- Travellers jetting off to the U.S. could be stopped in their tracks by four letters
- Passengers have noted seeing a ‘SSSS’ code on the bottom right of their pass
- So what does the secret acronym mean for those heading overseas?
Very few things are as exciting as jetting off on a holiday to explore another part of the world.
But after the planning, packing and daydreaming, it has been revealed four little letters could throw a wrench in any traveller’s escapade.
So what does it mean when you see ‘SSSS’ on your boarding pass?
Spotting the code ‘SSSS’ (pictured) on your boarding pass could throw a wrench in any traveller’s plans
The code, which stands for ‘Secondary Security Screening Selection’, is seen on boarding passes of passengers heading to the U.S (stock image)
Anyone who spots the acronym has been selected to undergo a more extensive security screening process before boarding their flight – sometimes taking up to half an hour, according to Mamamia.
The code, which stands for ‘Secondary Security Screening Selection’, is seen on boarding passes of passengers heading to the U.S.
The screening process, which can include bag searches, pat downs and validating identity, is conducted by the Transportation Security Administration.
Anyone who spots the acronym has been selected to undergo a more extensive security screening process before boarding their flight – sometimes taking up to half an hour (pictured)
A passenger may be able to tell will have to undergo additional checks if they are unable to print their boarding pass at the airport’s self-check-in (pictured)
The TSA insists travellers who receive the ‘SSSS’ are selected at random, but some have claimed they are 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.
A passenger may be able to tell will have to undergo additional checks if they are unable to print their boarding pass at the airport’s self-check-in.
The TSA insists travellers who receive the ‘SSSS’ are selected at random, but some have claimed they are pulled aside most times they travel (stock image)