My girlfriend attempted to check in online for a flight tomorrow through United. I checked in fine, she got the message: "Please see a United Representative at the airport to check-in."

I've read some threads that say this could mean SSSS or it could mean they want to verify her birthday or some other random nonsense. The issue is, my gf has significant issues with getting the "pat down" and had a crying episode where we almost abandoned a flight last time she had to go through this crap. She since has flown a few times with no problems or SSSS issues, so I don't think she's on any list just yet, but this check-in issue obviously concerns us both.

Reading about SSSS, some people say it's the "search the carry on, get wanded, go in the puffer machine" which wouldn't be a huge deal, as long as they don't do the pat down. Is there a distinction between getting the pat down and just "wanded"? What are the chances of this note meaning a SSSS? She's talking about driving instead (9 hour drive...). Thanks for your help.

Welcome to Flyertalk!

I'm not sure if that necessarily means extra security checks, but if she is subjected to the pat down, do you know if she'll be as averse to receiving extra security treatment by a female TSA worker instead of a male worker?

It is likely SSSS.

What the TSA does for SSSSelectees seems to depend on the airport. If she does get a SSSS BP, and has some particular problem with the pat down, it is probably best to bring it up to the TSA agent before they start the secondary screening. Note that you usually get a TSA agent of the same sex, but if not, you can request one.

Moving this to the Travel Safety/Security forum.

ilulv2fly
Moderator, UA

Can you request an agent of the opposite sex?

The last time she had the pat-down it was from a female agent, but it still felt invasive for her, so that's not really a solution.

We're flying out of SFO which has the puffer machine - I've been reading about it, does it replace the pat-down for SSSS? Can it be requested as an alternative if there is one available?

You can never tell, the SSSSilliness is airline-dependent - sounds like she's "flagged" on UA at least.

The check-in agent may override the SSSS if you talk nicely, but it's completely discretionary so if you get a ***** having a bad day, you're out of luck.

You can insist on a same-sex screener and also a private screening. This is done in a separate area or room out of public view, if that's the issue. It may take a bit longer, the TSA would prefer you didn't go this route and may drag their feet over it. Be firm.

If she gets that upset over it, be sure to allow plenty of time between screening and flight boarding to give her time to calm down. If she's still upset at boarding time, GA may decide not to let her fly.

I've thought about it, but never seen any females becoming enough for me to want to try.

...by an agent of the opposite sex. Around a year ago I nearly missed a flight out of GSO because I was stuck in the special screening queue. There was no female agent available, so I had to cool my heels until they found one. Begged to be patted down by a male agent, but they would not relent.

A few things to consider...

One is that it could be something very innocuous, but my gut says it is an SSSS.

To reduce the burden of physical touching, I would recommend wearing shorts and a short-sleeve shirt. Some TSAers will wand and pat down bare skin, but I think most won't.

If you want to lessen the baggage burden, you can take her carry-on through yourself if you do not have SSSS. But be careful, if it's obvious to the TSA as to what you're doing, both of you will get the business.

If you do that, I would recommend staggering yourself in line position...put a couple of people in between you and her, or go in separate lines altogether. You may also consider putting her purse, or at least most of the items, in your carry-on to reduce further pawing.

Also remember that any checked bag she has under her name will be opened and searched. There are plenty of TSAers (and contractors) who have sticky-finger syndrome. You might want to consider checking all the bags in your name. Remember, if you're 1K, you can check three bags, all up to 70 pounds each.

Last but not least, TSAers are required to do three things upon a passenger's request during a search. 1) Put on a fresh pair of gloves. 2) Do a private screening, out of the eye of the general public. 3) Have a supervisor present (but I don't think you'll need that).

Thanks for all the thoughtful responses. My gf tried calling United and they said she has to go to the counter due to "system restraints". I'll let you know if that's United's code for SSSS after tomorrow.

emphasis mine: i've seen it done and it just boggles the mind. i mean those invisible explosive liquids and invisble lighters which can be adhered to your skin with invisible tape are just sooooo hard to detect and soooooo dangerous

Comments like this are off the wall, incorrect and obviously not helpful to person worried about the patdown.

I have been unable to do on-line checkin only ONCE due to SSSS. I have been unable to do OLCI numerous times for other reasons -- too many segments, need to verify passport, mangled flight # on a codeshare, DL resv. flagged my PNR so agent could ask if I wanted a more direct routing, UA botched a booking on US & it ended up as a paper ticket, etc.

Yes, it can be SSSS. But there's more likely some other little detail that somebody or some computer think needs attention.

These days there is often no patdown with SSSS. The last time it happened (rebooked at the ticket counter after flight cancellation) they were more interesting in swabbing my mutliple computers & other toys than anything else.

Last year, when we flew SEA-LAX, my wife was not able to OLCI, I thought she was going to get SSSS, asked the check-in agent, he said "security check", entered something into the computer, but no SSSS. On the way back, she was able to do OLCI.

Comes to think of it, the last time she flew UA was 1996, maybe they need to update something.