An experienced traveler has shed light on what it means when “SSSS” appears on your boarding pass — and why it could complicate your journey.
Chloe Jade Meltzer, 30, a New York-based travel blogger who has visited 162 countries since 2015, revealed that she’s encountered the “SSSS” code six times during her extensive travels. The acronym stands for **Secondary Security Screening Selection, a process used by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to flag certain passengers for additional security checks before boarding.
Passengers marked with “SSSS” are subjected to more thorough screening procedures, which may include pat-downs, hand swabs, questioning, and detailed inspections of their luggage.
“One of the biggest signs you’ll get ‘SSSS’ is if you don’t receive your boarding pass immediately at check-in,” Chloe explained. “When that happens, I know there’s a good chance I’ll be pulled aside at the gate.”
According to Chloe, the screening takes place just before boarding, not earlier in the airport, which can make it stressful and time-consuming. “You can’t get it over with ahead of time — it happens at the gate,” she said. “It depends on how quickly you get there, how your bags are packed, and how efficient the security staff is.”
She noted that during the secondary screening, passengers may also be asked additional questions about their travel plans, such as their destination and duration of stay. “It can feel targeted, but often several passengers—or even half the plane—might be going through the same checks,” she said.
As for what triggers the extra screening, Chloe explained that it can be random but may also be linked to specific factors. “It might happen if you’ve traveled to certain flagged countries or bought a one-way ticket,” she said. “But they always say it’s random, so there’s no guaranteed way to avoid it.”
Despite the inconvenience, Chloe advises travelers not to panic. “If you get ‘SSSS’ on your boarding pass, just stay calm and give yourself extra time,” she said.
