One problem with the SSSS is that we go into the Precheck line routinely, so we don't look at the ticket for the SSSS. I remember getting the SSSS on UA back in 2002 or 2003, once but no more than twice. Its just SSSS, not SS ;). I questioned them because I didn't know anything about it. 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 bring a little wheeled cart. The TSA agents were nice and apologetic. Gate screening - which can. Then she gets sent to the end of the non-TSA Precheck line. As soon as boarding begins, one of them announces loudly: Attention passengers. I have no idea how common this is globally. Not at all. Immediately after they scanned my boarding pass at the gate, I was stopped by another airport security person asking if I had been given any bags or bought anything before TSA. The entire screening process takes anywhere between 10 and 20 minutes, in my experience, depending on how efficient the people screening you are. So this is nothing new. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. 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). 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). As an airport ticket counter employee, you have no control over who gets the SSSS on the boarding pass. You must pass through security checkpoints to access your departure gate, where TSA security officers screen you and your carry-on baggage. All concourses and aircraft gates are accessible from any security checkpoint. 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. From here, youll head to security and likely be brought to a different line for extra screening when you show your boarding pass to a TSA agent; while the process varies depending on the particular airport, this might involve going through a metal detector and body scanner (maybe more than once), a full-body pat-down, and your carry-on checked for explosive residue. Gate screening - which can involve anything from identification checks to hand-wand metal detectors - was implemented after Sept. 11 as an additional layer of security. He was tearing through my carry-on, while he had me sit and watch. I was taken down a hall to a room. If you find urself on the list make sure your connecting flights are several hours apart - u will never make a quick connection. Youre on a gate pass, so youre only eligible for standard screening. I said I was going to Vegas, it was gambling money. Outside of banner ads published through the Boarding Area network, this compensation does not impact how and where products appear on this site. ORD-SEA : 2nd TSA screening at gate Flight 1013 today from ORD to SEA has a secondary TSA screening at gate. 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. It was a real pain, but the redress process worked. Its a very tangible example of American Exceptionalism. Your email address will not be published. (In some instances, depending on the wait at your security line, it may actually prove quicker than waiting in that line.). The first time I had this was 6 years ago on a flight from Brussels to Washington DC. The TSA has selected this flight for a security audit. The people who got stopped for a secondary check however were 70+% Black or brown. I never had another SSSS for 10+ years? TSA officers optionally wearing eye protection and clear plastic face shields at some locations. I was chosen on a flight going to Las Vegas out of Seattle. Fortunately I am in fine shape but it's still rather embarrassing. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, I had to lift my shirt exposing my belly and back half way up for the lady to check me. Simply put, an SSSS on your boarding pass means that youre getting an extra thorough search when you go through security. - TSA Agent. TSA now in some cases stops people walking around the airport wanting to see your ticket. I don't connect through MIA too often, but pretty much every time I do it is an unpleasant experience. Three to six TSA agents set up at the gate. Its such elementary thinking but people dont think. 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. I'm thinking this is also because of the SSSS but apparently they ask everybody leaving that particular country. 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 . He didnt understand the concept of dual citizenship. However, after reading the Flyertalk forum about it because I was convinced I was going to have to apply for a redress #, I learned that it's much more likely to happen during international trips. Once through security you could pull out the laundry bag and drop your regular bag into it. Really weird Had my travel arranged by the US Marshals Service,many years ago. Place items in the stroller pockets or baskets, in a carry-on bag or on the X-ray belt for screening. A Checkpoint: Standard | 3:30 a.m. - 8 p.m. Stay connected with the latest travel, aviation, and credit card news. Secondary Security Screening Selection or Secondary Security Screening Selectee, known by its initials SSSS, is an airport security measure in the United States which selects passengers for additional inspection. For example, one time the guy searching my bag found my passports, and thought they were fraudulent, because I haveboth a United States and German one. They totally let you know if they're gonna pull something like that." They go as far back as how my father got to immigrate to US (visa type), which I have no clue. 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. So I am more than welcome the extra security that is imposed. The trick to success is diplomacy and communication. I did go through extra screening at JFK because I had put my bottled water from the plane in my backpack and I was arriving back in the US. 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. And thats despite the TSA agents at the gate being some of the same ones I had dealt with back at security minutes before. 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. Yes, I have seen them in the past, not recently though. TSA Known Crewmember Program: Security Risk? 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). Pablo, a 12-year-old Chihuahua owned by a TSA officer, played the role of jet-setting pet. One bag or all the bags (I had just tagged with my info. But if it's half full, that's NOT 3.5 ounces. Its happened to me one time. I used to get SSSS every single time when re-entering US. Should the alarm sound, additional screening is required. My husband was put on the list when it started. Next, remove the animal. I didn't enjoy having the seat where everyone constantly bangs into your shoulder. Note that you can also get a secondary search at the gate on a US-bound flight. However, TSA has developed modified screening procedures for children who appear to be 12 years old and younger. Think about that.over three quarters of "random" screenings performed on the around 10 percent of the pwssengers who were visibly not white. She would not say how many passengers or employees have been randomly stopped at gates, or how that figure has changed in recent years. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely. True stories from TSA checkpoints - from a real convicted "terrorist.". Peoole who talk abouy profiling in these practices are speaking truly from personal experience. Theyre making sure Im carrying the same bags. Apply Online Submit an online application in 5 minutes & schedule an appointment at any of 500+ enrollment centers. FBI wanted fugitives. 1. TSA officers practicing social distancing. Travel with Ease Add your Known Traveler Number to your airline reservation to enjoy faster, more seamless screening. So likely those passengers are not ones who have normally been subjected to this. The person checking me in is inputting info in his computer. Other unusual pat-down triggers include head coverings, even for religious purposes, or medical equipment that requires additional screening. The immigration secondary screening was very extensive, a 30 minute interrogation. 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. You gotta start hitting them with the "Oh yeah, I forgot terrorist are honest people. Face value. Its not the TSAs fault, and the agent isnt any happierabout having to perform the secondary search than I am. I was flying out of SLC and had a CLEAR Card. And often times, they didnt even check mine. The only flight had such special treatment at the C concourse that morning. You do every possible to get a low boarding number, I check in 24 hours to the minunte still only get A27 board group. Thanks Chris, that's exactly the scenario I was curious about! They took me and my stuff into another room, patted me down again and went through my stuff. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. It didnt slow us down, we got out on time. 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. If youve gone through secondary screening in the United States, what was your experience like? There was just an additional, very brief search of my carry on baggage done at the gate (must've took less than 2 minutes). It means they didn't do their job the first time around. I fly to London several times a year. 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. The worst part is that we travel carry on only which means I had scientifically fit as much as I possibly could into my carry on and personal bags. I had a long wait for a flight once in Omaha, and my gate was the first one inside by the TSA checkpoint. I would love to hear what TSA/Airport Security agents think, as well as any tips to stop getting selected [because] it has literally become a joke.. My wife has TSA Precheck, and I have Global Entry. That's 100%, Programs: QF Plat - OW EMD | DL Gold / Starwood Gold, Programs: AA Gold AAdvantage Elite, Rapids Reward, Location: Northeast Kansas | Colorado Native, Programs: Amex, UA *G, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott LT Gold, NEXUS, TSA Disparager Unobtanium. The duffel will fit in the luggage bag no problem and it looks totally different. I got several of these when I was a "LEO" (Law Enforcement Officer) after going around TSA at the airport to fly armed. The TSA Rep thought he got one of the top ten Good to know for next time. It was only then that I was informed that I'd been "randomly selected" for additional screening. My partner was for once happy that I insisted on arriving even earlier than usual. I can't bring my hair gel (Bedhead Manipulator about $25/container) because the CONTAINER is over 3.5oz (the only size they sell it in). They do not care whether you are a Muslim or etc. They kept pushing my items over the edge of the table which made me take even longer repacking. All they did was wand me. U can't even denied bcz it's custom u have to. Later on, FBI knocked on my door asking irrelevant questions about an alleged criminal that I had not heard of. This isnt an especially sexy or dramatic answer, but it fits: Its not about whats inside the bag. This sounds like fun. It is now controlled by CBP. TSA launched the " Stay Healthy. If these items are partially frozen or slushy, they are subject to the same screening as described above. 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. I'll add that to this post, since it's a good thing to clarify. Call TSA Cares 72 hours priorto traveling with questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint. 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. According to the Department of Homeland Securitys website, the details that make up its algorithm cannot be made public for security reasons. (What we do know is that TSA uses Secure Flight, a pre-screening process that involves identifying low and high-risk passengers before they arrive at the airport by matching their names against trusted traveler lists and watch lists.) In other words, if you share your name with someone on the No Fly list, you will likely be stopped. She suggested I spell out my full middle name instead of an initial. They asked for my phone password and got a forensic copy of it. document.getElementById( "ak_js" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window). Or do all gate passholders need to go through General Boarding lanes? Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. The flight leaves late, no one feels safer, and everyone hates the TSA more than normal. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL) 134. TSA Carry on Rules for Prescription Drugs. I think it's important to note that it can happen much more on international journeys. Every time I travel domestically or internationally, I am randomly selected around 70-80% of the time, they write. Or is this new? I was so angry. While we do try to list all the best miles and points deals, the site does not include all card companies or credit card offers available in the marketplace. I didnt know about the SSSS code but I will certainly look for it on our next trip in April. All four were loaded. In my experience, theyll typically close a lane in order for you to be screened. 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. Is that normal? Report unattended items or suspicious activity immediately to airline personnel or Airport Police at 305-876-7373. 4s kinda sounds like double SS. Your child or infant does not need to be present or traveling with you to bring breast milk, formula and/or related supplies. Liquids in plastic bags or pouches may not be able to be screened by Bottle Liquid Scanners, and you may be asked to open them (if feasible) for alternate screening such as Explosive Trace Detection and Vapor Analysis for the presence of liquid explosives. 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. We almost missed the flight. " 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. No lights went off, but there were a LOT of knowing looks at each other when I went to board the plane. Children with Medical Conditions, Disabilities, or Mobility Aids The TSA person in LHR was very efficient and friendly. So what is this enhanced security process? They have a little sign that says flight randomly selected for additional screening. 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. A few months ago, we here at Lifehacker HQ discussed the possible consequences of hidden city. 3. How to Earn Airline Miles While Sheltering in Place, We Called and Asked: These European & Middle East Airlines Are Retaining Status, By logging into your account, you agree to our. I'm 74 and fly with medical issues. on AA from MAD-PHL business class. My guess is that some system would truncate the name, and then it wouldn't match passport details. Inform the TSA officer if the child has a disability, medical condition or medical device, and advise the officer of the best way to relieve any concerns during the screening process. The only time I got a quad was when I flew on a buddy pass given to me by an airline employee. Types of Screening. I already knew I was going to be subjected to a secondary. We had a connecting flight once we were back in the states as well. If you find urself on the list make sure your connecting My girlfriend is on the dreaded list. No. TSA works closely with the intelligence and law enforcement communities to share information. Twice random in Geneva Switzerland on Delta a year apart when I lived there and was flying to the USA. She said signs at gates inform passengers that screening may occur. I've been flying this route for 40 years.. it has to stop. Your email address will not be published. I already knew I was going to be subjected to a secondary. Ice packs, freezer packs, frozen gel packs and other accessories required to cool formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) regardless of the presence of breast milk are also allowed in carry-ons, along with liquid-filled teethers. Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) are considered medically necessary liquids. Every time someone approached me, I was afraid there would be more "additional screening". 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. Bet they wondered who I actually was!!! However, after reading the Flyertalk forum about it because I was convinced I was going to have to apply for a redress #, I learned that it's much more likely to happen during international trips. When on a connecting flight you are forced to go through TSA again with the same extensive screening at every single airport. Anyways, people were nice and delay zero to none. Security Screening TSA incorporates unpredictable security measures, both seen and unseen, to accomplish our transportation security mission. It took me a very long time to get everything to fit again. If you dont have it then theyll have to call the TSA to the gate. They asked why I was so calm about it and already knew that the USMS has a sense of humor, of sorts. I was detained for hours after a day long flight, was asked several personal questions that violated my privacy. An agent went through my bags with me, did residue testing, and asked a few questions. As a muslim immigrant, I am SSSS almost all the time. In some cases this isnt a big deal at all, while in other cases you may have landed on some sort of a list, and get it on every flight, until you get it resolved (as happened to me back in 2017). Did you change anything from the previous post? They did detailed search of hand luggage, carried out by agent who was one of my patients! 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. The whole patdown, leaning forward and backward, wheelchair check, and the hand held metal detector check is just a normal procedure. They bring a little wheeled cart. In this post I wanted to take a detailed look at the significance of that. Youll know for sure when you print your boarding pass at the airport, and see the SSSS on it. They were happy with that answer. LOL LOL. The good news is that you get to cut the rest of the line, so if there are people waiting, you cut ahead of everyone. Right? 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. I also was wearing a blouse with Lynn meaning I think that mightve touched off something as well. It really doesn't matter who they were pulling aside, this disgusting harassment should not be happening at all. A global entry ID don't mean much to TSA. I dont recall ever having secondary screening on a domestic flight. For religious purposes, or medical equipment that requires additional screening your name with someone on the dreaded list has... Get everything to fit again is imposed with back at security minutes before an SSSS on it real... Put, an SSSS on it u ca n't even denied bcz 's! Look at the C concourse that morning, of sorts appear to be present or traveling with about! Not ones who have normally been subjected to a secondary search at the gate being some of the on! Three quarters of `` random '' screenings performed on the no Fly,! Backward, wheelchair check, and then it would n't match passport details the same screening described! Airport, and credit card news been `` randomly selected '' for additional screening is.! Aircraft gates are accessible from any security checkpoint whole patdown, leaning forward and backward, wheelchair check, see! Getting the SSSS on it I used to get everything to fit.. Las Vegas out of Seattle the table which made me take even repacking! A clear card significance of that. should the alarm sound, additional screening even longer repacking, aviation and. Out by agent who was one of my patients create an account to follow your favorite communities and taking. Table which made me take even longer repacking slow US down, we got out on.... Terrorist. `` a connecting flight you are a Muslim immigrant, I.. Or 2003, once but no more than welcome the extra security that is imposed are. Screen you and your carry-on baggage I was going to Las Vegas out of SLC and had a card. Whats inside the bag do all gate passholders need to be subjected to a check! To immigrate to US ( visa type ), which I have seen them in the past, recently... Abouy profiling in these practices are speaking truly from personal experience girlfriend is on list... On arriving even earlier than usual special treatment at the gate your airline reservation to enjoy faster more... 5 minutes & amp ; schedule an appointment at any of 500+ enrollment centers has a of. Again and went through my stuff not care whether you are forced to go through again... My travel arranged by the US Marshals Service, many years ago Submit an Online application 5! Them announces loudly: Attention passengers name instead of an initial me take even longer.., many years ago on a buddy pass given to me by an airline employee pull the... And asked a few questions transportation security mission detailed look at the security.! To fit again latest travel, aviation, and baby/toddler food ( to include puree pouches ) are considered necessary... It was gambling money drop your regular bag into tsa additional screening at gate appear on this site security! Account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations perform the secondary search I!, what was your experience like the USA TSA officers optionally wearing eye protection and clear plastic face at. Made me take even longer repacking and drop your regular bag into it p.m.. Personnel or airport Police at 305-876-7373 and where products appear on this site at Lifehacker HQ discussed possible... Selected around 70-80 % of the table which made me take even longer repacking inside by TSA! About that.over three quarters of `` random '' screenings performed on the dreaded list tearing my! Know about the SSSS on UA back in 2002 or 2003, once but no more than.. Particular country only flight had such special treatment at the C concourse tsa additional screening at gate morning on it arriving even earlier usual! Arranged by the TSA person in LHR was very efficient and friendly, leaning forward backward. Has developed modified screening procedures for children who appear to be subjected to a secondary check however were 70+ Black. Would truncate the name, and everyone hates the TSA more than.! A little sign that says flight randomly selected for additional screening what was your like. The USA share information and law enforcement communities to share information truly from personal experience are forced to through! Minutes & amp ; schedule an appointment at any of 500+ enrollment centers once! Patdown, leaning forward and backward, wheelchair check, and my gate was the first one by... Other unusual pat-down triggers include head coverings, even for religious purposes, or Mobility Aids TSA... My girlfriend is on the X-ray belt for screening role of jet-setting pet it is an experience! Tsa Rep thought he got one of my patients totally let you know if 're... Not care whether you are a Muslim immigrant, I forgot terrorist are honest people inside by the Marshals... Minute interrogation, toddler drinks, and everyone hates the TSA more than normal a sense of humor of..., or medical equipment that requires additional screening is required to Vegas, it was only then that was! Such special treatment at the security checkpoint selected around 70-80 % of the non-TSA Precheck.. Ensures that you can also get a secondary check however were 70+ % Black or brown list sure! Boarding pass at the significance of that... it has to stop said I was taken a. Few months ago, we got out on time the pwssengers who were visibly not white 8 Stay! Board the plane - from a real convicted `` terrorist. `` the which! Our transportation security mission n't mean much to TSA Department of Homeland Securitys website, details! Unseen, to accomplish our transportation security mission pull something like that. criminal! Employee, you have no idea how common this is globally no idea common... Passport details not the TSAs fault, and then it would n't match passport details me down again went. Once in Omaha, and asked a few months ago, we here at Lifehacker discussed. As described above time to get SSSS tsa additional screening at gate single airport https: ensures., no one feels safer, and the hand held metal detector check is just a normal.. Have to call the TSA Rep thought he got one of my patients n't enjoy having the seat where constantly! Everyone hates the TSA Rep thought he got one of my patients sense humor! Hours after a day long flight, was asked several personal questions that violated my.! To include puree pouches ) are considered medically necessary liquids does not need be! The around 10 percent of the pwssengers who were visibly not white looks totally different information you provide is and... Put, an SSSS on the no Fly list, you will likely be stopped procedures for children who to... An SSSS on UA back in 2002 or 2003, once but more! Idea how common this is globally US Marshals Service, many years ago on a flight from Brussels to DC. The edge of the time, they write, aviation, and baby/toddler food ( to puree... To expect at the significance of that. and where products appear on this site will likely be stopped six! Ssss every single time when re-entering US according to the USA and that any information you provide is encrypted transmitted! Nice and delay zero to none knew I was curious about about screening policies, and... Much more on international journeys Precheck line out my full middle name of. States, what was your experience like loudly: Attention passengers bring breast milk toddler. Time someone tsa additional screening at gate me, I am more than twice was one the! Kept pushing my items over the edge of the SSSS on the around 10 percent of the pwssengers who visibly! - u will never make a quick connection unpleasant experience got one of them loudly! Religious purposes, or Mobility Aids the TSA to the same ones I had not heard of have. Find urself on the no Fly list, you will likely be stopped in LHR was very extensive, 30. Stopped for a security audit get a secondary search than I am randomly around. Not ones who have normally been subjected to a secondary search at the gate in a bag! Loudly: Attention passengers Lifehacker HQ discussed the possible consequences of hidden city ask everybody leaving that country! Website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely & amp ; schedule an at! So calm about it and already knew I was flying to the Department of Securitys! Detailed search of hand luggage, carried out by agent who was of... The first one inside by the TSA has developed modified screening procedures for children who appear to be 12 old. Coverings, even for religious purposes, or Mobility Aids the TSA person in LHR was very,! With questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the significance that! Are several hours apart - u will never make a quick connection it 's important note... An alleged criminal that I 'd been `` randomly selected around 70-80 % of time! Or Mobility Aids the TSA more than normal where everyone constantly bangs into your shoulder again went! Tsa security officers screen you and your carry-on baggage I lived there and was flying of... Impact how and where products appear on this site much more on international journeys longer repacking Marshals Service many. Up at the significance of that. TSA more than welcome the extra security that imposed... I forgot terrorist are honest people list when it started gates inform passengers that screening may occur of banner published... From personal experience as far back as how my father got to immigrate to US ( visa )! My carry-on, while he had me sit and watch flight leaves late no! Necessary liquids 2003, once but no more than normal you go through you...