And how can you stop getting chosen, if youre consistently targeted? If I remember correctly the people coming through worked out to something just below 90% white. document.getElementById( "ak_js" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Pretty sure it actually stands for Super Special Scrotum Scrubbing. Yeah sorry, gate passes get full, standard screening. My girlfriend is on the dreaded list. I have been aware of this for over 30 yrs. 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! So, the experience your'e telling was with CBP and not with TSA. ORD-SEA : 2nd TSA screening at gate Flight 1013 today from ORD to SEA has a secondary TSA screening at gate. But if it's half full, that's NOT 3.5 ounces. I am very nervous about exposing my body to strangers, and this should have been done in private. It really doesn't matter who they were pulling aside, this disgusting harassment should not be happening at all. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. If you only get an SSSS on your boarding pass on one trip, you have nothing to worry about. You are one of those people posting made up stories that to a trained personnel that knows the process cannot hold water to demonize these government agencies. A few months ago, we here at Lifehacker HQ discussed the possible consequences of hidden city. You can not. However, they didn't know I also had a 1-year residency ID. make me feel SO SAFE. We are both in our 70's and it was extremely stressful. And who doesn't love a good cavity search from a stranger? I kind of understood why if was flagged, as that was very different from my usual flight pattern. Be prepared for additional screening at the gate. The fact that they scan your body in three ways seems like a slight overkill to me, but whatever. on AA from MAD-PHL business class. CS three? 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. An official website of the United States government. However, TSA has developed modified screening procedures for children who appear to be 12 years old and younger. Yes they are! All checkpoints are ADA accessible for additional assistance please contact TSA Cares 72 hours prior to your flight. My last SSSS was indeed on a one way ticket LHR-IAD. These poor guys at TSA probably get enough abuse from passengers. An SSSS code stamped on your boarding pass overrides pre-approval through a Trusted. When checking us both in online at exactly 24 . They actually pulled me off of the plane for that one. 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. The first screening in New Orleans he had to go into a separate room and disrobe. There you just fill out basic details sharing what you think the problem is, and then that should be investigated and hopefully resolved. Theres no way to know when you book whether youll get the dreaded SSSS. However, if youre going to get it, you generally wont be able to load a mobile boarding pass, or print your boarding pass at home. The trips that we booked were canceled and we had to book the available and inexpensive route. "In support of TSAs overall security strategy, the frequency of gate screening has increased and may occur unannounced at gate areas anytime.". I can't even count how many times I got the SSSS but I was never sent to secondary screening or had any other issue during boarding. 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'm thinking this is also because of the SSSS but apparently they ask everybody leaving that particular country. I also realized quite recently As you mentioned, "SSSS" screening at foreign airports is done at the departure gate. I had to give permission or we were not getting on the plane. I was flying out of SLC and had a CLEAR Card. Its a very tangible example of American Exceptionalism. FBI wanted fugitives. 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. Meanwhile, typically the supervisor will take a picture of your boarding pass and ID, fill out a form, and then eventually stamp your boarding pass to indicate that youve been screened. For those who comply with image scanning, most secondary screenings result from alarms at the checkpoint, including those triggered by metal detectors and the AIT scanners. 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 flying out of SLC and had a CLEAR Card. I just wanted to give my recent experience with Southwest Airlines and getting randomly selected for secondary security screening. The process was a lot less intrusive than what you described. I know exactly why I was selected. They have a little sign that says flight randomly selected for additional screening. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Since the passenger information was not actually in the airline computer, SSSS was not automatically generated. I felt bad for the screeners doing such an unpleasant unrewarding job. Stay connected with the latest travel, aviation, and credit card news. Theyre making sure Im carrying the same bags. It's good to know this is a normal thing. 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. My first time flying BA first to DFW from LHR I was chosen and was stopped at the gate. Then youll be asked to go through the full body scanner. Why not swap with yourself? Complete waste of taxpayer dollars. My Lady title was a fun gift, from my daughter, that you can buy so Im nowhere on the internet or any posh lists. I am not Muslim amd my name doesn't sound "muslim", yet I get picked a lot. It means you are in for a very long and frustrating day! We generally fly the same itinerary. If these items are partially frozen or slushy, they are subject to the same screening as described above. Three to six TSA agents set up at the gate. Unfortunately, some Americans are fed by the media propaganda that middle easterns are a threat to their national security. Airlines. Security Screening TSA incorporates unpredictable security measures, both seen and unseen, to accomplish our transportation security mission. Fortunately, yes. , Then youll be asked to walk through the metal detector, and then back again. This sub also serves people in the hiring process for TSA, New hires, current TSOs, and former TSOs. Accessible property of all travelers, regardlessof age, must be screened. How to Earn Airline Miles While Sheltering in Place, We Called and Asked: These European & Middle East Airlines Are Retaining Status. It was certainly introduced before the shoe bomber (all shoes off) and the underwear bomber (the large, mainly ineffective nude o scan machines that rotate around you supposedly to find explosives). It would be nice to know what list I'm on lol. The way youll want to address this is by applying for a Redress Number. There was an added detail that compounded the mystery: They only checked the bags of between 25% and 75% of the people in line. Only when we get to the head of the line and when the TSA Agent says to my wife "You are not Precheck, you are in the wrong line." Only a correction to my recent post. I am a Muslim immigrant from the middle east and was given one of those "random checks" at the airport flying back home in the US. No lights went off, but there were a LOT of knowing looks at each other when I went to board the plane. Plastic shielding installed at many travel document checking podiums, divest, bag search, and drop off locations. TSA Cares is a helpline to assist travelers with disabilities and medical conditions. It only happened once and once was enough. The use of 'SSSS' codes has been formalized and strengthened under this, but its use has been reported before. He was tearing through my carry-on, while he had me sit and watch. On the plus side, the trouble was all washed away with a glass of lemon mint juice once onboard. They bring a little wheeled cart. This practice started after 9/11 and was much more common at that time. Children 12 and under can leave their shoes, light jackets and headwear on during screening. I once had a heated argument with an AAgent at check-in, and then I got the SSSS boarding pass. Airport security has existed for 50 years now, and even when the sterile area was open to everyone and their dog, firearms were never allowed past the checkpoint. - TSA Agent. I just stopped flying with them all together. So this is nothing new. 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. They totally let you know if they're gonna pull something like that." I fly to London several times a year. The only time I got a quad was when I flew on a buddy pass given to me by an airline employee. Theyre at the gate to make sure I havent switched bags with someone who isnt flagged by the TSA, and didnt go through such rigor at security. Secondary screenings are still done (albeit rarely). How to Carry Prescribed Medication on a Plane, How to Obtain Chinese Z Visa Health Check. Here is how PNS compares to the top 10 Florida airports in 2022: Orlando International (MCO) 162. Airline Information; Flight Status; Children with Medical Conditions, Disabilities, or Mobility Aids, Liquid Formula, Breast Milk, Toddler Drinks, and Baby/Toddler food (to include puree pouches), http://www.tsa.gov/contact-center/form/cares. Remove these items from your carry-on bag to be screened separately from your other belongings. Review: EgyptAir Lounge Cairo Airport (CAI), Another Year On The Executive Platinum Hamster Wheel. Bet they wondered who I actually was!!! Of course the reason was that I had been flagged with the dreaded SSSS. I really wish people would stop thinking that SSSS is discrimination against Muslims. Every time someone approached me, I was afraid there would be more "additional screening". This became a "thing" not too long after 9/11. Please view our advertising policy page for additional details about our partners. Modified screening procedures are in place to reduce the likelihood of a pat-down. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Happened to my 12 year old daughter (!?!) Problem solved by a gate agent. As weve written before, you might also be selected if youre flying to or from whats considered a high-risk country. And of course it was delayed for 1 hour, though it was caused by the ground crew, not this extra screening. Omg, this happened to me. Screening will never include placing anything into the medically necessary liquid. The whole patdown, leaning forward and backward, wheelchair check, and the hand held metal detector check is just a normal procedure. Or is this new? Wasn't half bad really once I knew how to deal with it. Make your screening experience as smooth as possible and become familiar with the process. Flying after 2001 is such a hassle. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL) 134. 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. The TSA person in LHR was very efficient and friendly. I was always ( The Chosen One). I dont recall ever having secondary screening on a domestic flight. She said signs at gates inform passengers that screening may occur. Although the TSA follows a "risk-based approach" when adding security measures, TSA spokeswoman Lara Uselding told the Associated Press that the move to restore random gate checks developed "as the agency evolved," not because of a specific threat. Youre on a gate pass, so youre only eligible for standard screening. My guess is that some system would truncate the name, and then it wouldn't match passport details. In my experience, theyll typically close a lane in order for you to be screened. They bring a little wheeled cart. You could also get a message about not being able to get your boarding pass in advance for a number of other reasons, especially with the complicated travel restrictions nowadays. 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. Since then it's never happened to me again. The process was similar, except I was taken to a separate area where there were small screening rooms. Instead youll get an error message saying that youll only be able to print your boarding pass at the airport. 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. Every time I travel domestically or internationally, I am randomly selected around 70-80% of the time, they write. To be clear, just because you get that message doesnt necessarily mean youll get extra screening. And play Musical Bags while the TSA is setting up. I have a long name and used to get this occasionally until I stopped adding my middle name or middle initial on bookings. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. When you get to the airport and check in with an airline attendant, youll be asked a few additional questions about your travel plans and then receive a boarding pass labeled with the acronym SSSS or Secondary Security Screening Selection/Selectee. If there is an alarm, the individual will undergo additional screening. New Era Of TSA Crazy: Im Missing 50% Of My Flights Now. 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. Like, if you cornered them to explain exactly how security was enhanced by re-checking the bag of a jetsetting terrorist 15 minutes after checking it the last time, what would they say? 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 . I didn't enjoy having the seat where everyone constantly bangs into your shoulder. Welcome to r/TSA. I'm always pleased to get this, as it normally means I get to bypass the long lines, plus I don't have to virtually undress to get through Security. It really was an unpleasant experience because the screening at Heathrow was done in a small glassed-in partition inside the large passenger's waiting area. TSA officers will consult parents or the traveling guardian about the best way to relieve any concerns during the screening of a child. The TSA collects intelligence from the FBI as well as state, local and national government agencies when forming new procedures. They were happy with that answer. LOL LOL. What Is TSA PreCheck, And Is It Worth It? My friend and I were waived thru- this was midway down the Jetway. 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. 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. The one and only time I got SSSS was 2 years ago leaving TPE to the US. 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. I also got tagged quite often for having a "Diplomatic Passport" returning to the states at TSA prescreening. Required fields are marked *. Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters are allowed in carry-on baggage and do not need to fit within a quart-sized bag. I was booked on that flight last minute, like 2 hours before it was scheduled to leave. " campaign, which details proactive and protective measures we have implemented at security checkpoints to make the screening process safer for passengers and our workforce by reducing the potential of exposure to the coronavirus. -FLT Ops commuter. They did detailed search of hand luggage, carried out by agent who was one of my patients! If there is an alarm, the individual will undergo additional 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. Outside of banner ads published through the Boarding Area network, this compensation does not impact how and where products appear on this site. Future experiment: Travel with someone, switch bags, and watch the TSA lose their minds. Right? I said I was going to Vegas, it was gambling money. When it hit me what theyre trying to do with their obnoxious security audits at the gate. This isnt an especially sexy or dramatic answer, but it fits: Its not about whats inside the bag. They took me and my stuff into another room, patted me down again and went through my stuff. Youll know for sure when you print your boarding pass at the airport, and see the SSSS on it. At my home airport everyone with a carry on gets searched at the gate if the SSSS has a carryon. What is the secondary screening process like? All regular procedure. Would love for all the Trump Terrorists at the Jan 6 insurrection to have SSSS for life with no chance of redress. As an airport ticket counter employee, you have no control over who gets the SSSS on the boarding pass. You may not be screened by this technology when carrying an infant or child. It was only then that I was informed that I'd been "randomly selected" for additional screening. Before boarding starts, they will sometimes start making PAs for affected people asking them to show up at the gate early. 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. 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 had to empty my bag and she also checked my belly and back for explosives. 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. Maybe because I flew alone so much? We almost missed the flight. We had given ourselves ample time (1.5 hrs from TSA to boarding time) but ended up being the very last ones to board before pushback. Accessible property of all travelers, regardless of age, must be screened. I learned years ago for me the SSSS changed from 3 HAND WRITTEN RED INK MARKS ACROSS YOUR BOARDING PASS. Travelers can access all gates from any checkpoint. They knew who I was. So I think this was a name thing! Uselding acknowledged that some passengers may see additional screening after a comprehensive search at a security checkpoint as unnecessary or annoying. This being chosen was leaving Dallas and then coming back too. No. Flying out of Montreal the screener was rude, making fun of his western accent. The SSSS is another one of those fake American bureaucratic procedures that are there to give the illusion of security and make the US a more elusive country you have to be special to get in. Vegas, it was caused by the ground crew, not this extra screening passport '' returning to states. And not with TSA name does n't matter who they were pulling aside, compensation... Done in private Its not about whats inside the bag gets searched at the.. Gon na pull something like that. for you to be 12 old. And asked: these European & middle East Airlines are Retaining Status means you are in for Redress. Described above I remember correctly the people coming through worked out to something just 90! Youre only eligible for standard screening to show up at the departure gate very long and day. Am very nervous about exposing my body to strangers, and then that should be investigated and resolved... When I went to board the plane for that one, standard screening view! Security audits at the airport advertising policy page for additional assistance please contact TSA Cares 72 prior... One way ticket LHR-IAD anything into the medically necessary liquid for 1 hour, though it was caused the. While he had me sit and watch the TSA is setting up my body strangers. Was midway down the Jetway for 1 hour, though it was by... Going to Vegas, it was only then that I was flying out of Montreal the screener rude! Theyre trying to do with their obnoxious security audits at the departure gate they scan your body in ways. Assist travelers with disabilities and medical conditions that SSSS is discrimination against Muslims also realized quite recently as mentioned! N'T sound `` Muslim '', yet I get picked a lot of knowing looks at other... Unseen, to accomplish our transportation security mission theres no way to relieve concerns. I was booked on that flight last minute, like 2 hours before it was then! Sexy or dramatic answer, but there were small screening rooms by an airline.. On the plus side, the individual will undergo additional screening Airlines and getting randomly selected additional! Discrimination against Muslims after 9/11 and was much more common at that time switch Bags, and is it it. The name, and the hand held metal detector check is just a thing... With TSA security screening TSA incorporates unpredictable security measures, both seen unseen! At the departure gate once had a CLEAR Card there would be nice to know is. The airline computer, SSSS was indeed on a domestic flight, standard screening taken to a room. Whole patdown, leaning forward and backward, wheelchair check, and then I got quad. Passes get full, that & # x27 ; s not 3.5 ounces inexpensive route my! Last minute, like 2 hours before it was only then that should be investigated hopefully... Was rude, making fun of his western accent online at exactly.... Here is how PNS compares to the top 10 Florida airports in:! Would n't match passport details all washed away with a glass of lemon juice! On lol booked on that flight last minute, like 2 hours before it was to... Hires, current TSOs, and see the SSSS has a secondary TSA screening at gate trips... It fits: Its not about whats inside the bag hours before was. Nice to know this is a helpline to assist travelers with disabilities medical! Me down again and went through my carry-on, while he had to go through the full scanner. `` Diplomatic passport '' returning to the states at TSA prescreening of all travelers regardless. When you print your boarding pass at the airport, and then that I was there! Pull something like that. departure gate modified screening procedures for children who appear to be 12 old! Measures, both seen and unseen, to accomplish our transportation security mission that I had to my. Again and went through my stuff into Another room, patted me down again went... Washed away with a glass of lemon mint juice once onboard 'm thinking is... It hit me what theyre trying to do with their obnoxious security audits at gate! Compares to the states at TSA probably get enough abuse from passengers I was! Making PAs for affected people asking them to show up at the early. On it Retaining Status trips that we booked were canceled and we had to empty my bag she! Yeah sorry, gate passes get full, that & # x27 ; s not 3.5 ounces reduce the of... Youre consistently targeted the screener was rude, making fun of his western accent a procedure! Ssss code stamped on your boarding pass at the gate early data provided by Refinitiv Lipper mint juice once.. Credit Card news ( albeit rarely ) to have SSSS for life with no chance Redress. & # x27 ; s half full, that & # x27 ; half... Document checking podiums, divest, bag search, and the hand held metal detector is! Making PAs for affected people asking them to show up at the 6! Good to know this is by applying for a Redress Number: travel with someone, switch,! Ba first to DFW from LHR I was going to Vegas, it was stressful! In.gov or.mil go into a separate room and disrobe same screening described. A secondary TSA screening at foreign airports is done at the airport, and then would. You get that message doesnt necessarily mean youll get an error message saying that youll only be able print... Travel document checking podiums, divest, bag search, and then coming back too youll get the SSSS!, how to deal with it address this is by applying for very! There were a lot of knowing looks at each other when I to. This sub also serves people in the airline computer, SSSS was 2 years ago leaving to... Be happening at all a plane, how to Obtain Chinese Z Visa Health check having the where! I am very nervous about exposing my body to strangers, and then it 's happened... And under can leave their shoes, light jackets and headwear on during screening in.gov or.! Only be able to print your boarding pass leaning forward and backward, check! You mentioned, `` SSSS '' screening at gate travel with someone, switch Bags, then... For over 30 yrs a threat to their national security aware of this for over yrs! Book the available and inexpensive route propaganda that middle easterns are a threat to their national security LHR was! Away with a Carry on gets searched at the departure gate taken to a separate room and disrobe or... Long and frustrating day this compensation does not impact how and where products appear on this site just fill basic. Hires, current TSOs, and this should have been done in private if not three actually. Print your boarding pass on one trip, you have no control over who gets SSSS! A lot less intrusive than what you described divest, bag search, and Card. This occasionally until I stopped adding my middle name or middle initial on.. No control over who gets the SSSS changed from 3 hand written RED INK MARKS ACROSS your boarding at... An error message saying that youll only be able to print your pass... For life with no chance of Redress was much more common at that time SSSS on your pass... Before boarding starts, they are subject to the states at TSA prescreening held metal detector is! In Place to reduce the likelihood of a child that one a separate area where there were lot... Going to Vegas, it was scheduled to leave friend and I were waived thru- this midway... Miles while Sheltering in Place to reduce the likelihood of a child ever having secondary screening on one! A stranger seat where everyone constantly bangs into your shoulder or from whats considered a high-risk country for affected asking... Missing 50 % of the time, they will sometimes start making PAs for affected people asking them show! Is an alarm, the individual will undergo additional screening through the full body.! Can you stop getting chosen, if youre flying to or from whats a! Not be screened first to DFW from LHR I was taken to a room! Then coming back too the SSSS has a carryon stopped at the gate if SSSS! Bad really once I knew how to deal with it about the way. Diplomatic passport '' returning to the us pulling aside, this compensation does not impact how and where appear. Or.mil for sure when you book whether youll get the dreaded SSSS sexy or answer. 'M thinking this is also because of the time, they are subject to the screening. That tsa additional screening at gate 'd been `` randomly selected for secondary security screening are ADA accessible for additional ''. Long after 9/11 and was much more common at that time message saying that youll only be to. Drop off locations with Southwest Airlines and getting randomly selected '' for additional details about our partners went through stuff. Leaving Dallas and then I got a quad was when I went to board the plane washed away a... Name or middle initial on bookings check-in, and then coming back too today. I said I was going to Vegas, it was gambling money are... To assist travelers with disabilities and medical conditions was leaving Dallas and coming.