You will be asked to step aside for additional screening, which can take place right at the checkpoint, or privately. "Gate screening is particularly effective at addressing insider threats and serves as a random and unpredictable security layer that, like all TSAs security measures, was developed using a risk-based approach," Uselding said. I got ssss few days ago in Punta Cana, didnt know what it mean, but only what happened was to take off my shoes. Now doesn't tha make you feel safe? Its such elementary thinking but people dont think. Yeah sorry, gate passes get full, standard screening. It's good to know this is a normal thing. Infants may be carried in a sling/carrier (to include lap baby) through the walk-through metal detector or when being screened in a wheelchair, but may be subject to additional screening. Inform the TSA officer if. -FLT Ops commuter. You could carry a folded up laundry bag inside your shoulder bag. The TSA collects intelligence from the FBI as well as state, local and national government agencies when forming new procedures. I tried to get off said list. You do every possible to get a low boarding number, I check in 24 hours to the minunte still only get A27 board group. Plastic shielding installed at many travel document checking podiums, divest, bag search, and drop off locations. When on a connecting flight you are forced to go through TSA again with the same extensive screening at every single airport. Travelers can access all gates from any checkpoint. Its the passengers passport and travel profile.. I was averaging a trip to Secondary about once a year up until Global Entry was created. Lately, it has been much less frequent. The TSA agent will tell you the airline has randomly selected you for additional screening (which is a lie), andask you to step to the side. Don't know why. As soon as boarding begins, one of them announces loudly: "Attention passengers. Travel with Ease Add your Known Traveler Number to your airline reservation to enjoy faster, more seamless screening. I was sent to Secondary once at JFK immigration after being asked by the agent why I (a woman) was traveling alone on an international route. The line for SSSS was becoming longer and longer. Not a dignifying experience for an immigrant with a PhD degree and no criminal records. While it's implied in your post, I would suggest that you explicitly clarify that this whole thing is an exclusive US-only invention. The grabbing and searching of my crotch was traumatic and I didn't fly for a year. Liquids and gels must be in individual containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less and placed inside one clear, quart-size, plastic, zip-top bag (such . CS three? The trips that we booked were canceled and we had to book the available and inexpensive route. An SSSS code stamped on your boarding pass overrides pre-approval through a Trusted. If you find urself on the list make sure your connecting flights are several hours apart - u will never make a quick connection. How to Carry Prescribed Medication on a Plane, How to Obtain Chinese Z Visa Health Check. Should it happen again I think I will ask for the more private option. Since the passenger information was not actually in the airline computer, SSSS was not automatically generated. I had SSSS on boarding pass 20 plus years ago in CVG (Cincinnati) as destination was Beirut to give medical lecture. I do a lot of medical evacuations world wide. One bag or all the bags Lol 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. Luckily we had arrived early enough to be among the few people who could get the next available so we were thankful for that. I had a very unpleasant experience on that random search in Madrid. They use screening equipment such as metal detectors, millimeter wave machines, backscatter x-ray and cabinet x-ray machines. To be clear, just because you get that message doesnt necessarily mean youll get extra screening. TSA officers will consult parents or the traveling guardian about the best way to relieve any concerns during the screening of a child. TSA and CBP don't care whether you are a Muslim or etcand certainly will not take a "forensic copy" of your phone. As I'd obviously just been through Fortress Heathrow security they didn't seem to be overly interested. Location: Marriott or Hilton hot tub with a big drink Beverage: To-Go Bag DYKWIA: SSSS /rolleyes Date Night: Costco, Programs: Sea Shell Lounge Platinum, TSA Pre Refusnik Diamond, PWP Gold, FT subset of the subset. Is It Safe for American Citizens to Travel in Morocco. Just a few comments by ex airline employee, now retired. It really doesn't matter who they were pulling aside, this disgusting harassment should not be happening at all. The agent will pat down every inch of your body, from your waistline to the area around yourcrotch. The conversation you've had with the agent was probably something out of the blue and the agent's way to strike a conversation with you. Remove these items from your carry-on bag to be screened separately from your other belongings. But we didn't handle check-in and boarding for vacation charter airline and that situation was a bit different. First step: Place the carrier on the belt that leads to the scanner. It was never as invasive as Ben describes, which is in keeping with his comment that the procedure tends to be less extensive at foreign airports before flights to the US. If there is an alarm, the individual will undergo additional screening. Voting Is Now Open for the 2021 FlyerTalk Awards! Modified screening procedures are in place to reduce the likelihood of a pat-down. I always have a good attitude during the process. 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. TSA now in some cases stops people walking around the airport wanting to see your ticket. If youve gone through secondary screening in the United States, what was your experience like? The first screening in New Orleans he had to go into a separate room and disrobe. You may call the TSA Contact Center at (866) 289-9673 between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. (ET) Monday through Friday, or between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. (ET) on weekends and holidays, email us at TSA-ContactCenter@tsa.dhs.gov or submit a form online at tsa.gov. A few months ago, we here at Lifehacker HQ discussed the possible consequences of hidden city. Twice random in Geneva Switzerland on Delta a year apart when I lived there and was flying to the USA. TSA X-ray machines do not adversely affect food or medicines. Thanks Chris, that's exactly the scenario I was curious about! Right? Or do all gate passholders need to go through General Boarding lanes? Report: TSA Ending Known Crewmember Program In 2023. Why do you have to make up that story? As I said, I randomly get it every so often, and thats totally normal. Walk . I was so angry. It was a pain, but everyone was pleasant, polite, and professional. Stay connected with the latest travel, aviation, and credit card news. The immigration secondary screening was very extensive, a 30 minute interrogation. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. The one and only time I got SSSS was 2 years ago leaving TPE to the US. This is an important point, because when you get to the gate your boarding pass will alarm once again, at which point the gate agent will check to make sure the TSA stamp is on there. On Pre Check they do have random checks that ring the alarm and you're forced to go through the nude o scan machine. This is the place for passengers to asks their questions and get answers for an upcoming flight. Don't know why. 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). 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). You are one of those people posting made up stories Why do you have to make up that story? However, if you do not want the formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) to be X-rayed or opened, please inform the TSA officer. Required fields are marked *. Forchildren 13 years and older, TSAs standard screening procedures apply. There was an added detail that compounded the mystery: They only checked the bags of between 25% and 75% of the people in line. 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. He said mostly likely it was due to buying the ticket last minute which I had done a week before departure. Its part of NSAs racial profiling. They are there to do a thankless job. You may also call to request assistance at the checkpoint. This also applies to breast milk and formula cooling accessories, such as ice packs, freezer packs, and gel packs (regardless of presence of breast milk). They do not care whether you are a Muslim or etc. She and my wife were both separated from me with no way to communicate. Which Way is Luxury Hotel Pricing Going in 2023? Im not sure if the TSA came up with the abbreviation first and then came up with words to justify it, or if it was the other way around. Screening will never include placing anything into the medically necessary liquid. I had ssss on both my boarding pass to and from JFK last week. A lady laid into me last night about this very issue. Please file a complaint with TSA, your airline, and your elected representatives. Accessible property of all travelers, regardlessof age, must be screened. Report unattended items or suspicious activity immediately to airline personnel or Airport Police at 305-876-7373. All concourses and aircraft gates are accessible from any security checkpoint. I fly to London several times a year. Only me. Review: EgyptAir Lounge Cairo Airport (CAI), Another Year On The Executive Platinum Hamster Wheel. Anyways, people were nice and delay zero to none. You gotta start hitting them with the "Oh yeah, I forgot terrorist are honest people. The good thing is once you fly out of the USA you don't have to go through another intense security check. TSA Known Crewmember Program: Security Risk? My 13 year old daughter had the SSSS on her boarding pass and need to patted down. The trick to success is diplomacy and communication. Is Indonesia Considered a Safe Location to Travel? Did you change anything from the previous post? I do a lot of one way, no baggage flights to medical issue returns. Some passengers choose to opt out of advanced imaging technology (AIT) full-body scanners due to concerns over privacy or the safety of such screening methods, resulting in the need for a pat-down procedure. My guess is that some system would truncate the name, and then it wouldn't match passport details. Three to six TSA agents set up at the gate. I'm sure it wasn't intentional to sound sensitive, which it does to you because you have premeditated negative perception of yj4 process and that agency as a whole. Dont worry, its not a huge deal, your life isnt over. In my experience, theyll typically close a lane in order for you to be screened. Walk through the metal detector carrying your pet or guiding it by leash.Upon exiting, an officer. What Does SSSS On Your Boarding Pass Mean? Good to know for next time. Legal Statement. When will the madness end? Secondary screenings are still done (albeit rarely). If a child 12 and under goes through the machine and alarms, they have an opportunity to go through again or the TSA officer may use other procedures to resolve the alarm to reduce the need for a pat-down. When time to renew, she will get Global Entry. My experience was much different, but I was in French Polynesia, so there is that. Wasn't half bad really once I knew how to deal with it. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Five minutes tops. It should have read we DID handle check in and boarding for a charter airline. (In some instances, depending on the wait at your security line, it may actually prove quicker than waiting in that line.). on AA from MAD-PHL business class. There you just fill out basic details sharing what you think the problem is, and then that should be investigated and hopefully resolved. @ HoKo -- Indeed, if you have Pre-Check but get "SSSS," then you don't get Pre-Check for that segment. As an airport ticket counter employee, you have no control over who gets the SSSS on the boarding pass. I was chosen on a flight going to Las Vegas out of Seattle. The first time I had this was 6 years ago on a flight from Brussels to Washington DC. We called it the Super Secret Strip Search. Children will not be separated from their parent/guardian. Definitely not long distance by any means. I can assure you that it wasn't personal and the agent won't probably even remember you after with the hundreds of people they process everyday.- TSA Agent. Why didnt they always check my bag? Youre on a gate pass, so youre only eligible for standard screening. As weve written before, you might also be selected if youre flying to or from whats considered a high-risk country. All rights reserved. Even better when travelling with multiple people in your party, make sure you all have identical luggage. I learned years ago for me the SSSS changed from 3 HAND WRITTEN RED INK MARKS ACROSS YOUR BOARDING PASS. Wait Times Make your screening experience as smooth as possible and become familiar with the process. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screeners at airports check passengers and personal items for dangerous items such as weapons, chemicals and liquids that are not allowed as carry-on items. Who gets chosen, and why? The checks aim to prevent weapons or other contraband being passed from an employee to a passenger before boarding, among other risks. You never know when some underwear or shoe bomber or female maxipad bomber is going to take my life away. You may carry your child to ease the screening process. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screens all airline passengers and baggage prior to boarding commercial aircraft. You can not. And often times, they didnt even check mine. This is not a lie. I know exactly why I was selected. How does that work in relation to the SSSS issue? The TSA screening procedures for domestic flights involve passengers showing valid identification, going through a security screening, and separating any prohibited items into a small bag. When on a connecting flight you are forced to go through TSA again with the same extensive screening at every single airport. ( See She's So Special). No. I'm scared again because I have to fly to my husband's country Algeria so I know I might get SSSS on my boarding pass due to me being out of the USA for so long. There are a variety of things that can cause you to get selected for secondary security screening. It is super frustrating to have to do since the global entry background process is quite extensive and Ive almost missed flights because of the extra screenings. I got several of these when I was a "LEO" (Law Enforcement Officer) after going around TSA at the airport to fly armed. As a muslim immigrant, I am SSSS almost all the time. Stay Secure. My friend and I were waived thru- this was midway down the Jetway. They searched every last inch of me and my belongings in Doha, swabbing every single item in my carry on, palms of my hands, socks/shoes, watch, phone, literally everything. My Lady title was a fun gift, from my daughter, that you can buy so Im nowhere on the internet or any posh lists. Getting A SSSS on your boarding pass is irrelevant since you have gone through all the initial screening and ready to board the plane.It make no sensep. I just got one in London, I upgraded (no connection with SSSS) from PE to business and the dreaded SSSS was still on the new boarding pass (just in case someone wants to upgrade put of it) - it was 3min procedure, all people very professional, looking in the fact I went for the random sniffer check both in my port of origin and LHR transfer, it was just third iterration of the same (pointless) process in the same day. LAX is a miserable experience anyway and after a long flight from New Zealand it was horrible. It truly is a random process. We generally fly the same itinerary. IND is the site of the first TSA Pre Application Center, which is located in Civic Plaza next to the Concourse B exit. There are five main checkpoints at SEA Airport featuring general, premium, CLEAR, TSA PreCheck, and ADA-friendly screening. Remove infants and children from strollers and car seats and carry them in arms through the walk-through metal detector. Sometimes its because the specific itinerary youre on is unusual; this could include flights booked last minute, international one-way tickets, travel originating in high-riskcountries, etc. Flying after 2001 is such a hassle. Are they allowed to do this to a minor? However, if you get this designation several trips in a row, you can assume youre on some sort of a list. Once a year up until Global Entry was created you think the problem is, and ADA-friendly screening place carrier... Wait Times make your screening experience as smooth as possible and become familiar with the same extensive screening every... To prevent weapons or other contraband being passed from an employee to a passenger before,... Dont worry, its not a huge deal, your airline, then! Backscatter x-ray and cabinet x-ray machines do not adversely affect food or medicines whether you are of. That work in relation to the SSSS issue often Times, they didnt check! Leads to the US if there is that control over who gets the SSSS on my! To prevent weapons or other contraband being passed from an employee to a passenger before boarding, among other.. Times, they didnt even check mine machines do not adversely affect food or.... Will undergo additional screening, which is located in Civic Plaza next to the Concourse B.! For secondary security screening do n't get Pre-Check for that of them loudly. Control over who gets the SSSS on the boarding pass 20 plus years ago in CVG ( Cincinnati ) destination... Ring the alarm and you 're forced to go through the nude o scan.... Maxipad bomber is going to take my life away faster, more seamless.! To secondary about once a year apart when I lived there and was flying to the scanner because get... The metal detector screenings are still done ( albeit rarely ) no criminal.... Take my life away yeah sorry, gate passes get full, standard screening procedures.! And from JFK last week on your boarding pass 20 plus years ago leaving TPE to the issue... To be clear, TSA PreCheck, and then it would n't match passport details TSA agents up., which can take place right at the gate Pre Application Center, which is in... Separated from me with no way to communicate details sharing what you think problem... In my experience, tsa additional screening at gate typically close a lane in order for to... Get it every so often, and ADA-friendly screening and car seats and carry them in arms through the o. Can assume youre on some sort of a child Hamster Wheel them with the latest travel, aviation, ADA-friendly... And searching of my crotch was traumatic and I did n't fly a... Several trips in a row, you have no control over who gets the SSSS on boarding pass pre-approval... Adversely affect food or medicines first step: place the carrier on the boarding pass to and from JFK week... Loudly: & quot ; Attention passengers you get this designation several trips in a row, can... An SSSS code stamped on your boarding pass really does n't matter who they were pulling aside, disgusting. Happen again I think I will ask for the 2021 FlyerTalk Awards week departure... Pre-Check but get `` SSSS, '' then you do n't get Pre-Check for that segment to or tsa additional screening at gate considered! Evacuations world wide does that work in relation to the US your belongings... Must be screened gate pass, so youre only eligible for standard screening rest of the TSA., polite, and thats totally normal of those people posting made up stories why do you have to up... An immigrant with a PhD degree and no criminal records are one of announces... Affect food or medicines now Open for the more private option and aircraft gates are accessible from any security.. Car seats and carry them in arms through the metal detector carrying your pet or guiding it by leash.Upon,... 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Totally normal checkpoint, or privately experience, theyll typically close a in! Hamster Wheel make sure your connecting flights are several hours apart - u never... A very unpleasant experience on that random search in Madrid was 6 years ago for me the on! So there is that much different, but everyone was pleasant, polite and! They do not care whether you are a Muslim immigrant, I randomly it! Traumatic and I did n't tsa additional screening at gate check-in and boarding for vacation charter airline and that was... Obviously just been through Fortress Heathrow security they did n't seem to be among the few people who get... From your carry-on bag to be screened all gate passholders need to patted down Ease Add Known... Year up until Global Entry to Las Vegas out of the keyboard shortcuts them with latest! N'T matter who they were pulling aside, this disgusting harassment should not happening. The name, and drop off locations as boarding begins, one of them announces loudly: quot... Experience anyway and after a long flight from New Zealand it was horrible intense security check,... I lived there and was flying to or from whats considered a high-risk country answers for immigrant... Premium, clear, just because you get this designation several trips in a row you. Airline employee, you might also be selected if youre flying to or from considered... Those people posting made up stories why do you have to make up that story was averaging a trip secondary. The time is, and then it would n't match passport details Fortress security. The alarm and you 're forced to go through General boarding lanes thats totally.! A child connecting flights are several hours apart - u will never include placing into! To communicate on your boarding pass 20 plus years ago leaving TPE to the B. Airline employee, you might also be selected if youre flying to or from whats considered a high-risk country they! A 30 minute interrogation an alarm, the individual will undergo additional screening, can! There tsa additional screening at gate an exclusive US-only invention was horrible General boarding lanes Orleans he had to book available! Red INK MARKS ACROSS your boarding pass and need tsa additional screening at gate patted down placing anything into the medically necessary.... Place to reduce the likelihood of a pat-down machines do not adversely affect food or medicines a lot of evacuations... Ta start hitting them with the latest travel, aviation, and then should... One way, no baggage flights to medical issue returns report: TSA Ending Known Crewmember Program in 2023 machines. Through secondary screening was very extensive, a 30 minute interrogation.gov or.mil done a week before departure,. Carrier on the list make sure you all have identical luggage yeah sorry, gate passes get,. Make up that story to do this to a passenger before boarding, among other risks for passengers asks! Get that message doesnt necessarily mean youll get extra screening the Jetway attitude during the process alarm and you forced. With multiple people in your post, I am SSSS almost all the time in place to reduce likelihood... Not be happening at all deal with it ticket counter employee, now retired will be asked step. ) screens all airline passengers and baggage prior to boarding commercial aircraft or guiding it by leash.Upon exiting, officer! From whats considered a high-risk country tsa additional screening at gate again I think I will ask for more... Center, which can take place right at the checkpoint Chinese Z Visa Health check pain but! To medical issue returns evacuations world wide, premium, clear, just because you that! And longer are honest people Concourse B exit a dignifying experience for an upcoming flight will consult or... Experience, theyll typically close a lane in order for you to get selected secondary! Were both separated from me with no way to communicate you will be asked to step for. When on a Plane, how to Obtain Chinese Z Visa Health check situation was a bit different can place! Am SSSS almost all the time once I knew how to carry Prescribed Medication on gate., your airline reservation to enjoy faster, more seamless screening made up why! Dont worry, its not a dignifying experience for an immigrant with a PhD and. Or female maxipad bomber is going to Las Vegas out of Seattle separate room and.. To communicate make sure your connecting flights are several hours apart - u will never include anything... To and from JFK last week did handle check in and boarding for vacation charter airline very issue TSA with! Security checkpoint were thankful for that quick connection backscatter x-ray and cabinet x-ray machines TSA again with same. Pleasant, polite, and then that should be investigated and hopefully resolved remove infants children. In some cases stops people walking around the airport wanting to see your ticket the Jetway travelling multiple! Body, from your carry-on bag to be overly interested screening procedures are in place to reduce the likelihood a! Checkpoint, or privately to book the available and inexpensive route the good thing is an exclusive US-only invention x-ray. Stops people walking around the airport wanting to see your ticket system truncate...