My Ticket said SSSS how do I get it off?

Question

My husband and I flew to vegas, I wore a girdle. I had no clue what was to follow. They wouldn't let me take if off. They used the wand on me, patted me down. When we started home from Vegas, my ticket said SSSS. I had to go to a separate place everything was removed from my purse and my laptop bag. I had air blown on me and xrayed. We are headed to Europe soon, is this going to happen every time? How do I get it off my ticket?

Answer 1

The selection is usually--- but not always--- random. Federal regulations require that a certain percentage of people get SSSS'ed each day, and the computer just picks them out. The wanding on the way in and the SSSS on the way out are probably not related, just coincidence. But do keep in mind that you will get extra screening if you trip off the metal detector no matter what your ticket says--- if you must wear a girdle, wear one with plastic boning and not metal. Underwire bras will trip the detectors too; not all that often but it does happen.

Some things that increase your chances of being SSSS'ed are paying for the ticket in cash, someone else paying for the ticket (if you pay for your husband's and you have the same last name, that isn't a red flag, but if your sister pays for yours and you have different last names, that is), one-way tickets purchased at the last minute, and multi-city trips.

Your name may also be on a watch list which happens in error all the time.

I would not worry about it unless you get it on your next trip, too. I'd be prepared for it just in case--- dress in something that you feel comfortable getting that secondary screening, and pack accordingly. Chances are, you won't get it but if you do, you can ask the inspector to see if you got it because your name is on watchlist. If it is, they can put you in touch with the TSA office to get it removed. Even Sen. Kennedy was on one of these watchlists for a while.

Answer 2

Ssss List

Answer 3

The SSSS should only be on your boarding pass. What about all those people with electronic tickets? I have had to go through SSSS before. I fly a lot and I feel the selection is random. I see no pattern except that everytime they do this special search on me, they also search my luggage. I didn't think the airline agent makes it happen at check-in, but then I've never gotten the SSSS when I check in online at home so I dunno...
I don't think you need to worry about your next trip.

Answer 4

I had that same code on my boarding pass -probally because
I paid cash for my ticket... thats what trigger the SSSS code
so if you pay cash you are going get searched more for sure

Answer 5

I would suggest that you simply ask the airline. Explain your predicament, that you have to wear a girdle and pre-warn them to expect you - mmaybe arrange to be met or at least so that the check in are aware. They deal with wheel chair passengers and other people with sprecial needs, someone who needs to wear a girlde should be no problem!

You will probably get patted down again and even x-rayed, but if they are expecting you it should be easier.

Answer 6

Well thats what all those otherwise unemployed TSA employees get paid to do. The airlines have a list of abstract factors that cause normal people to be targeted for "skills enhancement" practice. It could be any employee you interact with along the way. It won't get any better until people stop tolerating whatever comes their way in the name of "security".

Answer 7

It stands for Secondary Security Screening Selectee. It is sometimes randomly assigned, and may have had nothing to do with your previous experience.

Answer 8

You might get sent to Guantanamo if you try pulling that kind of prank again - consider yourself lucky. But seriously I dont think that will happen again.

Answer 9

thats a good question and I hope you find reasonable answers