What are the practical consequences of getting SSSS on a flight outside the US?
In the US, getting the dreaded SSSS mark of Cain on your boarding pass has well known consequences, with the TSA singling you out for an extra level of attention.
But what happens when you get one on your way to the US, while you're still beyond the reach of the TSA's loving latex gloves?
Update: My expectation when asking this was that there's a standard set of requirements imposed by the US. I'm somewhat surprised to find out that this doesn't appear to be the case...!
Best Answer
I've had SSSS once in Canada (at Regina, YQR). I got a bag search at the gate before boarding, and a quick pat-down. It only took a couple of minutes. I had no extra screening happen when I passed through security.
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Is SSSS really random?
Is it actually random? Yes and no. According to TSA spokesman Michael McCarthy, SSSS appears on a passenger's boarding pass when they have been selected by the agency's Secure Flight system for enhanced security screening.How do I remove SSSS from my boarding pass?
Unfortunately, there's nothing much you can do to avoid your boarding pass getting the 'SSSS' stamp.How long does SSSS last?
Overall, the time for the SSSS search can range drastically from a couple of minutes to 30+ minutes so try to be as patient as possible. A lot of times these agents know they are inconveniencing you and they want to make the process as stress-free as possible but other times they can be miserable to deal with.What does it mean if you have SSSS on your boarding pass?
It's the Transportation Security Administration's way of flagging airline passengers for \u201cenhanced\u201d screening. An SSSS code stamped on your boarding pass overrides pre-approval through a Trusted Traveler Program such as TSA PreCheck and can add 15 to 45 minutes (or more) to your boarding process.What does 'SSSS' on your boarding pass mean?
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Answer 2
At least in Sydney, the answer appears to be very little. Checking in online worked, security/immigration was normal, the only difference was that at the gate I was taken aside and had a quick explosive sniff test done. This is virtually identical to the one regularly done in Australian airports anyway, the only difference being that they "sniff" your hands as well. The procedure took about 30 seconds and then I was on my way to the Land of Security Theater the Free.
Answer 3
Observations:
PVG (Shanghai/PuDong): Means nothing.
YVR (Vancouver, a pre-clearance airport): Extra screening, the gate confirmed that she had gotten the extra screening while we were waiting for our flight. (Note, however, that we were a party of 5, only she got the SSSS. Thus, almost pure security theater.)
Answer 4
The TSA is still in reach in another country. When I came back to the US from Brussels a few years ago, an airline agent (United) told me at the gate the "TSA has selected you for additional screening", and he showed me the SSSS on my boarding pass. He then informed me that the search will be carried out by an airline agent. The actual screening took about 2 minutes. An agent in an airline uniform opened the zippers of my bag and wiped it down with piece of paper to detect for explosives. Then she did the same on my hands, waist, lower back, and shoes. After the screening, I was directed straight on to the airplane despite the long line. I was one of the first people on the plane, so something good came out of the screening. In other countries, however, it is done differently. When I got selected for additional screening in Spain, the screening was done at the regular security, and it was carried out by the regular people carrying out the general screening.
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