty of time to get things figured out. The "secondary screening" was more like an interrogation and followed all the way to the gate. A Redcoat had to be called to do some computer finagling and re-print his BP to be able to board. Tonight, same thing at SEA. He asked at check-in and was told this was a TSA thing. Asked the TSA agent and told it was a Delta thing. If random, then why on both legs? The ticket was bought in early November, paid for by CC. He never checks a bag. We're bi-coastal, so a routine flight. Will this happen again? How can it be remedied? I called the DM line and they professed ignorance.

TSA is the one that flags SecureFlight.

https://www.dhs.gov/dhs-trip
and
https://www.dhs.gov/one-stop-travelers-redress-process

Delta has *no* control over SecureFlight information.

I'm confused. I haven't gotten a SSSS in about four years (knock on wood), but the last time I got a SSSS, I was just given a quick pat down, my carryon items inspected, then was sent on my way. I thought that was the standard procedure for SSSS'ed passengers?

Happy 2014, btw! (first post of 2014)

Something must have twigged on his reservation. I guess he'll find out next time he flies.

Whatever it is, it's on the gov side. Perhaps he, or most likely someone with a similar name was added to the TSA no fly list.

If that is the case and it continues to be a problem it might be worthwhile to go through the TSA redress process.

I always thought that printing SSSS on boarding passes was easily the #1 stupid thing TSA did. On one trip I had it, but wife did not. So, she took our carryon bags and I had none. Meaning, if I was a bad guy, I was given plenty of warning to NOT have bad stuff on me.

Dumbest think ever.

I understand their may be some "reason" for the OP to be checked. But why give him advance notice?

Your husband's Christmas day travel...
 

The two highest alert days in the US are September 11 and Christmas day, both for obvious reasons. One week ago, on Dec.25, there were multiple bomb events in other countries. I guess religious zealots find it a way to attack Christians by planning mischief on Christmas.

Although the SSSSS selectee system is supposed to be random, I feel like there must be an algorithm or two involved in the process. It would never be disclosed to rank and file TSA staff. And, I'm sure they're smarter than to use race or ethnicity as factors. However, passport details, residence cities, travel patterns, occupations could all easily come into play.

The big casinos screen everyone at the table for "non-apparent relationships" using public information that is easily accessed. The US government can buy the same software and more, don't you think?

Great article on casino technology with speculation the gov't benefits:

http://www.popularmechanics.com/tech...curity/4341499