Why did I get the dreaded SSSS despite my GE/Pre✓/Nexus status? [merged threads]
Aug 14, 2018, 8:08 am
#331
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: DTW-DCA
Posts: 60
2 for 2 with SSSS returning from Europe to DTW. I'm global entry, TSA Pre, and a federal employee but flying on leisure.
Had it in 2016 FCO-DTW, and today had it on CDG-DTW. Both times on Delta, last time flying comfort, this time Delta One. This time, I had to remove shoes and have me, my bag, and shoes swabbed. Last time they unpacked my carryon, no swabs, but this time they just looked inside. This ticket was originally GVA-AMS-LHR-DTW, but KLM cancelled the first leg and rebooked me GVA-CDG-DTW.
Had it in 2016 FCO-DTW, and today had it on CDG-DTW. Both times on Delta, last time flying comfort, this time Delta One. This time, I had to remove shoes and have me, my bag, and shoes swabbed. Last time they unpacked my carryon, no swabs, but this time they just looked inside. This ticket was originally GVA-AMS-LHR-DTW, but KLM cancelled the first leg and rebooked me GVA-CDG-DTW.
Aug 23, 2018, 10:05 am
#332
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 556
Just wanted to add my SSSS anecdote.
Global entry member for more than a year. I travel frequently between EWR/JFK and HKG. On my return flight, HKG-EWR, on 2/4 got SSSS. I hope it's only a random choice and not something else.
At HKG, no special treatment during initial security right before immigration. Since late 2017, there is now additional screening at the boarding gate for US bound flights. I arrived at the Gate 4 boarding area and was asked the normal questions since additional screening was added. Then they escorted me to walled off section for the SSSS. I was asked to remove shoes. They swabbed hands and shoes for residue and performed a short visual inspection of my carry-on backpack. The process was only slightly longer than the typical water bottle check. Security staff were very pleasant and I joked a bit with them.
Global entry member for more than a year. I travel frequently between EWR/JFK and HKG. On my return flight, HKG-EWR, on 2/4 got SSSS. I hope it's only a random choice and not something else.
At HKG, no special treatment during initial security right before immigration. Since late 2017, there is now additional screening at the boarding gate for US bound flights. I arrived at the Gate 4 boarding area and was asked the normal questions since additional screening was added. Then they escorted me to walled off section for the SSSS. I was asked to remove shoes. They swabbed hands and shoes for residue and performed a short visual inspection of my carry-on backpack. The process was only slightly longer than the typical water bottle check. Security staff were very pleasant and I joked a bit with them.
Aug 27, 2018, 9:12 am
#333
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: jfk area
Programs: AA platinum; 2MM AA, Delta Diamond, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 10,291
My data :
last four trips from EU over the past 24 months have had SSSS
delta x 3
AF once
aiports AMS/CDGx2/FRA
in that same time frame have multiple trips to carribean/Mexico/SA on DL, no SSSS
Also during same period have returns from NRT/HKG/PVG/PEK/ICN
mix of DL/KE/MU
no SSSS
so I am 100% on EU flights to USA and 0% on all other international returns the last two years
have an ATL-STR RT in April for additional data
last four trips from EU over the past 24 months have had SSSS
delta x 3
AF once
aiports AMS/CDGx2/FRA
in that same time frame have multiple trips to carribean/Mexico/SA on DL, no SSSS
Also during same period have returns from NRT/HKG/PVG/PEK/ICN
mix of DL/KE/MU
no SSSS
so I am 100% on EU flights to USA and 0% on all other international returns the last two years
have an ATL-STR RT in April for additional data
. Have you tried betting on the same number 4 times in a row on ROULETTE...maybe you will also be lucky[PS: For planes of equal size, I've seen the SSSS lists with 10 names vs 25 names...you are more likely to be on the 25 list.]
Aug 27, 2018, 10:39 am
#334
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Danville, CA, USA;
Programs: UA 1MM, WN CP, Marriott LT Plat, Hilton Gold, IC Plat
Posts: 15,720
Concur - there is little that is random here. I have not received an SSSS since my last trip through Dubai. IME it as not been triggered by Africa, Asia or any other part of the world. YMMV.
. My friend, traveling with me on the same itinerary, was SSSSed in WAW and LAX as well.
Nov 27, 2018, 2:15 am
#335
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Washington, DC, USA
Programs: Amex Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards
Posts: 191
Flying to IAD fron DUB got SSSS on my boarding pass despite being GE. Had no issues going through Dublin security... will let you know what happens when I reach USPC.
Nov 27, 2018, 6:54 am
#336
Join Date: May 2011
Location: San Antonio, TX
Programs: AA EXP, DL Silver, Global Entry
Posts: 1,863
As mentioned above in this thread having GE is no guarantee nor a shield against getting SSSS on your boarding pass. I can’t even go as far to say it helps at all. Personally other than what I think was a random boarding gate secondary screening at CDG last year I haven’t been hit with SSSS in years and the two I got were both at LAS of all places. Now since I enrolled in GE a few years ago I have flown in and out of Turkey and UAE and land traveled in Egypt, Jordan, and Oman and still no SSSS. Luck of draw? Probably. Because I have GE? I don’t think so.
Last edited by Randyk47; Nov 28, 2018 at 5:34 am
Nov 28, 2018, 5:06 am
#337
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Washington, DC, USA
Programs: Amex Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards
Posts: 191
So, this wasn’t too bad. They checked all my bags, made me remove my socks and everything. After that, used my GE aa usual with no issues.
To me the biggest hassle was that I was unable to obtain electronic boarding passes even for my flight over there. Home to LON and DUB had to go to the check in counter to print them, same thing on the way back. I’m used to skipping that and proceed to security with the pass on my phone.
To me the biggest hassle was that I was unable to obtain electronic boarding passes even for my flight over there. Home to LON and DUB had to go to the check in counter to print them, same thing on the way back. I’m used to skipping that and proceed to security with the pass on my phone.
Jan 31, 2019, 6:56 pm
#338
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Danville, CA, USA;
Programs: UA 1MM, WN CP, Marriott LT Plat, Hilton Gold, IC Plat
Posts: 15,720
Mrs.B received an SSSS about 10 months after returning on a flight from TLV (shocker). She was really pissed because the SSSS resulted in a ridiculous number of bomb detection swabs at LAX. Unfortunately one triggered an alert which then took the better part of an hour to clear. But that's another story for another thread. She has since sailed thru precheck on our last domestic flights, so hopefully that is the end of the SSSS nonsense.
Feb 7, 2019, 6:12 am
#339
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: YYZ / HKG / DXB
Programs: Emirates Silver, Marriott Platinum... Previously AC*SE100K, Star Alliance Gold, Bonvoy Ambassador
Posts: 127
Global Entry since 2013
I'm sitting in the Maple Leaf Lounge now after getting SSSS, here's what happened
- I was supposed to get on a flight last night @ 9pm from YYZ to ORD but it was cancelled due to freezing rain
- I was rebooked on an earlier flight @ 6pm, I arrived at YYZ at 2pm, just to be sure
- The 6pm flight was cancelled while I was hanging out in the Maple Leaf Lounge yesterday, so I used the AC online rebooking tool and got on a flight the next day for 10am
- All night I was trying to check into my 10am flight via the AC app and through my browser with no luck
- I checked in with the kiosk machine this morning and had the SSSS
- I went in the Nexus line, and they escorted me to general screening, gave me an intimate pat down, made me turn on all electronics, take off my phone and tablet case
- Then at US customs, the GE machine didn't spit out the TN form after the general piece of paper
- Had to talk to the officer and he let me through
I think the following were the factors contributing to the SSSS
1. My flight itinerary changed 3 times within 24hours
2. I technically left Canada, entered the US, and re-entered Canada twice in 24hours
3. I renewed my NEXUS last week and the CBP told me I had 1 infraction in that I didn't update my Nexus with my new TN-Visa, which meant that I would receive an infraction and that 2 infractions = out of the program
Anyway, I am not sure which of the above was the culprit for SSSS, but I hope to never get it again.
I'm sitting in the Maple Leaf Lounge now after getting SSSS, here's what happened
- I was supposed to get on a flight last night @ 9pm from YYZ to ORD but it was cancelled due to freezing rain
- I was rebooked on an earlier flight @ 6pm, I arrived at YYZ at 2pm, just to be sure
- The 6pm flight was cancelled while I was hanging out in the Maple Leaf Lounge yesterday, so I used the AC online rebooking tool and got on a flight the next day for 10am
- All night I was trying to check into my 10am flight via the AC app and through my browser with no luck
- I checked in with the kiosk machine this morning and had the SSSS
- I went in the Nexus line, and they escorted me to general screening, gave me an intimate pat down, made me turn on all electronics, take off my phone and tablet case
- Then at US customs, the GE machine didn't spit out the TN form after the general piece of paper
- Had to talk to the officer and he let me through
I think the following were the factors contributing to the SSSS
1. My flight itinerary changed 3 times within 24hours
2. I technically left Canada, entered the US, and re-entered Canada twice in 24hours
3. I renewed my NEXUS last week and the CBP told me I had 1 infraction in that I didn't update my Nexus with my new TN-Visa, which meant that I would receive an infraction and that 2 infractions = out of the program
Anyway, I am not sure which of the above was the culprit for SSSS, but I hope to never get it again.
Last edited by cager; Feb 7, 2019 at 7:02 am
Feb 17, 2019, 3:36 pm
#340
Moderator: Travel Safety/Security, Travel Tools, California, Los Angeles; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: LAX
Programs: oneword Emerald
Posts: 20,625
Moderator's Action
Recent posts discussing an SSSS designation on a boarding pass of a person who does not have NEXUS or Global Entry were moved to the 'SSSS' on boarding pass thread in the Practical Travel Safety and Security Issues forum.
TWA884
Travel Safety/Security co-moderator
TWA884
Travel Safety/Security co-moderator
Feb 17, 2019, 7:36 pm
#341
Join Date: Aug 2018
Programs: SkyPesos -> MVP Gold 100K
Posts: 680
A couple of years back I got the SSSS while flying YVR-SEA, had GE. Just an extra search and pat down by CATSA. No issues with CBP either at pre-clearance.
Then on the way back from SEA-YVR I had no SSSS on my BP, but CBSA pulled me into a room for extra search. I assume the both were linked.
Ended up filing for redress afterwards, and haven't had the SSSS since. *knock on wood*
Then on the way back from SEA-YVR I had no SSSS on my BP, but CBSA pulled me into a room for extra search. I assume the both were linked.
Ended up filing for redress afterwards, and haven't had the SSSS since. *knock on wood*
Mar 1, 2019, 11:54 pm
#342
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: CHS
Programs: UA GS, Bonvoy Amabassador, Hertz PC
Posts: 2,589
I had a 3 hop today
VER-MEX-IAH-CHS
Only my MEX-IAH BP had SSSS and they were waiting, as i walked up 3 of them were gloving up to search me. Turnes out they took like 3 swabs on my backpack, never opened a zipper, none on my CPAP and I was done.
I also figured out later that my KTN was never on the PNR. I bought the ticket on UA.com, but the first carrier was Aeromar - small regional carrier in MX - although they do have 1 flight to Texas. Somehow my name and KTN didn't get transferred properly, but that really doesn't matter that much I guess. Although I am not sure if that is why the SSSS or not.
VER-MEX-IAH-CHS
Only my MEX-IAH BP had SSSS and they were waiting, as i walked up 3 of them were gloving up to search me. Turnes out they took like 3 swabs on my backpack, never opened a zipper, none on my CPAP and I was done.
I also figured out later that my KTN was never on the PNR. I bought the ticket on UA.com, but the first carrier was Aeromar - small regional carrier in MX - although they do have 1 flight to Texas. Somehow my name and KTN didn't get transferred properly, but that really doesn't matter that much I guess. Although I am not sure if that is why the SSSS or not.
Mar 2, 2019, 9:18 am
#343
Moderator: Travel Safety/Security, Travel Tools, California, Los Angeles; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: LAX
Programs: oneword Emerald
Posts: 20,625
Take a look at this thread:
Mar 4, 2019, 8:00 am
#344
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: DTW
Programs: TK E+, WY, Radisson R
Posts: 2,360
I had a 3 hop today
VER-MEX-IAH-CHS
Only my MEX-IAH BP had SSSS and they were waiting, as i walked up 3 of them were gloving up to search me. Turnes out they took like 3 swabs on my backpack, never opened a zipper, none on my CPAP and I was done.
I also figured out later that my KTN was never on the PNR. I bought the ticket on UA.com, but the first carrier was Aeromar - small regional carrier in MX - although they do have 1 flight to Texas. Somehow my name and KTN didn't get transferred properly, but that really doesn't matter that much I guess. Although I am not sure if that is why the SSSS or not.
VER-MEX-IAH-CHS
Only my MEX-IAH BP had SSSS and they were waiting, as i walked up 3 of them were gloving up to search me. Turnes out they took like 3 swabs on my backpack, never opened a zipper, none on my CPAP and I was done.
I also figured out later that my KTN was never on the PNR. I bought the ticket on UA.com, but the first carrier was Aeromar - small regional carrier in MX - although they do have 1 flight to Texas. Somehow my name and KTN didn't get transferred properly, but that really doesn't matter that much I guess. Although I am not sure if that is why the SSSS or not.
Flew MCO-MEX-SCL (all AM flights) just months ago and no issue. I'm really going to stop booking those mixed DL-AM tickets at all cost (miles not getting accredited, multiple PNRs [might also be the factor for SSSS], etc). This is one of issues Skyteam has I usually don't see on the other 2 alliances
I can tell this thing is complete waste of time, last time at BOG, they were supposed to check my carryon bag thoroughly but only touched briefly, I even asked if they need to verify the contents but they just let it go.
update: completed the flight. At MEX it's really no big deal, you get the boarding pass at counter, go through security like normal. Only at the gate they take extra min to look at your carry-on. One passenger who also got SSSS said he gets it every time and his trip is always under 1 week, which is also the only 2 times I got SSSS so far, so if you travel and return within 1 week or buy a one-way ticket it will most likely trigger SSSS.
Last edited by vincewy; Mar 6, 2019 at 10:47 am
Mar 6, 2019, 11:22 am
#345
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: FL, USA
Programs: AA Plat, Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Diamond, IHG Plat, Marriot Gold
Posts: 1,666
Had my first SSSS on my boarding pass couple weeks ago traveling MAD-MIA. It was a roundtrip ticket on AA as follows MIA-MAD-MIA. Only got it on the return. Had to problems with GE once back but in Madrid had to make an extra line once I got to the gate and they basically swabbed all of my electronics, me my bags etc. They said it was totally a random percentage of the plane they select. I thought maybe because its my second trip to Madrid in about 2 months and I don't use my US passport once I arrive, I typically use my EU passport for entry and exit in Madrid and then my US passport for checking in and for GE once back on US soil.
Hopefully this is not a reoccurring theme. I don't have any more flights planned until April and that is to Grand Cayman, let's hope i don't get SSSS again. What are the odds this is recurring?
Hopefully this is not a reoccurring theme. I don't have any more flights planned until April and that is to Grand Cayman, let's hope i don't get SSSS again. What are the odds this is recurring?