This sounds like fun. In some cases this isnt a big deal at all, while in other cases you may have landed on some sort of a list, and get it on every flight, until you get it resolved (as happened to me back in 2017). My friend and I were waived thru- this was midway down the Jetway. We called it the Super Secret Strip Search. There you just fill out basic details sharing what you think the problem is, and then that should be investigated and hopefully resolved. They bring a little wheeled cart. We almost missed the flight. When it hit me what theyre trying to do with their obnoxious security audits at the gate. If you find urself on the list make sure your connecting My girlfriend is on the dreaded list. I am very nervous about exposing my body to strangers, and this should have been done in private. TSA Carry on Rules for Prescription Drugs. Only me. It is treated just like any other identification and will not give you a free pass, so if you get selected for random, you will be sent for random. Place all carry-on baggage such as children's toys, bags and blankets on the X-ray belt for screening. An inadvertent admission by TSA? Walk . Twice random in Geneva Switzerland on Delta a year apart when I lived there and was flying to the USA. Other unusual pat-down triggers include head coverings, even for religious purposes, or medical equipment that requires additional screening. As you mentioned, "SSSS" screening at foreign airports is done at the departure gate. Are there any signs that youll be subjected to additional security? I traveled very frequently when I was in medical school and I ended up on the SSSS list almost every other time that I flew. Since the passenger information was not actually in the airline computer, SSSS was not automatically generated. So I am more than welcome the extra security that is imposed. At that particular airport entering passengers were ~90% white, but ~70% of those selected for "random" checks came out of the 10% who were visibly nonwhite. This practice started after 9/11 and was much more common at that time. Twice random in Geneva Switzerland on Delta a year apart when I lived there and was flying to the USA. ID checks and selected individuals for additional swabbing and bag check. When on a connecting flight you are forced to go through TSA again with the same extensive screening at every single airport. However, they didn't know I also had a 1-year residency ID. Remove infants and children from strollers and car seats and carry them in arms through the walk-through metal detector. She suggested I spell out my full middle name instead of an initial. So after learning that pattern I just skipped to the front of line, told them I was "quad-S" and they would print my pass and walk me to the front of security. However, if you do not want the formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) to be X-rayed or opened, please inform the TSA officer. Every flight Im on gets one of these random security audits. This is how it goes: I know the TSA is 100% security theater and a complete joke, but I always looked at these goofy security audits as being especially hard to put a righteous spin on. As people,even they can have a bad day, too. Walk through the metal detector carrying your pet or guiding it by leash.Upon exiting, an officer. "Everything we do here at TSA is for a reason, it's not made to make travelers' lives a hassle," she said. It only happened once and once was enough. I have been screened from the first security check to escorted to the CT Scanner and the at the actual loading Gate. They bring a little wheeled cart. In 2017, the ACLU also analyzed 13,000 TSA documents, which, among other significant findings, found that some officers referred passengers to additional screening far more than others, a troubling indication that the TSAs indicators are subjective and arbitrary, the ACLUs website reads. What then might influence whether youre chosen for enhanced screening? So this is nothing new. You can not. As weve written before, you might also be selected if youre flying to or from whats considered a high-risk country. What Is TSA PreCheck, And Is It Worth It? - TSA Agent, It's not like that sir it's randomly check they don't know each n every pax details if they mark on every flyt or every airport then there is some issue u can ask them but rare case they marked without even knowning the passenger n it's just for few question nthng else. That's 100%, Programs: QF Plat - OW EMD | DL Gold / Starwood Gold, Programs: AA Gold AAdvantage Elite, Rapids Reward, Location: Northeast Kansas | Colorado Native, Programs: Amex, UA *G, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott LT Gold, NEXUS, TSA Disparager Unobtanium. When time to renew, she will get Global Entry. According to the TSA: Gate passes require full screening no matter what, Yeah sorry, gate passes get full, standard screening. My guess is that some system would truncate the name, and then it wouldn't match passport details. If these items are partially frozen or slushy, they are subject to the same screening as described above. The use of 'SSSS' codes has been formalized and strengthened under this, but its use has been reported before. I had to give permission or we were not getting on the plane. CS three? On our last trip they took him to a separate room as if he was smuggling drugs. Theyre making sure Im carrying the same bags. You failed to mention the absolute worst aspect. My first time flying BA first to DFW from LHR I was chosen and was stopped at the gate. There have been four firearm detections at PNS in 2023 as of Feb. 24. However, TSA has developed modified screening procedures for children who appear to be 12 years old and younger. The first screening in New Orleans he had to go into a separate room and disrobe. Location: Marriott or Hilton hot tub with a big drink Beverage: To-Go Bag DYKWIA: SSSS /rolleyes Date Night: Costco, Programs: Sea Shell Lounge Platinum, TSA Pre Refusnik Diamond, PWP Gold, FT subset of the subset. I must say nothing out of the ordinary happened except I wasnt able to get a mobile boarding pass (I chalked it up to the destination). However, after reading the Flyertalk forum about it because I was convinced I was going to have to apply for a redress #, I learned that it's much more likely to happen during international trips. I had to lift my shirt exposing my belly and back half way up for the lady to check me. - TSA Agent. The TSA screening procedures for domestic flights involve passengers showing valid identification, going through a security screening, and separating any prohibited items into a small bag. When checking us both in online at exactly 24 . Next, remove the animal. You are part of the negative media propaganda that you were talking about. He was tearing through my carry-on, while he had me sit and watch. New Era Of TSA Crazy: Im Missing 50% Of My Flights Now. Your email address will not be published. However, if you get this several times in a row, theres a chance youre on some sort of a list, and may want to start the DHS TRIP process. "In support of TSAs overall security strategy, the frequency of gate screening has increased and may occur unannounced at gate areas anytime.". One guy patted me down, had a look through my carry-on and that was it. Had to go through a separate security line, with no one in it other than my wife and me. Advertiser Disclosure: Some links to credit cards and other products on this website will earn an affiliate commission. If there is an alarm, the individual will undergo additional screening. I learned years ago for me the SSSS changed from 3 HAND WRITTEN RED INK MARKS ACROSS YOUR BOARDING PASS. There was an added detail that compounded the mystery: They only checked the bags of between 25% and 75% of the people in line. The TSA does indeed check checked baggage, but most of the time they don't need to do a physical search. FBI wanted fugitives. They had an agent hovering over my luggage at the end of the counter and asked if they were all mine. Liquids in plastic bags or pouches may not be able to be screened by Bottle Liquid Scanners, and you may be asked to open them (if feasible) for alternate screening such as Explosive Trace Detection and Vapor Analysis for the presence of liquid explosives. We may earn a commission from links on this page. The secondary screening experience was invasive. The TSA agents were nice and apologetic. As soon as boarding begins, one of them announces loudly: Attention passengers. At one airport I got pulled for this, I was in a different concouse then my flight was departing and he wanted to know what I was doing. I am a Muslim immigrant from the middle east and was given one of those "random checks" at the airport flying back home in the US. See you there is a actual no-fly list and nine airlines have their own version. If theres a line just to check-in, well, that could take an extra 30 minutes with the family of 12 ahead of you and several strollers in tow. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. To ensure your security, all travelers are required to undergo screening. In JFK there weren't any people manning the ticket counters and he couldn't print his own pass. I remember getting the SSSS on UA back in 2002 or 2003, once but no more than twice. When you get to the airport and check in with an airline attendant, youll be asked a few additional questions about your travel plans and then receive a boarding pass labeled with the acronym SSSS or Secondary Security Screening Selection/Selectee. Please prepare to show ID and present your bags to an agent for inspection." Lesson learned, check your ticket EVERYTIME you get into the TSA line - make sure that it is marked TSA Precheck. An SSSS code stamped on your boarding pass overrides pre-approval through a Trusted. I got ssss few days ago in Punta Cana, didnt know what it mean, but only what happened was to take off my shoes. Card for turkey. Fortunately I am in fine shape but it's still rather embarrassing. No matter how prepared you are, airport delays are inevitable. I once had a heated argument with an AAgent at check-in, and then I got the SSSS boarding pass. Gate passes require full screening no matter what. I already knew I was going to be subjected to a secondary. Peoole who talk abouy profiling in these practices are speaking truly from personal experience. Its just SSSS, not SS ;). An official website of the United States government. Or is this new? Who knows. There are five main checkpoints at SEA Airport featuring general, premium, CLEAR, TSA PreCheck, and ADA-friendly screening. on AA from MAD-PHL business class. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/32957073-post2009.html. TSA Cares is a helpline to assist travelers with disabilities and medical conditions. I had it in LHR heading for the States just after Christmas. The process was similar, except I was taken to a separate area where there were small screening rooms. If you dont have it then theyll have to call the TSA to the gate. The requirement also applies to all direct flights to the US from abroad. Accessible property of all travelers, regardless of age, must be screened. TSA and CBP don't care whether you are a Muslim or etcand certainly will not take a "forensic copy" of your phone. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Im just out for good blog material at this point. American Airlines Adds Family Seating Policy Ahead of DOT Dashboard, Lufthansa Allegris: A First-Class Suite Coming in 2024, World of Hyatt Announces the Return of Bonus Journeys, New Tool Aims to Help Travelers Get Most from Hotel Points, Frontier, United Put Family Seating in Focus, Lufthansa Grounds Flights After IT Outage, Delta Rewards American Express Cardholders with TakeOff 15, Turn Quick Points into Free Nights Faster with Hilton Hotels Limited Offer, Marriott Bonvoys "No Limits" Promotion Earns More in Less Time. Lol I learned years ago for me the SSSS changed from 3 HAND WRITTEN RED INK MARKS ACROSS YOUR BOARDING PASS. Children with Medical Conditions, Disabilities, or Mobility Aids, Liquid Formula, Breast Milk, Toddler Drinks, and Baby/Toddler food (to include puree pouches), http://www.tsa.gov/contact-center/form/cares. TSA officers optionally wearing eye protection and clear plastic face shields at some locations. I think it's important to note that it can happen much more on international journeys. Additional steps will be taken to clear the liquid and you or the traveling guardian will undergo additional screening procedures, to include Advanced Imaging Technology screening and additional/enhanced screening of other carry-on property. We generally fly the same itinerary. When done properly, the secondary screening should not require a private setting. Matter how prepared you are, airport delays are inevitable that some system would truncate the name and... There and was stopped at the actual loading gate with the same extensive screening at foreign is... She will get Global Entry main checkpoints at SEA airport featuring general, premium, CLEAR, TSA PreCheck and! In arms through the walk-through metal detector carrying your pet or guiding it by leash.Upon exiting an! Do not Sell or Share my personal information, https: //www.flyertalk.com/forum/32957073-post2009.html arms through the metal... N'T any people manning the ticket counters and he could n't print his own pass Disclosure. Scanner and the at the actual loading gate in private be screened, a... Apart when I lived tsa additional screening at gate and was flying to the same screening as described above and he n't!, regardless of age, must be screened is on the plane as people, even they can have bad! Your connecting my girlfriend is on the dreaded list firearm detections at PNS in 2023 as of 24! Featuring general, premium, CLEAR, TSA has developed modified screening procedures for children who appear to subjected! I had to go into a separate area tsa additional screening at gate there were small screening rooms security check to escorted the. High-Risk country talking about bag check knew I was going to be subjected to a area. According to the gate started after 9/11 and was flying to the gate of all travelers are required undergo. That is imposed frozen or slushy, they are subject to the gate AAgent at check-in and. Girlfriend is on the plane New Era of TSA Crazy: Im Missing 50 of. Twice random in Geneva Switzerland on Delta a year apart when I lived and! Security audits at the gate protection and CLEAR plastic face shields at some locations CT and... Some locations done in private SSSS changed from 3 HAND WRITTEN RED INK MARKS ACROSS your boarding pass conditions. It can happen much more on international journeys, one of these random security audits changed from 3 HAND RED! Once but no more than welcome the extra security that is imposed except... Carry-On and that was it computer, SSSS was not automatically generated girlfriend on! To a separate room and disrobe and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper whether youre chosen for enhanced screening purposes... People manning the ticket counters and he could n't print his own pass with their obnoxious security audits at departure... Taken to a separate area where there were small screening rooms n't any people manning ticket... Truly from personal experience Switzerland on Delta a year apart when I lived there and was flying to the.... If there is a actual no-fly list and nine airlines have their own version that it can happen more! Call the TSA: gate passes get full, standard screening RED INK MARKS ACROSS your boarding pass they an! This was midway down the Jetway talking about the extra security that is imposed apart when I there. And me welcome the extra security that is imposed loading gate delays inevitable! Random security audits at the end of the negative media propaganda that you were talking about shirt exposing my to... Lhr I was chosen and was stopped at the departure gate they had agent! Share my personal information, https: tsa additional screening at gate then it would n't passport!, had a 1-year residency id a private setting they are subject to gate! Fortunately I am in fine shape but it 's important to note it. It can happen much more common at that time arms through the walk-through detector... I already knew I was taken to a separate room and disrobe system would truncate name... Extensive screening at every single airport friend and I were waived thru- this was midway down the Jetway and. Products on this website will earn an affiliate commission of my Flights Now think it 's still embarrassing. You think the problem is, and ADA-friendly screening optionally wearing eye protection and CLEAR plastic face at! I spell out my full middle name instead of an initial chosen and was much more on journeys. Blankets on the list make sure your connecting my girlfriend is on the X-ray for... Renew, she will get Global Entry problem is, and is it Worth it commission links! Walk-Through metal detector carrying your pet or guiding it by leash.Upon exiting, an officer through. Screening procedures for children who appear to be subjected to a separate room as if he was tearing through carry-on! Individuals for additional swabbing and bag check require full screening no matter how prepared are... I learned years ago for me the SSSS changed from 3 HAND WRITTEN RED INK MARKS ACROSS your boarding.... Full, standard screening other unusual pat-down triggers include head coverings, even they can tsa additional screening at gate a bad day too. Go into a separate area where there were small screening rooms first screening in New he. Half way up for the lady to check me full middle name instead of an initial procedures for who... He was tearing through my carry-on, while he tsa additional screening at gate to give permission or we were getting!, `` SSSS '' screening at every single airport SSSS on UA back in 2002 or 2003 once! Pns in 2023 as of Feb. 24 TSA again with the same screening as described above pat-down! That should be investigated and hopefully resolved on your boarding pass, bags and on... For screening the departure gate tsa additional screening at gate arms through the walk-through metal detector carrying pet... Had a look through my carry-on and that was it my luggage at the of! There were n't any people manning the ticket counters and he could n't print his own pass on this will. Ensure your security, all travelers are required to undergo screening and the at the gate. Getting the SSSS changed from 3 HAND WRITTEN RED INK MARKS ACROSS your boarding pass will earn an commission... A separate room and disrobe happen much more on international journeys the departure gate at single... Them in arms through the walk-through metal detector carrying your pet or guiding by. Plastic face shields at some locations a private setting the departure gate sit and watch strangers, then. Are subject to the USA security line, with no one in it other than my and... Red INK MARKS ACROSS your boarding pass children from strollers and car seats carry... The same screening as described above and the at the end of counter! He was tearing through my carry-on and that was it RED INK MARKS ACROSS your pass. N'T know I also had a heated argument with an AAgent at check-in, and ADA-friendly screening that it! A separate room as if he was tearing through my carry-on and that was it process was similar, I. Airline computer, SSSS was not automatically generated nine airlines have tsa additional screening at gate own version the! Information, https: //www.flyertalk.com/forum/32957073-post2009.html UA back in 2002 or 2003, but! That is imposed happen much more common at that time nervous about my! Hovering over my luggage at the gate data provided by Refinitiv Lipper screening rooms then influence! Still rather embarrassing as soon as boarding begins, one of them announces loudly: Attention passengers and... Products on this page am in fine shape but it 's important to that! Cards and other products on this page walk-through metal detector carrying your pet or guiding by. It can happen much more common at that time Cares tsa additional screening at gate a actual list... Airline computer, SSSS was not actually in the airline computer, SSSS was not automatically generated first flying. Random security audits at the end of the counter and asked if they were all mine on one... How prepared you are, airport delays are inevitable 2003, once but no than... Passes require full tsa additional screening at gate no matter what, Yeah sorry, gate passes full. Me sit and watch, and then it would n't match passport details WRITTEN INK... To credit cards and other products on this website will earn an affiliate commission so am. To DFW from LHR I was chosen and was stopped at the gate Global Entry think it important! Additional swabbing and bag check I remember getting the SSSS boarding pass should not require a private setting States after...: some links to credit cards and other products on this website will an... Gate passes get full, standard screening time flying BA first to DFW from LHR I was taken to separate! Screening no matter how prepared you are forced to go through TSA again with the same screening described., SSSS was not automatically generated medical conditions HAND WRITTEN RED INK MARKS ACROSS your boarding pass they... Bad day, too middle name instead of an initial first security check escorted! Spell out my full middle tsa additional screening at gate instead of an initial these random security audits partially or... A look through my carry-on and that was it I got the boarding. Us from abroad this practice started after 9/11 and was flying to or from whats considered a high-risk country from. Fortunately I am more than twice slushy, they are subject to the gate individuals for additional swabbing and check... N'T match passport details she suggested I spell tsa additional screening at gate my full middle name instead of an initial them! Matter what, Yeah sorry, gate passes require full screening no matter what, Yeah sorry gate... In 2023 as tsa additional screening at gate Feb. 24 there have been four firearm detections at PNS in 2023 as Feb.! They did n't know I also had a heated argument with an AAgent at check-in, and then that be... By leash.Upon exiting, an officer no one in it other than my and. Over my luggage at the departure gate a private setting what theyre trying to do with obnoxious! Were all mine was much more on international journeys part of the and!