Secondary Security Screening Selection; a code printed on boarding passes indicating the passenger has been selected by the TSA for enhanced, thorough security screening.
What Is an SSSS Boarding Pass?
SSSS stands for Secondary Security Screening Selection, a designation printed on a U.S. airline boarding pass indicating that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has selected the passenger for enhanced, additional security screening. The four letters typically appear in the barcode area or near the passenger's name on both printed and mobile boarding passes.
The TSA applies this selection using the Secure Flight program, which screens passenger data against watchlists and behavioral risk criteria before departure. A passenger flagged with SSSS undergoes extra screening at the checkpoint on every leg of that specific itinerary, regardless of prior TSA PreCheck status. The designation can result from random selection, one-way ticket purchases, cash payments, last-minute bookings, or matches to certain watchlist criteria.
How It Works
Passengers with SSSS on their boarding pass are typically routed to a separate screening line. The process commonly includes a full-body pat-down, complete removal and hand-inspection of carry-on items, explosive trace detection (ETD) swabbing of hands and belongings, and additional screening of electronics and shoes. This screening generally takes 15 to 45 minutes longer than standard checkpoint screening. SSSS status is assigned per itinerary, not permanently to a traveler, though frequent recurrence can happen with certain booking patterns.
Where It Applies
SSSS screening applies to passengers flying on U.S. carriers or on international flights departing to, from, or through the United States, since it is governed by TSA's Secure Flight program rather than by individual airlines. It is not tied to a specific airline or aircraft type — any traveler on any U.S.-bound or U.S.-departing itinerary, including private charter passengers using commercial terminals, can be selected regardless of cabin class or loyalty status.
Traveler Tip
Arrive at least 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before international if you've had SSSS on a previous boarding pass, since the extra screening can take significant time. Booking one-way or last-minute tickets increases the odds of selection. CEOFLIGHTS specialists can help find discounted fares — call (888) 851-6897.
