Traveling through an airport can often be a challenging experience, and it might become even more so if you notice a specific code on your boarding pass.
Even under normal circumstances, navigating airports can be stressful due to issues like flight cancellations or delays, crowded terminals, and long lines at security checkpoints.
Occasionally, you might breeze through the airport and reach your gate without any hassle.
However, if your boarding pass includes the ‘SSSS’ code, you can expect a different experience.
Before you become alarmed, it’s important to understand that having this code doesn’t imply any wrongdoing on your part, but it might mean that airport staff will take a closer look at you.
This was the case for travel influencer Jordyn Verzera, whose partner, fellow content creator JT Mocarski, discovered the code on his ticket.
In a 2024 TikTok video on their channel, themobilehomie, they shared their experience with the code.
Verzera explained in the caption: “On flights to/from the US, you can get “randomly” selected to undergo a much higher level of security.
“For my partner, this meant separating all of his things from mine, pulling absolutely everything out of his bag, swabbing everything, and then making sure that his laptop turned on (so that they could inspect it).”
The ‘SSSS’ code stands for ‘Secondary Security Screening Selection,’ indicating that travelers entering the US might be subject to more extensive checks by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
Many who learned the meaning of this code expressed their displeasure and shared their own experiences with the additional scrutiny.
One traveler recounted: “This happened to me the last time I flew out to see my best friend, the TSA scanned my phone and made a copy of all my texts, app messages, pictures etc.
“The whole thing was weird and violating, but I guess the TAS can enjoy all the close up shots of weird pimples I can’t regularly see lol.”
Another shared: “I was flagged all the time because I used to fly solo before I turned 18.”
A third individual commented: “I never understood this algorithm- I got SSSS and I’m a Veteran and 20 year federal employee.”
To potentially avoid delays, it might be wise to arrive at the airport earlier if your boarding pass features the SSSS code.