Ever heard the saying “we have a quad” at the airport? The term may seem bizarre, but it is actually shorthand for 4 dreaded letters: SSSS. The acronym stands for Secondary Security Screening Selection which means that you should prepare yourself for a thorough inspection by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
The code appears on specially selected passengers’ boarding passes and is TSA’s way of flagging them. Unfortunately, SSSS has the power to override pre-approvals like TSA PreCheck and can prevent one from checking in online or at a self-check-in kiosk.
While we may blame the TSA for the extensive evaluation, the blame actually lies with individual airlines. Upon booking a flight, the airline submits your name, gender, and date of birth to the TSA for clearance. Fines are incurred for allowing passengers onboard who have not been cleared. So what does SSSS entail and how can it be avoided?
The process typically involves being separated from fellow passengers (including those in your party); shoes, coats, and electronics being removed; stepping through a metal detector and body scanner; receiving a full-body pat down; hands and feet being swabbed for traces of explosives; and all items of luggage unpacked and examined. An SSSS can delay you by anything between 15 to 45 minutes, so it’s best to be avoided.
While those traveling to the US from a destination in the Middle East or Africa may give pause, a red flag that airlines notice is booking tickets last minute and paying in cash. One-way tickets can also be a trigger, as is flying to or through countries deemed “high-risk” by the State Department, or a name bearing a resemblance to someone on the Department of Homeland Security watch list.
We’re crossing our fingers that all your future flights are SSSS-free.