Boarding passes often have confusing details on them from the flight numbers to the QR codes. Recently it was revealed the documents hold very personal information in code-form, which if posted online, could pose a security threat to the passenger in question. It has recently emerged one of the codes within the boarding pass could hide a secret meaning.
Have you ever see the SSSS code? Here's what it means.
SSSS stands for 'Secondary Security Screening Selection' and is used by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), The Mirror reported.
Airline passengers who find 'SSSS' stamped on their boarding passes will face extra security checks and delays, it has been revealed.
According to Life Hacker, there are a few reasons which may have contributed.
It means that the person has been selected to go through additional checks, be it at the check-in desk or later to double check the traveler's ID.
Frustratingly, it's sometimes randomised. But last-minute flights could be one reason, as could taking an international one-way fare. And if you're on a watch list, you can definitely expect this to appear on your pass.
If you've paid for that flight in cash, that may also mean you now qualify, as can traveling from somewhere which is classified as a "high-risk country."
If the SSSS code is printed on a boarding pass, passengers may also find themselves unable to print it out before their journey – meaning it can only be printed at the airport check-in desk.
The screening process, which can include bag searches, pat downs and validating identity, is conducted by the Transportation Security Administration.
The TSA insists travelers who receive the ‘SSSS’ are selected at random, but some have claimed they have pulled aside most times they travel.
Buying one-way tickets or paying in cash could land passengers on the TSA’s secret list and lead to frequent ‘SSSS’ checks, the publication said.
One thing to bear in mind is, if you have not been able to print your pass off, you may want to arrive at the airport even earlier than planned.
This is because if this code appears, as long as up 30 minutes could be added to your getting through security.
First, you'll be taken to your own security line where you’ll go through every security screening possible, including going through a metal detector and body scanner twice and getting a full body pat-down.
Then security painstakingly goes through your carry-on bags, with each item getting wiped down for explosive residue.
Eventually, a form will be filled out and your boarding pass will be stamped and you'll finally be allowed on your flight.
Probably in need of a holiday more than ever.
Failure to take part in the enhanced security screening will result in the traveler being denied boarding.
The scheme was introduced after the 9/11 terror attacks, to help security officials monitor potentially dangerous individuals from entering or leaving the U.S.
Travelers can request to be removed from the Secondary Security Screening Selection List by submitting documentation and evidence to the Traveller Redress Inquiry Program.
Annoyed passengers have complained about the length security process on social media.
Frequent traveler Touring Tony said on Twitter: 'TSA, why do you SSSS me every time I travel to the Mideast? Come on already, can't Americans travel freely without harassment?'
