"SSSS" - Secondary Security Screening Selection
Jan 3, 2019, 11:43 am
#286
Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Watchlisted by the prejudiced, en route to purgatory
Programs: Just Say No to Fleecing and Blacklisting
Posts: 102,095
I am planning to fly Norwegian Air from the US to Europe, but their website does not allow multi-city booking, which means I have to book a separate ticket for the return flight.
I am guessing that this will definitely trigger SSSS on the boarding pass. Did anybody experience this issue in the past when purchasing a separate ticket for the return flight?
I am guessing that this will definitely trigger SSSS on the boarding pass. Did anybody experience this issue in the past when purchasing a separate ticket for the return flight?
Jan 9, 2019, 12:11 am
#287
Join Date: May 2006
Location: GVA
Programs: BA Gold, LH FTL, KL/AF Ivory
Posts: 1,878
I was SSSS'd on a recent NZ flight on the AKL-LAX sector, though my wife wasn't. My wife still had to go through "extra security for US flights" at AKL, which included an interrogation. I wasn't asked any questions at all, but was swabbed on my hands, my belt and my feet. My carry-on wasn't even looked at. As it happens I got through faster than my wife did.
Jan 15, 2019, 11:27 am
#288
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Catania, Sicily/South Jersey (PHL)/Houston, Texas/Red Stick/airborne in-between
Programs: United Global Svs, AA PlatPro, WN RR, AZ/ITA Freccia, Hilton Diam, Bonvoy Gold, Hertz Prez, IHG
Posts: 3,548
I was SSSS'd on a recent NZ flight on the AKL-LAX sector, though my wife wasn't. My wife still had to go through "extra security for US flights" at AKL, which included an interrogation. I wasn't asked any questions at all, but was swabbed on my hands, my belt and my feet. My carry-on wasn't even looked at. As it happens I got through faster than my wife did.
Jan 22, 2019, 5:49 pm
#289
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: IAD/ARN
Programs: UA Plat/*G, Marriott LT Gold, Global Entry
Posts: 164
I did notice both times that there were a lot of passengers in line, my last flight it was at least 10-15% of the plane. For reference i have only gotten SSSS one other time (ex-BRU about three years ago), never had any other issues security-wise so assuming it's random.
Jan 22, 2019, 6:15 pm
#290
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 861
Austrian flights to the US now have extra security screening, but no extra interview.
There is a major flaw in the procedure: I could easily have left some of my carryon items (or the whole bag) with someone at the departure gate, gone through the extra screening without the bag, and then picked it up before boarding my flight.
There is a major flaw in the procedure: I could easily have left some of my carryon items (or the whole bag) with someone at the departure gate, gone through the extra screening without the bag, and then picked it up before boarding my flight.
bag with her husband because she knew it would be a nuisance to take everything out.
Last edited by TWA884; Jan 22, 2019 at 6:59 pm Reason: Fix BB Code
Jan 28, 2019, 10:51 am
#291
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2018
Posts: 1,186
The screening agent asked them where their carryons were, and they said they didn't have any. I think the screening agent suspected what was going on, but not much she could do about it. They were told to cut the line and go through the metal detector, and then they were given their BPs and were free to go.
Jan 28, 2019, 11:59 am
#292
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: UA 1K 1MM, AA, DL
Posts: 7,419
Haha. A couple of years ago my daughter (under 12) got the SSSS. Flagged her at the gate. Wife gave me all our carryons, I boarded, and she took daughter to the SS table. Just goofy.
Jan 28, 2019, 11:44 pm
#293
Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Watchlisted by the prejudiced, en route to purgatory
Programs: Just Say No to Fleecing and Blacklisting
Posts: 102,095
That's what a couple of people behind me also did. One of them told the other (in a foreign language that I happen to understand) "good thing we left the bags with your sister'"
The screening agent asked them where their carryons were, and they said they didn't have any. I think the screening agent suspected what was going on, but not much she could do about it. They were told to cut the line and go through the metal detector, and then they were given their BPs and were free to go.
The screening agent asked them where their carryons were, and they said they didn't have any. I think the screening agent suspected what was going on, but not much she could do about it. They were told to cut the line and go through the metal detector, and then they were given their BPs and were free to go.
Feb 16, 2019, 8:25 am
#294
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 189
Just got back from trip to Italy. I am not GE nor TSA Pre (I don't fly enough anymore to justify them). I checked my boarding passes:
ORD-LHR - no SSSS
LHR-BLQ - no SSSS
I think it was this one - went through security. I know I did not have any metal on me but I beeped when I went through. No wand or anything or patting me down. The agent had me get my stuff and did a swab test on one of my carry-ons and my hands. It came back negative (of course). Delayed me a few minutes.
VCE-LHR - no SSSS
LHR-ORD - SSSS
BA/AA changed me to earlier flights (not at my request) for my same day of travel. I tried to check in online the day before but it said they couldn't give me an online boarding pass. I got the boarding pass for both legs at VCE. The 2nd leg BP must have had the SSSS as I asked at check in if I could get a window seat (had a middle). She had to look me up to verify if I had checked a bag (I checked 1) and had a concerned look on her face about it. I said I don't want to change flights, just my seat. She said she couldn't help me, ask at the gate. Gate agent was able to assign me a window, but still had the SSSS. Mostly the same as before, no wand nor pat down. I had to open my carry on bag and purse and they did a meager swipe with swabs on those. Didn't check my hands. Negative, as expected.
My first name is not common, but not foreign; last name is Italian (but not a common one.)
I am a US citizen (always have been.)
Bought the ticket about 6 weeks before with my CC – departure and return at the same time.
Italy is not a high-risk country as far as I know.
Single female traveler.
The only thing slightly different is that I flew into Bologna and departed from Venice. The airfare was half the price than if I had done a round trip in/out of Venice.
About 6 yrs ago, I flew to Abu Dhabi for a week to visit my boyfriend (US citizen, (always had been), American name, he was there working for as a contractor for an American company.)
This is the first time I have flown in about 3 yrs. At this point, I don't know if I should do the redress? This was likely just random? Will that visit follow me the rest of my life?
ORD-LHR - no SSSS
LHR-BLQ - no SSSS
I think it was this one - went through security. I know I did not have any metal on me but I beeped when I went through. No wand or anything or patting me down. The agent had me get my stuff and did a swab test on one of my carry-ons and my hands. It came back negative (of course). Delayed me a few minutes.
VCE-LHR - no SSSS
LHR-ORD - SSSS
BA/AA changed me to earlier flights (not at my request) for my same day of travel. I tried to check in online the day before but it said they couldn't give me an online boarding pass. I got the boarding pass for both legs at VCE. The 2nd leg BP must have had the SSSS as I asked at check in if I could get a window seat (had a middle). She had to look me up to verify if I had checked a bag (I checked 1) and had a concerned look on her face about it. I said I don't want to change flights, just my seat. She said she couldn't help me, ask at the gate. Gate agent was able to assign me a window, but still had the SSSS. Mostly the same as before, no wand nor pat down. I had to open my carry on bag and purse and they did a meager swipe with swabs on those. Didn't check my hands. Negative, as expected.
My first name is not common, but not foreign; last name is Italian (but not a common one.)
I am a US citizen (always have been.)
Bought the ticket about 6 weeks before with my CC – departure and return at the same time.
Italy is not a high-risk country as far as I know.
Single female traveler.
The only thing slightly different is that I flew into Bologna and departed from Venice. The airfare was half the price than if I had done a round trip in/out of Venice.
About 6 yrs ago, I flew to Abu Dhabi for a week to visit my boyfriend (US citizen, (always had been), American name, he was there working for as a contractor for an American company.)
This is the first time I have flown in about 3 yrs. At this point, I don't know if I should do the redress? This was likely just random? Will that visit follow me the rest of my life?
Feb 16, 2019, 8:35 am
#295
Join Date: May 2011
Location: San Antonio, TX
Programs: AA EXP, DL Silver, Global Entry
Posts: 1,863
Just got back from trip to Italy. I am not GE nor TSA Pre (I don't fly enough anymore to justify them). I checked my boarding passes:
ORD-LHR - no SSSS
LHR-BLQ - no SSSS
I think it was this one - went through security. I know I did not have any metal on me but I beeped when I went through. No wand or anything or patting me down. The agent had me get my stuff and did a swab test on one of my carry-ons and my hands. It came back negative (of course). Delayed me a few minutes.
VCE-LHR - no SSSS
LHR-ORD - SSSS
BA/AA changed me to earlier flights (not at my request) for my same day of travel. I tried to check in online the day before but it said they couldn't give me an online boarding pass. I got the boarding pass for both legs at VCE. The 2nd leg BP must have had the SSSS as I asked at check in if I could get a window seat (had a middle). She had to look me up to verify if I had checked a bag (I checked 1) and had a concerned look on her face about it. I said I don't want to change flights, just my seat. She said she couldn't help me, ask at the gate. Gate agent was able to assign me a window, but still had the SSSS. Mostly the same as before, no wand nor pat down. I had to open my carry on bag and purse and they did a meager swipe with swabs on those. Didn't check my hands. Negative, as expected.
My first name is not common, but not foreign; last name is Italian (but not a common one.)
I am a US citizen (always have been.)
Bought the ticket about 6 weeks before with my CC – departure and return at the same time.
Italy is not a high-risk country as far as I know.
Single female traveler.
The only thing slightly different is that I flew into Bologna and departed from Venice. The airfare was half the price than if I had done a round trip in/out of Venice.
About 6 yrs ago, I flew to Abu Dhabi for a week to visit my boyfriend (US citizen, (always had been), American name, he was there working for as a contractor for an American company.)
This is the first time I have flown in about 3 yrs. At this point, I don't know if I should do the redress? This was likely just random? Will that visit follow me the rest of my life?
ORD-LHR - no SSSS
LHR-BLQ - no SSSS
I think it was this one - went through security. I know I did not have any metal on me but I beeped when I went through. No wand or anything or patting me down. The agent had me get my stuff and did a swab test on one of my carry-ons and my hands. It came back negative (of course). Delayed me a few minutes.
VCE-LHR - no SSSS
LHR-ORD - SSSS
BA/AA changed me to earlier flights (not at my request) for my same day of travel. I tried to check in online the day before but it said they couldn't give me an online boarding pass. I got the boarding pass for both legs at VCE. The 2nd leg BP must have had the SSSS as I asked at check in if I could get a window seat (had a middle). She had to look me up to verify if I had checked a bag (I checked 1) and had a concerned look on her face about it. I said I don't want to change flights, just my seat. She said she couldn't help me, ask at the gate. Gate agent was able to assign me a window, but still had the SSSS. Mostly the same as before, no wand nor pat down. I had to open my carry on bag and purse and they did a meager swipe with swabs on those. Didn't check my hands. Negative, as expected.
My first name is not common, but not foreign; last name is Italian (but not a common one.)
I am a US citizen (always have been.)
Bought the ticket about 6 weeks before with my CC – departure and return at the same time.
Italy is not a high-risk country as far as I know.
Single female traveler.
The only thing slightly different is that I flew into Bologna and departed from Venice. The airfare was half the price than if I had done a round trip in/out of Venice.
About 6 yrs ago, I flew to Abu Dhabi for a week to visit my boyfriend (US citizen, (always had been), American name, he was there working for as a contractor for an American company.)
This is the first time I have flown in about 3 yrs. At this point, I don't know if I should do the redress? This was likely just random? Will that visit follow me the rest of my life?
Feb 16, 2019, 9:07 am
#296
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 710
Just got back from trip to Italy. I am not GE nor TSA Pre (I don't fly enough anymore to justify them). I checked my boarding passes:
ORD-LHR - no SSSS
LHR-BLQ - no SSSS
I think it was this one - went through security. I know I did not have any metal on me but I beeped when I went through. No wand or anything or patting me down. The agent had me get my stuff and did a swab test on one of my carry-ons and my hands. It came back negative (of course). Delayed me a few minutes.
ORD-LHR - no SSSS
LHR-BLQ - no SSSS
I think it was this one - went through security. I know I did not have any metal on me but I beeped when I went through. No wand or anything or patting me down. The agent had me get my stuff and did a swab test on one of my carry-ons and my hands. It came back negative (of course). Delayed me a few minutes.
Note that "randomly" means that the frequency can be set by TSA and varies by airport, machine and day.
Feb 16, 2019, 2:11 pm
#297
Join Date: May 1999
Location: New York,NY USA
Posts: 1,481
I am an American with Global Entry since it started, flying in F on British Airways (where I have the highest status) from London to JFK and the one and only time I had it was in London. I believe it is random and nothing to do with status.
Feb 16, 2019, 5:04 pm
#298
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Catania, Sicily/South Jersey (PHL)/Houston, Texas/Red Stick/airborne in-between
Programs: United Global Svs, AA PlatPro, WN RR, AZ/ITA Freccia, Hilton Diam, Bonvoy Gold, Hertz Prez, IHG
Posts: 3,548
Just got back from trip to Italy. I am not GE nor TSA Pre (I don't fly enough anymore to justify them). I checked my boarding passes:
ORD-LHR - no SSSS
LHR-BLQ - no SSSS
I think it was this one - went through security. I know I did not have any metal on me but I beeped when I went through. No wand or anything or patting me down. The agent had me get my stuff and did a swab test on one of my carry-ons and my hands. It came back negative (of course). Delayed me a few minutes.
VCE-LHR - no SSSS
LHR-ORD - SSSS
BA/AA changed me to earlier flights (not at my request) for my same day of travel. I tried to check in online the day before but it said they couldn't give me an online boarding pass. I got the boarding pass for both legs at VCE. The 2nd leg BP must have had the SSSS as I asked at check in if I could get a window seat (had a middle). She had to look me up to verify if I had checked a bag (I checked 1) and had a concerned look on her face about it. I said I don't want to change flights, just my seat. She said she couldn't help me, ask at the gate. Gate agent was able to assign me a window, but still had the SSSS. Mostly the same as before, no wand nor pat down. I had to open my carry on bag and purse and they did a meager swipe with swabs on those. Didn't check my hands. Negative, as expected.
My first name is not common, but not foreign; last name is Italian (but not a common one.)
I am a US citizen (always have been.)
Bought the ticket about 6 weeks before with my CC – departure and return at the same time.
Italy is not a high-risk country as far as I know.
Single female traveler.
The only thing slightly different is that I flew into Bologna and departed from Venice. The airfare was half the price than if I had done a round trip in/out of Venice.
About 6 yrs ago, I flew to Abu Dhabi for a week to visit my boyfriend (US citizen, (always had been), American name, he was there working for as a contractor for an American company.)
This is the first time I have flown in about 3 yrs. At this point, I don't know if I should do the redress? This was likely just random? Will that visit follow me the rest of my life?
ORD-LHR - no SSSS
LHR-BLQ - no SSSS
I think it was this one - went through security. I know I did not have any metal on me but I beeped when I went through. No wand or anything or patting me down. The agent had me get my stuff and did a swab test on one of my carry-ons and my hands. It came back negative (of course). Delayed me a few minutes.
VCE-LHR - no SSSS
LHR-ORD - SSSS
BA/AA changed me to earlier flights (not at my request) for my same day of travel. I tried to check in online the day before but it said they couldn't give me an online boarding pass. I got the boarding pass for both legs at VCE. The 2nd leg BP must have had the SSSS as I asked at check in if I could get a window seat (had a middle). She had to look me up to verify if I had checked a bag (I checked 1) and had a concerned look on her face about it. I said I don't want to change flights, just my seat. She said she couldn't help me, ask at the gate. Gate agent was able to assign me a window, but still had the SSSS. Mostly the same as before, no wand nor pat down. I had to open my carry on bag and purse and they did a meager swipe with swabs on those. Didn't check my hands. Negative, as expected.
My first name is not common, but not foreign; last name is Italian (but not a common one.)
I am a US citizen (always have been.)
Bought the ticket about 6 weeks before with my CC – departure and return at the same time.
Italy is not a high-risk country as far as I know.
Single female traveler.
The only thing slightly different is that I flew into Bologna and departed from Venice. The airfare was half the price than if I had done a round trip in/out of Venice.
About 6 yrs ago, I flew to Abu Dhabi for a week to visit my boyfriend (US citizen, (always had been), American name, he was there working for as a contractor for an American company.)
This is the first time I have flown in about 3 yrs. At this point, I don't know if I should do the redress? This was likely just random? Will that visit follow me the rest of my life?
Most likely random. If you get it again on your next few flights that would be different. For flights to the USA normally a certain number of pax are truly randomly selected.
Your last name (as an aside, no real Italian surnames are very common as Italy has the most variation in surnames per capita on the planet) or open jaw travel within Italy are normally not factors.
May 1, 2019, 6:55 pm
#299
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SAN
Programs: PR Premier Elite
Posts: 1,950
Oddly, I have recently gotten SSSS on MNL-LAX a number of times in a row but never the other way around flying LAX-MNL and SSSS really doesn't impact you much in Manila since they scrutinize your boarding pass at immigration and at the final US bound airline document check kiosk, but the first two security screening checkpoints don't look at your boarding pass at all,,,,,, since that is the job of Immigration, and the last "US Bound flight security screening checkpoint" only does a cursory look at your boarding pass to see if you are at the right gate. But happening a number of flights in a row seems more than random even if there is nothing out of the ordinary that comes from it.