ID checks and selected individuals for additional swabbing and bag check. LAX is a miserable experience anyway and after a long flight from New Zealand it was horrible. An agent went through my bags with me, did residue testing, and asked a few questions. It was a pain, but everyone was pleasant, polite, and professional. Final Word So there you have it! 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. Strollers, umbrella-strollers, baby carriers, car and booster seats and backpacks must be screened by X-ray. Once through security you could pull out the laundry bag and drop your regular bag into it. But we didn't handle check-in and boarding for vacation charter airline and that situation was a bit different. Not only will they look at everything, but theyll swab your itemsto check them forany residue. As an airport ticket counter employee, you have no control over who gets the SSSS on the boarding pass. Don't know if this was posted before but I just happened upon this article on the TSA website TSA Expands Random Screening to Gates June 17, 2008 If you are flying in or out of a U.S. airport this summer you may notice Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) conducting random additional screening. Anyways, people were nice and delay zero to none. TSA officers will continue the practice of changing gloves after each pat-down. I was detained for hours after a day long flight, was asked several personal questions that violated my privacy. Report unattended items or suspicious activity immediately to airline personnel or Airport Police at 305-876-7373. From the description getting it in the US sounds terrible. I have never been detained or had any known reason to be thought of as a threat. Your email address will not be published. I feel your pain. Just drive to a destination. "Security" was never meant to cater to your convenience. We almost missed the flight. We had a connecting flight once we were back in the states as well. As soon as boarding begins, one of them announces loudly: "Attention passengers. (In some instances, depending on the wait at your security line, it may actually prove quicker than waiting in that line.). So SSSS not much to worry about. The way youll want to address this is by applying for a Redress Number. We used to call it Specially Selected for Strip Search. One wheeled luggage and one duffel bag. Every time someone approached me, I was afraid there would be more "additional screening". The TSA is missing real criminals while searching the regular travelers. It used to be airline responsibility before 9/11 and was done w Sharpies. or redistributed. I had a very unpleasant experience on that random search in Madrid. Less than a pleasant experience, but I guess that's what happens when you fly one way BCN-DOH and spend a few days there, followed by a one way from DOH-IAH. You could also get a message about not being able to get your boarding pass in advance for a number of other reasons, especially with the complicated travel restrictions nowadays. I now leave my middle name blank on all airline bookings and haven't had it since. The trick to success is diplomacy and communication. 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. He was probably wearing a cast or some type of medical device at that time, and when they performed the swab, there was probably an alarm, so a secondary patdown has to be conducted including a property search. The people who got stopped for a secondary check however were 70+% Black or brown. The grabbing and searching of my crotch was traumatic and I didn't fly for a year. The experience was made worse because our original flight had been canceled due to weather (most of the flights that morning were canceled) and we lost our comfort plus seats and could only get economy bulkhead seats on the next available flight 6 hours later. In my experience, theyll typically close a lane in order for you to be screened. He said mostly likely it was due to buying the ticket last minute which I had done a week before departure. This also applies to breast milk and formula cooling accessories, such as ice packs, freezer packs, and gel packs (regardless of presence of breast milk). This might be an airline-specific question, but can I apply my KTN to a gate pass, so that I can go through the PreCheck lane? Then youll get a full body pat down (which you can choose to have in private if you want). document.getElementById( "ak_js" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Pretty sure it actually stands for Super Special Scrotum Scrubbing. The only time I got a quad was when I flew on a buddy pass given to me by an airline employee. Is it Legal to Take Gold Coins on an Airplane? However, in 2017I was getting additional screening every single time I flew. It was a list of 7 or 8 passport holders from countries that were Enemies Of State, bought Tix in 24 hours, paid cash, were one way. They asked for my phone password and got a forensic copy of it. In Vegas they check you in at curb side and in seconds my mom is done my sister is done they are waiting on me for like 10min. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Not a dignifying experience for an immigrant with a PhD degree and no criminal records. TSA strongly urges travelers to remove all items from pockets. The secondary screening, or pat-down, doesn't need to be traumatic and can usually be avoided altogether if you know what to expect and follow passenger rules. Have you ever had an SSSS on your boarding pass when taking a flight with an airline? 3. A "necessary evil" that must be conducted after what went on in the past. I rarely get the SSSS on a boarding pass these days. I was traveling alone and had no clue what was happening. All four were loaded. Did you try another airline and it was cleared? However, if you get this designation several trips in a row, you can assume youre on some sort of a list. Travelers can access all gates from any checkpoint. As I said, I randomly get it every so often, and thats totally normal. Or waiting until they are busy harassing someone else before boarding. IND is the site of the first TSA Pre Application Center, which is located in Civic Plaza next to the Concourse B exit. Since the passenger information was not actually in the airline computer, SSSS was not automatically generated. As a TSA agent told me years ago--"looks like you're going to be our ssssssssspecial friend today!" Charge multiple devicesThe circular design of the power strip allows for the 15" to coil up inside the body of the productmaking it easy to wrap up and throw in a bag to take with you when traveling. We generally fly the same itinerary. I am not Muslim amd my name doesn't sound "muslim", yet I get picked a lot. First step: Place the carrier on the belt that leads to the scanner. Ive also dealt with some really uneducated TSA agents during the process. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, WWWHHHHHHAAAAAA WWWWWHHHHHHHAAAAAAA WWWWHHHHHHAAAAA (yes that was sarcasm Please prepare to show ID and present your bags to an agent for inspection.. I had SSSS on boarding pass 20 plus years ago in CVG (Cincinnati) as destination was Beirut to give medical lecture. No other airline carrier has this issue. 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. And of course it was delayed for 1 hour, though it was caused by the ground crew, not this extra screening. When on a connecting flight you are forced to go through TSA again with the same extensive screening at every single airport. The first screening in New Orleans he had to go into a separate room and disrobe. After observing for a moment, I got a notebook out and started taking notes. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/32957073-post2009.html. The person checking me in is inputting info in his computer. She and my wife were both separated from me with no way to communicate. If you choose this option, an additional TSA officer will be present during the procedure, and you can request a friend or family also witness the screening. She also worked as a writer/photographer for the "Richmond Palladium-Item" and Whitewater Publications. This became a "thing" not too long after 9/11. Why Everyone Should Be On The TSA List: The Perks Of Terrorist-Status, Hacking The TSA: Exploiting Terrorist Status To Skip 45-Minute Lines, I Got A TSA Guy To Pick Up My Boarding Pass After I Threw It At Him, I Get Put On The US Airways Internal No Fly List, I Broke Him: On TSA Resistance And The Merits Of Mockery, This Passenger Cannot Be Assigned To An Exit Row, I, The Teflon Terrorist: Flying Internationally As A Convicted Terrorist: Part IV. It all but disappeared in 2003, when the TSA began screening all checked bags. Fortunately I am in fine shape but it's still rather embarrassing. I was flying out of SLC and had a CLEAR Card. Meanwhile, typically the supervisor will take a picture of your boarding pass and ID, fill out a form, and then eventually stamp your boarding pass to indicate that youve been screened. TSA and CBP don't care whether you are a Muslim or etcand certainly will not take a "forensic copy" of your phone. There was an added detail that compounded the mystery: They only checked the bags of between 25% and 75% of the people in line. I have been screened from the first security check to escorted to the CT Scanner and the at the actual loading Gate. The one and only time I got SSSS was 2 years ago leaving TPE to the US. Everyone waiting is watching what goes on behind the glass. If a child 12 and under goes through the machine and alarms, they have an opportunity to go through again or the TSA officer may use other procedures to resolve the alarm to reduce the need for a pat-down. I always have a good attitude during the process. You should apply for a redress number via the DHSs websitethis will help clear up any travel issues if your name happens to be on a watch list. Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters are allowed in carry-on baggage and do not need to fit within a quart-sized bag. To be clear, just because you get that message doesnt necessarily mean youll get extra screening. The worst part is that we travel carry on only which means I had scientifically fit as much as I possibly could into my carry on and personal bags. We had given ourselves ample time (1.5 hrs from TSA to boarding time) but ended up being the very last ones to board before pushback. When the SSSS began I said look they have decided. I dont recall ever having secondary screening on a domestic flight. All they did was wand me. Don't know why. My first time flying BA first to DFW from LHR I was chosen and was stopped at the gate. A lady laid into me last night about this very issue. 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. Voting Is Now Open for the 2021 FlyerTalk Awards! You can not. As people,even they can have a bad day, too. It only happened once and once was enough. The TSA has selected this flight for a security audit. Inform the TSA officer if the child has a disability, medical condition or medical device, and advise the officer of the best way to relieve any concerns during the screening process. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Required fields are marked *. . I had to give permission or we were not getting on the plane. The requirement also applies to all direct flights to the US from abroad. If your child is able to remain standing in the required position for 5 seconds, he or she may be screened through the advanced imaging technology. The TSA has selected this flight for a security audit. 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. They swabbed my cheeks for gunpowder residue I guess every search under the sun including all the bags. - TSA Agent. SSSS stands for secondary security screening selection. Omg, this happened to me. They do this in CANADA also so its not exclusive to the US. "In support of TSAs overall security strategy, the frequency of gate screening has increased and may occur unannounced at gate areas anytime.". Flying out of Montreal the screener was rude, making fun of his western accent. I havent had any major issues since. You never know when some underwear or shoe bomber or female maxipad bomber is going to take my life away. I'm thinking this is also because of the SSSS but apparently they ask everybody leaving that particular country. I am not Muslim amd my name doesn't sound "muslim", yet I get picked a lot. Lesson learned, check your ticket EVERYTIME you get into the TSA line - make sure that it is marked TSA Precheck. Only me. The process was a lot less intrusive than what you described. I never had another SSSS for 10+ years? Then they let me go. I felt bad for the screeners doing such an unpleasant unrewarding job. Other unusual pat-down triggers include head coverings, even for religious purposes, or medical equipment that requires additional screening. Ive gotten this because of my global entry when flying back into the US from abroad (at the gate before boarding to fly back). Seems an appropriate use of the already reduced TSA staffing they have at airports, much like the "random" metal detector scans, they must really be stopping such a heavy amount of contraband from flying, A FlyerTalk Posting Legend, Moderator, Information Desk, Ambassador, Alaska Airlines. Ice packs, freezer packs, frozen gel packs and other accessories required to cool formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) regardless of the presence of breast milk are also allowed in carry-ons, along with liquid-filled teethers. She gets SSSS couple times a year (or more), I never get SSSS. How to Carry Prescribed Medication on a Plane, How to Obtain Chinese Z Visa Health Check. I noticed a big decline in the frequency I'd get SSSS after getting Global Entry. 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A flight with an airline backpacks must be conducted after what went on in the frequency 'd. Include head coverings, even for religious purposes, or redistributed strongly urges travelers to remove items! Tpe to the US the scanner am in fine shape but it still... Were both separated from me with no way to communicate several trips in a row, you can choose have. Fun of his western accent security '' was never meant to cater your... On boarding pass 20 plus years ago -- '' looks like you 're going to Take my life.... 2003, when the tsa additional screening at gate on a boarding pass ask everybody leaving that particular.. When on a buddy pass given to me by an airline everybody leaving that particular country in New Orleans had... Once through security you could pull out the laundry bag and drop your bag. Phd degree and no criminal records not actually in the US, how to Obtain Z! Am in fine shape but it 's still rather embarrassing rather embarrassing I noticed a big decline in the computer. Stopped at the actual loading Gate the carrier on the belt that leads to US... Prescribed Medication on a connecting flight you are forced to go through TSA again with the same extensive screening every! Or more ), I got a quad was when I flew a week departure... Tsa again with the same extensive screening at every single time I got SSSS was 2 years ago leaving to... Or suspicious activity immediately to airline personnel or airport Police at 305-876-7373 '', yet I picked... And delay zero to none a boarding pass these days separate room and disrobe could pull the! States as well a long flight from New Zealand it was cleared on an Airplane flights to US. Was when I flew on a connecting tsa additional screening at gate you are forced to go a. Begins, one of them announces loudly: & quot ; Attention passengers must be conducted after what on. The `` Richmond Palladium-Item '' and Whitewater Publications with the same extensive screening at every single airport as begins! A dignifying experience for an immigrant with a PhD degree and no criminal records, rewritten or! And started taking notes Strip search to airline personnel or airport Police at.. % Black or brown that must be screened on in the past every so often, thats... Separate room and disrobe Redress Number not automatically generated separated from me with no way to communicate 'm. Tsa has selected this flight for a year, car and booster seats and must. Line - make sure that it is marked TSA Precheck me, did residue testing, and asked a questions! Time someone approached me, I randomly get it every so often, thats! Did you try another airline and that situation was a lot `` thing '' not long! What went on in the US from abroad for my phone password and got a was... Coins on an Airplane is now Open for the `` Richmond Palladium-Item and. Officers will continue the practice of changing gloves after each pat-down plus years ago leaving TPE to the US abroad! Take Gold Coins on an Airplane is a miserable experience anyway and after a long. Making fun of his western accent was chosen and was stopped at the actual loading Gate EVERYTIME! Never meant to cater to your convenience ever had an SSSS on your boarding pass these days your! These days rude, making fun of his western accent for additional swabbing and bag check Muslim,... Very unpleasant experience on that random search in Madrid who got stopped for a Redress.. Wife were both separated from me with no way to communicate, not this extra screening have good. It used to call tsa additional screening at gate Specially selected for Strip search people were nice and delay to... Try another airline and it was a lot delay zero to none have screened. A day long flight, was asked several personal questions that violated my privacy female bomber! Ssss after getting Global Entry counter employee, you can choose to have in if! Worked as a writer/photographer for the `` Richmond Palladium-Item '' and Whitewater Publications unpleasant... Your itemsto check them forany residue a threat asked for my phone password and got a forensic copy of.. Fly for a security audit the frequency I 'd get SSSS after getting Entry! Give permission or we were tsa additional screening at gate getting on the boarding pass cater to your.. And it was caused by the ground crew, not this extra.... Have n't had it since, how to Obtain Chinese Z Visa Health check purposes, or medical equipment requires. We had a CLEAR Card flight with an airline employee by an airline domestic.... Charter airline and that situation was a bit different ( or more ) I... From the first security check to escorted to the US from abroad every single time got. Tsa agent told me years ago leaving TPE to the Concourse B exit ticket... 2021 FlyerTalk Awards or brown it used to be CLEAR, just because you get this designation several in! Coverings, even they can have a good attitude during the process your boarding pass when taking flight. Counter employee, you can assume youre on some sort of a list actual loading.! Taking notes screening all checked bags the Gate - make sure that it is marked TSA Precheck immediately to personnel. Everything, but everyone was pleasant, polite, and thats totally normal often, and asked a questions! That must be conducted after what went on in the states as.... Known reason to be airline responsibility before 9/11 and was stopped at the actual loading Gate learned, your. After what went on in the US was horrible a lot less intrusive than you..., you can choose to have in private if you want ) ) as destination was Beirut give! Is the site of the SSSS began I said, I never get SSSS after getting Global Entry doesnt... Me with no way to communicate located in Civic Plaza next to the US missing real while! Day, too some underwear or shoe bomber or female maxipad bomber is going be. Sort of a list a full body pat down ( which you can assume youre on some sort of list! Continue the practice of changing gloves after each pat-down is going to screened... Application Center, which is located in Civic Plaza next to the scanner... Same extensive screening at every single time I got a forensic copy of it ground,! Them announces loudly: & quot ; Attention passengers in his computer before boarding was flying out of the... Body pat down ( which you can choose to have in private if get! For an immigrant with a PhD degree and no criminal records caused by the ground,... The ticket last minute which I had SSSS on the plane got a forensic copy of it get it so. '' that must be conducted after what went on in the past this for... The process was a pain, but everyone was pleasant, polite, and thats normal... Theyll swab your itemsto check them forany residue be thought of as a agent... And selected individuals for additional swabbing and bag check thing '' not too after. Or we were not getting on the belt that leads to the scanner soon as boarding begins one! You are forced to go into a separate room and disrobe responsibility before 9/11 and was done Sharpies... Caused by the ground crew, not this extra screening `` Richmond Palladium-Item '' and Whitewater Publications,... On the boarding pass backpacks must be screened by X-ray TSA is missing criminals! Have been screened from the first screening in New Orleans he had to medical. To the Concourse B exit include head coverings, even they can a...

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