The official first day of summer is nearly here, and you might be looking forward to a summer vacation given that Ohio recently experienced severe weather that spawned tornadoes on June 14 (with more severe weather on the way). But before flying anywhere, you’ll likely have to go through screening at a TSA checkpoint.
Loading and unloading your luggage during the process is a hassle on its own. But TSA can also pull you aside for additional screening if they find four letters on your boarding pass.
What will happen if TSA finds the letters ‘SSSS’ on your boarding pass
If your boarding pass has “SSSS” on it, TSA will pull you aside for additional screening.
“SSSS” stands for “Secondary Security Screening Selection,” which means you’ll have to take an extra few steps beyond regular security protocols. And if you’re cutting it close on time, that extra security step could delay your arrival at the gate.
The extra check is not just for regular pass holders. Even those with a Trusted Traveler Program, such as Global Entry and TSA Precheck, or a CLEAR access purchase, may also be pulled for additional screening if they find those four letters on their boarding pass.
Why is there an ‘SSSS’ on my boarding pass?
The code can appear on anyone’s boarding pass. A few common reasons for this group of letters include:
If you do find this quartet of letters on your boarding pass, allow 15–45 minutes of extra time to get through security at the airport.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: 4 letters on your boarding pass could force TSA to pull you aside
Reporting by Mariyam Muhammad, Columbus Dispatch / The Columbus Dispatch
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Mariyam Muhammad, Columbus Dispatch | USA TODAY Network
