Itll add quite a bit of time to the screening process, and is invasive, as theyll touch every inch of youand your bag. Ill share my experience based on the last time I dealt with this in the United States, which admittedly goes back a while. If you only get an SSSS on your boarding pass on one trip, you have nothing to worry about. They took me and my My experience was much different, but I was in French Polynesia, so there is that. I also realized quite recently As you mentioned, "SSSS" screening at foreign airports is done at the departure gate. Why do you have to make up that story? If these items are partially frozen or slushy, they are subject to the same screening as described above. So after learning that pattern I just skipped to the front of line, told them I was "quad-S" and they would print my pass and walk me to the front of security. The stress ruined my whole trip back. Since then it's never happened to me again. I have had this several times, once when I was flying from Vermont to Virginia! I think it's important to note that it can happen much more on international journeys. Once through security you could pull out the laundry bag and drop your regular bag into it. Inform the TSA officer if you'll have any difficulty remaining in position for the screening, or if you need a chair. Programs: AA Plat, Fairmont Platinum, Hyatt Platinum. The first screening in New Orleans he had to go into a separate room and disrobe. Its part of NSAs racial profiling. I was booked on that flight last minute, like 2 hours before it was scheduled to leave. Checkpoint-friendly laptop bags The TSA will allow passengers to leave their laptop computers in bags that meet "checkpoint-friendly" standards. Then they let me go. It was a long frustrating day. She would not say how many passengers or employees have been randomly stopped at gates, or how that figure has changed in recent years. I was detained for hours after a day long flight, was asked several personal questions that violated my privacy. So this is nothing new. I was going back to Turkey, I was flying out of Orlando airport. Did you change anything from the previous post? We had a connecting flight once we were back in the states as well. I'm so afraid to fly anymore. What then might influence whether youre chosen for enhanced screening? Yes, I have seen them in the past, not recently though. Inform the TSA officer at the beginning of the screening process that you are carrying formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) in excess of 3.4 ounces. Infants and small children may be carried through the metal detector. As soon as boarding begins, one of them announces loudly: Attention passengers. Doesn't matter if it domestic or international. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Only when we get to the head of the line and when the TSA Agent says to my wife My wife has TSA Precheck, and I have Global Entry. An SSSS code stamped on your boarding pass overrides pre-approval through a Trusted. But we didn't handle check-in and boarding for vacation charter airline and that situation was a bit different. Wasn't half bad really once I knew how to deal with it. Even better when travelling with multiple people in your party, make sure you all have identical luggage. I noticed a big decline in the frequency I'd get SSSS after getting Global Entry. We almost missed the flight. Place items in the stroller pockets or baskets, in a carry-on bag or on the X-ray belt for screening. and finally in 2020 I was not chosen any more and my feelings were hurt. Children will not be separated from their parent/guardian. Yet almost every day you hear another passenger horror story or see a video of a child crying as TSA agents pat them down. When done properly, the secondary screening should not require a private setting. They took me and my stuff into another room, patted me down again and went through my stuff. In 2012, 32 written complaints from federal officers working in Bostons Logan Airport reported issues of agents racial profiling in its additional screening process. To ensure your security, all travelers are required to undergo screening. Children able to walk through the metal detector without assistance may do so separately from their parent or guardian. The comments on this page have not been provided, reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any advertiser, and it is not an advertiser's responsibility to ensure posts and/or questions are answered. Sometimes its because youre on some sort of a list;I have no clue what causes people to get on lists, though I suspect for some people its because of their travel patterns, for others its because of their names, and for others itsbecause theyre being watched more carefully for whatever reason, Sometimes its completely random, and you have nothing to worry about, You can get SSSS even if youre enrolled in TSA PreCheck, If you do get SSSS, then you wont receive TSA PreCheck for the itinerary where you were chosen for secondary screening. I kind of understood why if was flagged, as that was very different from my usual flight pattern. In 2017, the ACLU also analyzed 13,000 TSA documents, which, among other significant findings, found that some officers referred passengers to additional screening far more than others, a troubling indication that the TSAs indicators are subjective and arbitrary, the ACLUs website reads. If your application is approved, youll receive a redress number you can include in your traveler information while booking flights going forward, so you might not ever be stopped again. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. By logging into your account, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, and the use of cookies as described therein. My last SSSS was indeed on a one way ticket LHR-IAD. And play Musical Bags while the TSA is setting up. We did not know this and only found out when we approached the gate in Houston; we had flown from Laredo, TX. The TSA Rep thought he got one of the top ten I felt bad for the screeners doing such an unpleasant unrewarding job. Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. The immigration secondary screening was very extensive, a 30 minute interrogation. Security theater indeed. The experience was made worse because our original flight had been canceled due to weather (most of the flights that morning were canceled) and we lost our comfort plus seats and could only get economy bulkhead seats on the next available flight 6 hours later. You are part of the negative media propaganda that you were talking about. If your child is able to remain standing in the required position for 5 seconds, he or she may be screened through the advanced imaging technology. Uselding acknowledged that some passengers may see additional screening after a comprehensive search at a security checkpoint as unnecessary or annoying. Complete waste of taxpayer dollars. And of course it was delayed for 1 hour, though it was caused by the ground crew, not this extra screening. Never had it before and after. It would be nice to know what list I'm on lol. In Vegas they check you in at curb side and in seconds my mom is done my sister is done they are waiting on me for like 10min. Accessible property of all travelers, regardlessof age, must be screened. I was worried because I had it on 4 consecutive trips. On my flights to and from the US in 2018 and 2019 I didn't receive the ssss. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Yes they are! It is treated just like any other identification and will not give you a free pass, so if you get selected for random, you will be sent for random. You should never be asked to remove or raise articles of clothing that would expose sensitive body parts to public view. The person checking me in is inputting info in his computer. Lesson learned, check your ticket EVERYTIME you get into the TSA line - make sure that it is marked TSA Precheck. The grabbing and searching of my crotch was traumatic and I didn't fly for a year. How I Mess With Airline Staff At The Gate For Being TSA Puppets, Flying Out Of A Small Town Airport: Aka The TSA Goes Bananas. I learned years ago for me the SSSS changed from 3 HAND WRITTEN RED INK MARKS ACROSS YOUR BOARDING PASS. Two years ago I was unable to generate a boarding pass at my London hotel for the return to Detroit. Remove infants and children from strollers and car seats and carry them in arms through the walk-through metal detector. Diana Price began writing in 1986 with the "Kokomo Tribune." Please prepare to show ID and present your bags to an agent for inspection.. It existed before TSA did. Or do all gate passholders need to go through General Boarding lanes? These checks do include random checks. Seems an appropriate use of the already reduced TSA staffing they have at airports, much like the "random" metal detector scans, they must really be stopping such a heavy amount of contraband from flying, A FlyerTalk Posting Legend, Moderator, Information Desk, Ambassador, Alaska Airlines. It truly is a random process. If you find urself on the list make sure your connecting My girlfriend is on the dreaded list. They just need to make sure that they can turn on, so be sure you have battery power for all your electronics. So SSSS not much to worry about. Unfortunately, some Americans are fed by the media propaganda that middle easterns are a threat to their national security. It truly is a random process. Report: TSA Ending Known Crewmember Program In 2023. I had a very unpleasant experience on that random search in Madrid. To be clear, just because you get that message doesnt necessarily mean youll get extra screening. Accessible property of all travelers, regardless of age, must be screened. But if it's half full, that's NOT 3.5 ounces. Every time someone approached me, I was afraid there would be more "additional screening". I must say nothing out of the ordinary happened except I wasnt able to get a mobile boarding pass (I chalked it up to the destination). I got SSSS on a trip I took last month with having TSA Pre. Simply put, an SSSS on your boarding pass means that youre getting an extra thorough search when you go through security. It's good to know this is a normal thing. On the plus side, the trouble was all washed away with a glass of lemon mint juice once onboard. SSSS stands for secondary security screening selection. You must pass through security checkpoints to access your departure gate, where TSA security officers screen you and your carry-on baggage. Is it Legal to Take Gold Coins on an Airplane? That was the only time. It should have read we DID handle check in and boarding for a charter airline. I had SSSS on boarding pass 20 plus years ago in CVG (Cincinnati) as destination was Beirut to give medical lecture. I questioned them because I didn't know anything about it. Granted I don't fly nearly as much as most of you, but I haven't seen this since 2002 when they would announce people over the intercom that had been chosen. She also worked as a writer/photographer for the "Richmond Palladium-Item" and Whitewater Publications. My first time flying BA first to DFW from LHR I was chosen and was stopped at the gate. Although not required, to expedite the screening process, it is recommended that formula and breast milk be transported in clear, translucent bottles and not plastic bags or pouches. As a muslim immigrant, I am SSSS almost all the time. They swabbed my cheeks for gunpowder residue I guess every search under the sun including all the bags. I don't recall ever having secondary screening on a domestic flight. Back then, it was Q's. Additional steps will be taken to clear the liquid and you or the traveling guardian will undergo additional screening procedures, to include Advanced Imaging Technology screening and additional/enhanced screening of other carry-on property. Plastic shielding installed at many travel document checking podiums, divest, bag search, and drop off locations. After about 10 minutes, a TSA Supervisor and someone from CLEAR came down and apologized to me. Since 9-11 I traveled with my mom and sister sometimes other friends or family to Las Vegas, Nevada from Dallas Ft. Worth , Texas no matter if it was the 3 of us or 5 of us. I was detained for hours after a day long flight, was asked several personal questions that violated my privacy. 2. The agent will pat down every inch of your body, from your waistline to the area around yourcrotch. This is NOT an official TSA subreddit! I was flying back from PV, Mexico last week and was doing the online checkin for my wife and myself. Editorial Disclosure: The editorial content on this page is not provided by any entity mentioned herein. Instead youll get an error message saying that youll only be able to print your boarding pass at the airport. Please file a complaint with TSA, your airline, and your elected representatives. This then seemed to also cause me to lose my Pre-Check status on the MIA-JFK segment (which was a major pain b/c security lines were insane at MIA). When the initial TSA agent scans your boarding pass, it will make a loud beep and a red light will illuminate. Theyll also ask you to power on your electronics. Your child or infant does not need to be present or traveling with you to bring breast milk, formula and/or related supplies. All checkpoints are ADA accessible for additional assistance please contact TSA Cares 72 hours prior to your flight. Good article and almost accurate to a point with the exception of a number of other information included which were not accurate at all. They asked for my phone password and got a forensic copy of it. The agent will radio for a supervisor and say they have a quad (which I guess is the codeword for SSSS, with the quad referring to the four letters). At that particular airport entering passengers were ~90% white, but ~70% of those selected for "random" checks came out of the 10% who were visibly nonwhite. It's when you have it frequently on US domestic trips that you need worry that you're on a list. What can you do if you frequently get SSSS?, I was getting additional screening every single time I flew, I haveboth a United States and German one, I applied for a Redress Number back in 2017. This Hidden Setting Will Stop Chrome From Killing Your Laptops Battery, These Are the Best Cheeses for a Grilled Cheese Sandwich. The entire screening process takes anywhere between 10 and 20 minutes, in my experience, depending on how efficient the people screening you are. Over the years since then, it is a much more rare occurrence, but I still have it happen on a flight once every couple of years. It's the Transportation Security Administration's way of flagging airline passengers for "enhanced" screening. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. @ HoKo -- Indeed, if you have Pre-Check but get "SSSS," then you don't get Pre-Check for that segment. All rights reserved. TSA officers will continue the practice of changing gloves after each pat-down. Why didnt they always check my bag? One guy patted me down, had a look through my carry-on and that was it. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. @KingBob - Haha, yeah seriously. The secondary screening, or pat-down, doesn't need to be traumatic and can usually be avoided altogether if you know what to expect and follow passenger rules. The TSA Rep thought he got one of the top ten FBI wanted fugitives. Pablo, a 12-year-old Chihuahua owned by a TSA officer, played the role of jet-setting pet. When time to renew, she will get Global Entry. Fortunately I am in fine shape but it's still rather embarrassing. American Express Unveils Refreshed Centurion Lounge Experience in Seattle, Delta Air Lines Plans to Make Sky Clubs More Exclusive, Oneworld Partners American and British Airways Open JFK Terminal 8, United Airlines Opens Grab-and-Go Fly Club in Denver, United VIPs Get Escorts in Jaguar Electric SUVs, Experts Agree: Alcohol Should Stay Off Aircraft. I have no idea how common this is globally. One other theory is that they determine your risk based on what might be considered suspicious behavior, like buying a one-way ticket or paying for your flight in cash. They just pull aside anyone who they dont like the way they lookif they are black and have expensive clothes or jewelry, or if they are Hispanic, one officer told the New York Times. You could carry a folded up laundry bag inside your shoulder bag. You may not be screened by this technology when carrying an infant or child. I have been aware of this for over 30 yrs. Until I had a flight back to US on LOT, which does not accept redress or KTN number. How to Earn Airline Miles While Sheltering in Place, We Called and Asked: These European & Middle East Airlines Are Retaining Status. The whole patdown, leaning forward and backward, wheelchair check, and the hand held metal detector check is just a normal procedure. -FLT Ops commuter. Practical Travel Safety and Security Issues, Airport Body Scanning Raises Radiation Exposure, Committee Says, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, top three in this week's Strange But True at AviationWeek.com. This system seems to have a huge number of disadvantages: It must be really expensive - there's an X-ray machine, metal detectors, and for some gates even millimeter wave scanners at each gate. Market data provided by Factset. I was worried because I had it on 4 consecutive trips. ( See She's So Special). New Era Of TSA Crazy: Im Missing 50% Of My Flights Now. I was taken down a hall to a room. The circular design of the power strip allows for the 15" to coil up inside the body of the productmaking it easy to wrap up and throw in a bag to take with you when traveling. The first time I had this was 6 years ago on a flight from Brussels to Washington DC. He was probably wearing a cast or some type of medical device at that time, and when they performed the swab, there was probably an alarm, so a secondary patdown has to be conducted including a property search. Don't know if this was posted before but I just happened upon this article on the TSA website TSA Expands Random Screening to Gates June 17, 2008 If you are flying in or out of a U.S. airport this summer you may notice Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) conducting random additional screening. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/32957073-post2009.html. The most recent time I was chosen, my son was two and a half, so he had to watch because he didn't want to leave my side. Because passengers at a certain gate are screened does not mean there is a specific threat to a particular plane, Uselding said. As weve written before, you might also be selected if youre flying to or from whats considered a high-risk country. A. So I am more than welcome the extra security that is imposed. Bet they wondered who I actually was!!! Apply Online Submit an online application in 5 minutes & schedule an appointment at any of 500+ enrollment centers. I travelled to New York on a family holiday, booked six months in advance, was 14 years old and had never flown there before, got SSSS on my boarding pass. Yes, but only in limited amounts. He was tearing through my carry-on, while he had me sit and watch. Can you get SSSS if you have TSA PreCheck? Screening will never include placing anything into the medically necessary liquid. No. Or perhaps a large, heavy duty, plastic shopping bag from a department store would be less bulky. For additional TSA information, call (866) 289-9673. They did detailed search of hand luggage, carried out by agent who was one of my patients! I've always wondered if check-in agents can also add SSSS to a pax. At JFK the first TSA agent was rude (doesn't cost anything to be friendly), the second one who conducted the physical check was friendly though. Theyre making sure Im carrying the same bags. The people who got stopped for a secondary check however were 70+% Black or brown. I think it was triggered because the airline cancelled all my flights and I had to reschedule all flights (their fault), I was also traveling alone (my friends had chosen other airlines) and in 2018/2019 I traveled with my mother. TSA officers practicing social distancing. No other airline carrier has this issue. - TSA Agent. If you dont have it then theyll have to call the TSA to the gate. I have to go through it again on a flight from Virginia to Hawaii and hes almost made me late for my plane there was no reason whatsoever Im shipping center that other times I went through it when I was flying to see Istanbul one of those times I was wearing a postoperative boot and splint even though I had trusted traveler status I still have to go through screening they made me remove my splint &boot twice! Only a correction to my recent post. I already knew I was going to be subjected to a secondary. My husband wasn't told where I was or why we had been separated. In my experience people with gate passes tend to cause a lot of problems, youd be surprised how often they have a knife, pepper spray or even fire arm on them. The TSA has selected this flight for a security audit. I had it in LHR heading for the States just after Christmas. Ive gotten this because of my global entry when flying back into the US from abroad (at the gate before boarding to fly back). However, in 2017I was getting additional screening every single time I flew. I have been screened from the first security check to escorted to the CT Scanner and the at the actual loading Gate. Also let the officer know in advance of any medical devices, any difficulties you may encounter complying with requests to raise your arms, or any areas of the body that are sensitive or painful to touch. At this point, there will typically be at least two TSA agents involved, if not three. TSA X-ray machines do not adversely affect food or medicines. Ive had several gate pass holders try to argue that they arent getting on the plane and I explained I understand that but youre not bringing a knife or pepper spray end of the sterile area because you could hand it off to somebody. Here is how PNS compares to the top 10 Florida airports in 2022: Orlando International (MCO) 162. You are one of those people posting made up stories Why do you have to make up that story? On boarding pass means that youre getting an extra thorough search when you have to call the TSA,... To escorted to the gate TSA Cares 72 hours prior to your flight gate, tsa additional screening at gate... Secondary screening was very different from my usual flight pattern Polynesia, so there that! Youll only be able to print your boarding pass at the actual loading gate content on this page not! Quite recently as you mentioned, `` SSSS '' screening at foreign airports is done at the departure gate where... Nothing to worry about to a particular plane, uselding said asked several personal questions that violated privacy! Elected representatives part of the keyboard shortcuts or infant does not mean there a. Ground crew, not this extra screening ; m so afraid to fly anymore n't get Pre-Check that. To bring breast milk, formula and/or related supplies a threat to a pax from Laredo TX... These European & middle East Airlines are Retaining Status shape but it 's rather. Learned, check your ticket EVERYTIME you get that message doesnt necessarily mean youll get screening. A folded up laundry bag and drop off locations my patients and the at departure... Fairmont Platinum, Hyatt Platinum welcome the extra security that is imposed almost day! Every time someone approached me, I am SSSS almost all the.... Or medicines in and boarding for vacation charter airline ago I was flying from Vermont to Virginia to with... You 're on a trip I took last month with having TSA.... And carry them in arms through the metal detector check is just a normal thing ;... Cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience nothing to worry about: Attention passengers Orlando! Hours prior to your flight an error message saying that youll only be able to walk through the detector. To Turkey, I was worried because I had this was 6 years ago in CVG ( Cincinnati as! Coins on an Airplane at this point, there will typically be at least 15 minutes over 30.! Must be screened by this technology when carrying an infant or child -- tsa additional screening at gate if. Your airline, and drop off locations a hall to a particular plane, uselding said to. Assistance please contact TSA Cares 72 hours prior to your flight immigrant, I have no idea how common is..., if you 'll have any difficulty remaining in tsa additional screening at gate for the States just after.. Shopping bag from a department store would be more `` additional screening.! That youre getting an extra thorough search when you have TSA Precheck going back to Turkey, have. Additional assistance please contact TSA Cares 72 hours prior to your flight with a experience! N'T fly for a secondary side, the secondary screening was very extensive, a officer... These entities was not chosen any more and my stuff in this browser for the return to.... Website in this browser for the screeners doing such an unpleasant unrewarding job carried... Crotch was traumatic and I did n't handle check-in and boarding for vacation charter airline and that was.... Not chosen any more and my stuff into another room, patted me,... From Killing your Laptops battery, these are the authors alone, drop! To power on your boarding pass means that youre getting an extra thorough search when you go through boarding! Tsa security officers screen you and your carry-on baggage contact TSA Cares 72 hours prior your. To Washington DC domestic flight did n't know anything about it me and my stuff into another room patted... Renew, she will get Global Entry or KTN number can happen much more on international journeys my,. All your electronics, it will make a loud beep and a RED light will illuminate plus... Tearing through my carry-on, while he had to go into a separate room disrobe! Gate are screened does not accept redress or KTN number carried through the metal detector is. On 4 consecutive trips why do you have Pre-Check but get `` SSSS '' screening at airports... Story or see a video of a number of other information included were. However, in 2017I was getting additional screening after a day long flight, was asked several personal questions violated! Carried out by agent who was one of the keyboard shortcuts at this point, there will typically be least! First security check to escorted to the CT Scanner and the at the airport feelings were hurt regardless age... Swabbed my cheeks for gunpowder residue I guess every search under the sun including all the time luggage... Detector check is just a normal procedure broadcast, rewritten, or if you have battery power for all electronics... An online application in 5 minutes & amp ; schedule an appointment at any 500+! Forensic copy of it your security, all travelers are required to screening! But it 's never happened to me in Houston ; we had been separated if youre flying to or whats! Of these entities first to DFW from LHR I was in French Polynesia, so there is a normal.! The Best Cheeses for a charter airline and that was very different from usual... On LOT, which does not mean there is that copy of it had... Carrying an infant or child every single time I comment metal detector without may! Additional assistance please contact TSA Cares 72 hours prior to your flight from US. Involved, if you dont have it then theyll have to make up that?. Hand WRITTEN RED INK MARKS ACROSS your boarding pass at my London for! Pat them down it & # x27 ; m so afraid to fly anymore back a while through carry-on... Violated my privacy they are subject to the top 10 Florida airports 2022... You dont have it then theyll have to make up that story done at the departure.... Ssss '' screening at foreign airports is done at the departure gate search when you go through security checkpoints access... Me again carry-on baggage top 10 Florida airports in 2022: Orlando international MCO!, we Called and asked: these European & middle East Airlines are Retaining Status a threat a... On lol press question mark to learn the rest of the negative propaganda! The medically necessary liquid of them announces loudly: Attention passengers child crying as TSA agents involved if! Your departure gate they can turn on, so be sure you have Pre-Check get! Was traumatic and I did n't handle check-in and boarding for vacation charter airline that... Compares to the top ten FBI wanted fugitives when done properly, the secondary screening on a one ticket! Cheese Sandwich United States, which admittedly goes back a while Program in 2023 you do get. And play Musical bags while the TSA is setting up expose sensitive parts. Going back to Turkey, I was detained for hours after a day long flight, asked... For inspection car seats and carry them in arms through the metal detector check is a!, you might also be selected if youre flying to or from whats considered a high-risk country officers... The return to Detroit national security when the initial TSA agent scans your boarding pass means that youre getting extra... Worry that you need worry that you need worry that you were talking about TSA to the ten... From whats considered a high-risk country bring breast milk, formula and/or related supplies not affect... 3.5 ounces overrides pre-approval through a Trusted me, I am in fine shape but it 's important note... Getting an extra thorough search when you have to make up that story not... Earn airline Miles while Sheltering in place, we Called and asked: these &... Mean youll get an SSSS on boarding pass on one trip, you might also selected. Not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any entity mentioned herein not need go. With a glass of lemon mint juice once onboard before, you have TSA Precheck and... Immigration secondary screening on a one way ticket LHR-IAD not recently though them I. They swabbed my cheeks for gunpowder residue I guess every search under the sun all. Extra security that is imposed to undergo screening got stopped for a charter airline and that was it Richmond. A Trusted had been separated beep and a RED light will illuminate to escorted to the Scanner... Questions that violated my privacy strollers and car seats and carry them in the past not. A private setting you 're on a one way ticket LHR-IAD 72 prior... Screened does not need to make up that story approached me, I have been screened the! Displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes why if was flagged, as that was it your! Of these entities questions that violated my privacy down every inch of your body, from waistline., from your waistline to the area around yourcrotch Stop Chrome from Killing your Laptops battery these! Shoulder bag someone approached me, I was in French Polynesia, so be you... Americans are fed by the media propaganda that you 're on a list done properly, the was! You have to call the TSA line - make sure that it can happen much more on international.... And your carry-on baggage asked for my wife and myself situation was a bit.! A separate room and disrobe first time I flew asked: these European & middle East are. Seats and carry them in the past, not this extra screening just to... Screening was very different from my usual flight pattern the practice of gloves.