Feb 9, 2024, 12:35 am
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
This is an archive thread, the active thread is Recent experiences with SSSS for the UA traveler?
Recent experiences with SSSS for the UA traveler {Archive}
Oct 18, 2017, 8:37 am
#121
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 11,509
Yesterday, I used a kiosk at LHR to retrieve my boarding pass for UA Flight 935 LHR-LAX. I am five year member of Global Entry and a UA MM flyer. Nevertheless, when the machine at the kiosk printed my boarding pass, I received the dreaded SSSS code on the pass. While I don't mind security measures, it doesn't make sense to me that I would get the code on my BP given that I already went through the scrutiny of being vetted as a trusted traveler. I probably make at least a dozen international arrivals in the US annually since I've held Global Entry status, without any such occurrences. At the United Club in Terminal 2, I asked staff there about and they said there was nothing they could do, indicating that UA does not control that and that is up to US security systems and that it might just have been random. If this is the case, it does not make sense and perhaps indicative of security systems that do not talk to each other. Upon arrival at LAX, I used the Global Entry kiosks and everything worked normally and was hassle free. Can any forum members comment on the apparent discord between having Global Entry status and being subjected to additional scrutiny by getting the dreaded SSSS BP?
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unit...s-ssss-ua.html
And while trying to locate that thread, I found you've had trouble before!
Why did I get the dreaded SSSS despite my GE/Pre✓/Nexus status? [merged threads]
Seems like TSA 'likes' your profile.
Oct 18, 2017, 8:44 am
#122
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Los Angeles, CA USA UA Premier Plat , 1.24MM, AA EXP
Posts: 271
It's been known to happen.
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unit...s-ssss-ua.html
And while trying to locate that thread, I found you've had trouble before!
Why did I get the dreaded SSSS despite my GE/Pre✓/Nexus status? [merged threads]
Seems like TSA 'likes' your profile.
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unit...s-ssss-ua.html
And while trying to locate that thread, I found you've had trouble before!
Why did I get the dreaded SSSS despite my GE/Pre✓/Nexus status? [merged threads]
Seems like TSA 'likes' your profile.
Oct 18, 2017, 8:46 am
#123
Join Date: Feb 2006
Programs: UA, Starwood, Priority Club, Hertz, Starbucks Gold Card
Posts: 3,957
"While Global Entrys goal is to speed travelers through the process, members may still be selected for further examination when entering the United States."
Oct 18, 2017, 8:48 am
#124
Join Date: Feb 2016
Programs: Hyatt Globalist | Jumpseat Platinum
Posts: 546
I've seen deadheading pilots and flight attendants get the SSSS designation internationally -- they, too have GE, as well as the company background checks (and, y'know, flight deck access when working)
It sucks, but such is the world we live in.
It sucks, but such is the world we live in.
Oct 18, 2017, 9:00 am
#125
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: KDEN
Programs: UA GS, AA EXP, BA GGL
Posts: 110
It happened to me a few weeks ago too LHR-SFO. I've been a member of GE since the very beginning and have subsequently renewed with a second interview.
That being said, I have an idea of why this might have happened, but won't post it here. (If I'm right, it's a positive thing.) I'll never know for sure, but there might actually be some method to the madness...
That being said, I have an idea of why this might have happened, but won't post it here. (If I'm right, it's a positive thing.) I'll never know for sure, but there might actually be some method to the madness...
Oct 18, 2017, 9:07 am
#126
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: EWR, PHL
Programs: UA1k 3MM, AA Plt, peasant on everybody else, elite something or other at a bunch of hotels.
Posts: 4,637
Because of this:
It does make sense.
Having Global Entry is no guarantee that you will not be subject to further security measures ever again. One would hope that these extra steps would be kept to a minimum, but to expect none is not realistic.
It does make sense.
Having Global Entry is no guarantee that you will not be subject to further security measures ever again. One would hope that these extra steps would be kept to a minimum, but to expect none is not realistic.
Oct 18, 2017, 9:09 am
#127
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: New York, NY
Programs: UA, AA, DL, Hertz, Avis, National, Hyatt, Hilton, SPG, Marriott
Posts: 9,468
If you're still a part of the Trusted Traveler program (GE, Pre, etc.) then you can probably rest assured you aren't on a no-fly list, or suspected of any nefarious connections.
SSSS is sometimes completely random. However, other aspects of your ticket or travel, anecdotally, result in a higher incidence of SSSS:
- One way tickets (especially if inbound to USA, with no checked bags and solo traveler)
- Tickets paid in cash
- Same-day bookings
- Travel to/from regions 'of concern' (or tickets issued by travel agents in such areas)
- Documentation discrepancies (incorrect #s , non-matching names)
There are others too, but speaking from experience, the only times I've been subject to SSSS have been in cases like those I outline, plus once that I am convinced was totally random.
SSSS is sometimes completely random. However, other aspects of your ticket or travel, anecdotally, result in a higher incidence of SSSS:
- One way tickets (especially if inbound to USA, with no checked bags and solo traveler)
- Tickets paid in cash
- Same-day bookings
- Travel to/from regions 'of concern' (or tickets issued by travel agents in such areas)
- Documentation discrepancies (incorrect #s , non-matching names)
There are others too, but speaking from experience, the only times I've been subject to SSSS have been in cases like those I outline, plus once that I am convinced was totally random.
Oct 18, 2017, 9:20 am
#128
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: New York, NY
Posts: 3,698
I believe this is related to this:
https://www.usatoday.com/story/trave...usa/494818001/
Over the last few months there seems to be a lot more SSSS and additional gate screening going on, including for trusted travelers.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/trave...usa/494818001/
Over the last few months there seems to be a lot more SSSS and additional gate screening going on, including for trusted travelers.
Oct 18, 2017, 9:23 am
#129
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: MRY - CNX - TXL
Programs: UA 1K / *G / Marriott PE / Expedia Gold+ / Hertz PC
Posts: 7,058
What does pre-flight security in London have to do with CBP entry into the US?
Oct 18, 2017, 9:23 am
#130
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: PIT
Programs: OZ Diamond, UA Gold
Posts: 9,954
My father got SSSSd as a GE this summer from VIE-JFK. He'd been spending the past year in Kyrgyzstan though, so living in an "evil" Muslim country probably played a role. He hasn't been SSSSd since then thank goodness.
Oct 18, 2017, 9:27 am
#131
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Los Angeles, CA, USA
Programs: United, Delta, AA, southwest
Posts: 150
Three weeks ago I was going home to LAX from EDI and got the SSSS. I have had Global Entry for about 6 years and never had any issues. The security people at EDI said it is totally random and not to worry about it. When I connected in ORD, I went through the GE kiosks and had no problem. I then went to the CSR and got a new boarding pass to get my Precheck status as the boarding pass that printed in Scotland did not have precheck on it. The new boarding pass had precheck and saved me much time when re-entering security.
Oct 18, 2017, 9:27 am
#132
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Northern California
Programs: I want to be free! Free!
Posts: 3,457
Did you happen to be seated in the first couple rows of first/biz or perhaps you were on a one-way ticket?
Had this happen CDG-IAD; the two of us who got extra screening at the gate appeared to be 2A and 3F on the 752. We were the first to board and yet somehow our seatmates were already on the plane
Had this happen CDG-IAD; the two of us who got extra screening at the gate appeared to be 2A and 3F on the 752. We were the first to board and yet somehow our seatmates were already on the plane
Oct 18, 2017, 9:27 am
#133
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: New York, NY
Posts: 3,698
I suspect anyone that knows the answer to that can't tell us, but it doesn't seem at all unreasonable that there should be some relationship between the things.
Oct 18, 2017, 9:39 am
#134
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: MRY - CNX - TXL
Programs: UA 1K / *G / Marriott PE / Expedia Gold+ / Hertz PC
Posts: 7,058
You mean, does a DHS Trusted Traveler program have an influence on security required by the DHS at international stations just like it does at US security checkpoints?
I suspect anyone that knows the answer to that can't tell us, but it doesn't seem at all unreasonable that there should be some relationship between the things.
I suspect anyone that knows the answer to that can't tell us, but it doesn't seem at all unreasonable that there should be some relationship between the things.
Oct 18, 2017, 9:40 am
#135
Join Date: Jan 2016
Programs: UA 1K; *G, AA Plat
Posts: 1,700
This. Backtrace your travel and see if you traveled through any 'suspicious' countries (for back of a better term).