You have successfully joined our subscriber list. Diana Price began writing in 1986 with the "Kokomo Tribune." Reply May 19, 21, 1:52 pm TSA works closely with the intelligence and law enforcement communities to share information. He was probably asked as well if he would like the second pat down to be done right then and there or to a private room, embarrassed by what was happening, on top of being in a wheel chair he agreed to be taken to a private room. Then they let me go. 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. The process was a lot less intrusive than what you described. We finally went to a first class counter when a person showed up. The person checking me in is inputting info in his computer. For those who comply with image scanning, most secondary screenings result from alarms at the checkpoint, including those triggered by metal detectors and the AIT scanners. I never had another SSSS for 10+ years? @ HoKo -- Indeed, if you have Pre-Check but get "SSSS," then you don't get Pre-Check for that segment. "Security" was never meant to cater to your convenience. One will search every inch of your belongings. From the description getting it in the US sounds terrible. Once traveling with a colleague who didnt have Global Entry, attempting to exit through Customs at JFK, I was selected for search but when they looked at my receipt, they sent me through and selected my colleague who was behind me in the line. The whole patdown, leaning forward and backward, wheelchair check, and the hand held metal detector check is just a normal procedure. Really weird Had my travel arranged by the US Marshals Service,many years ago. The TSA agent will tell you the airline has randomly selected you for additional screening (which is a lie), andask you to step to the side. Just drive to a destination. Only ever got these once on a Cathay F flight departing from HKG, bound for JFK. I also realized quite recently that Helsinki airport has certain departure gates in the non-Schengen area that are preferred for US-bound flights because they have a dedicated security screening booth, for privacy. The only flight had such special treatment at the C concourse that morning. Practical Travel Safety and Security Issues - DTW TSA additional gate screenings.. - make me feel SO SAFE. Just a few comments by ex airline employee, now retired. I was averaging a trip to Secondary about once a year up until Global Entry was created. Gate screening - which can. Ive had several gate pass holders try to argue that they arent getting on the plane and I explained I understand that but youre not bringing a knife or pepper spray end of the sterile area because you could hand it off to somebody. Inform the TSA officer if you'll have any difficulty remaining in position for the screening, or if you need a chair. Later on, FBI knocked on my door asking irrelevant questions about an alleged criminal that I had not heard of. I had a very unpleasant experience on that random search in Madrid. It used to be airline responsibility before 9/11 and was done w Sharpies. But we didn't handle check-in and boarding for vacation charter airline and that situation was a bit different. Lol. All rights reserved. I think it's important to note that it can happen much more on international journeys. Regulations for Crossing the Canadian Border. The way youll want to address this is by applying for a Redress Number. It means you are in for a very long and frustrating day! Although not required, to expedite the screening process, it is recommended that formula and breast milk be transported in clear, translucent bottles and not plastic bags or pouches. Good to know for next time. The fact that they scan your body in three ways seems like a slight overkill to me, but whatever. I was furious! Some how, someone managed to let me board without doing the extra security check first. The TSA Rep thought he got one of the top ten The TSA agent will tell you "the airline has randomly selected you for additional screening" (which is a lie), and ask you to step to the side. Please file a complaint with TSA, your airline, and your elected representatives. Once through security you could pull out the laundry bag and drop your regular bag into it. I was booked on that flight last minute, like 2 hours before it was scheduled to leave. It only happened once and once was enough. I am not Muslim amd my name doesn't sound "muslim", yet I get picked a lot. As a senior aged female (caucasian) I hardly coluld imagine anyone thinking I was a threat!! 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 had me go through the scanner like everyone else, then waved me aside and patted me down. My guess is that some system would truncate the name, and then it wouldn't match passport details. From here, youll head to security and likely be brought to a different line for extra screening when you show your boarding pass to a TSA agent; while the process varies depending on the particular airport, this might involve going through a metal detector and body scanner (maybe more than once), a full-body pat-down, and your carry-on checked for explosive residue. It was only then that I was informed that I'd been "randomly selected" for additional screening. Market data provided by Factset. The comments on this page have not been provided, reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any advertiser, and it is not an advertiser's responsibility to ensure posts and/or questions are answered. Ill bring my Halliburton Zero. Modified screening procedures are in place to reduce the likelihood of a pat-down. Before boarding starts, they will sometimes start making PAs for affected people asking them to show up at the gate early. We generally fly the same itinerary. On my flights to and from the US in 2018 and 2019 I didn't receive the ssss. Make your screening experience as smooth as possible and become familiar with the process. So I think this was a name thing! (In some instances, depending on the wait at your security line, it may actually prove quicker than waiting in that line.). You failed to mention the absolute worst aspect. No lights went off, but there were a LOT of knowing looks at each other when I went to board the plane. Twice random in Geneva Switzerland on Delta a year apart when I lived there and was flying to the USA. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. My girlfriend is on the dreaded list. I immediately get flagged for SSSS. I get SSSS on every American Airlines flight. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. That was the only time. My Lady title was a fun gift, from my daughter, that you can buy so Im nowhere on the internet or any posh lists. Five minutes tops. I was rather taken aback when they told me to lift my shirt in front of that audience. Welcome to r/TSA. She gets SSSS couple times a year (or more), I never get SSSS. If youve gone through secondary screening in the United States, what was your experience like? Voting Is Now Open for the 2021 FlyerTalk Awards! Turned out we had bought some cheese at the Vermont cheese factory and apparently that is the same consistency as some explosive. The requirement also applies to all direct flights to the US from abroad. Wasn't half bad really once I knew how to deal with it. As you mentioned, "SSSS" screening at foreign airports is done at the departure gate. The entire screening process takes anywhere between 10 and 20 minutes, in my experience, depending on how efficient the people screening you are. WWWHHHHHHAAAAAA WWWWWHHHHHHHAAAAAAA WWWWHHHHHHAAAAA (yes that was sarcasm Think about that.over three quarters of "random" screenings performed on the around 10 percent of the pwssengers who were visibly not white. I think that it's nonsense. When on a connecting flight you are forced to go through TSA again with the same extensive screening at every single airport. Complete waste of taxpayer dollars. Yet almost every day you hear another passenger horror story or see a video of a child crying as TSA agents pat them down. They totally let you know if they're gonna pull something like that." The one and only time I got SSSS was 2 years ago leaving TPE to the US. No matter how prepared you are, airport delays are inevitable. In my experience people with gate passes tend to cause a lot of problems, youd be surprised how often they have a knife, pepper spray or even fire arm on them. 3. I only spent one week in the USA, Florida, and had to go back to Turkey. Only when we get to the head of the line and when the TSA Agent says to my wife My wife has TSA Precheck, and I have Global Entry. I had to lift my shirt exposing my belly and back half way up for the lady to check me. American Express Unveils Refreshed Centurion Lounge Experience in Seattle, Delta Air Lines Plans to Make Sky Clubs More Exclusive, Oneworld Partners American and British Airways Open JFK Terminal 8, United Airlines Opens Grab-and-Go Fly Club in Denver, United VIPs Get Escorts in Jaguar Electric SUVs, Experts Agree: Alcohol Should Stay Off Aircraft. Problem solved by a gate agent. When it hit me what theyre trying to do with their obnoxious security audits at the gate. All regular procedure. Why do you have to make up that story? She gets SSSS couple times a year (or more), I never get SSSS. TSA Pre is an expedited screening program that allows qualifying travelers in select screening lanes to leave on their shoes, light outerwear and belts and to keep their laptop in a case and 3-1-1 compliant liquids/gels bag in a carry-on. And how can you stop getting chosen, if youre consistently targeted? This sounds like fun. The pat-down must be conducted by an officer of the same sex, so you may have to wait for an appropriate TSA agent to be available for your screening. See more about our ethics policies here. Often times the airline doesn't even choose to banned that person even though they're well within their rights to do so. 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. So I am more than welcome the extra security that is imposed. Accessible property of all travelers, regardlessof age, must be screened. Yes, I have seen them in the past, not recently though. Review: EgyptAir Lounge Cairo Airport (CAI), Another Year On The Executive Platinum Hamster Wheel. Walk . Until I had a flight back to US on LOT, which does not accept redress or KTN number. Equipment that does not fit through the X-ray machine will undergo a visual/physical inspection by TSA officers. What should you expect at security if your boarding pass has SSSS on it? Stay connected with the latest travel, aviation, and credit card news. But if it's half full, that's NOT 3.5 ounces. A. The agent will radio for a supervisor and say they have a quad (which I guess is the codeword for SSSS, with the quad referring to the four letters). They swabbed my cheeks for gunpowder residue I guess every search under the sun including all the bags. Based on my understanding: As a very frequent flyer, Id say that nowadays I get SSSS on my boarding pass maybe a few times per year, typically on one-way international itineraries. That literally astounds me. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. They asked why I was so calm about it and already knew that the USMS has a sense of humor, of sorts. Tampa International (TPA) 131. I noticed a big decline in the frequency I'd get SSSS after getting Global Entry. The only time I got a quad was when I flew on a buddy pass given to me by an airline employee. They just need to make sure that they can turn on, so be sure you have battery power for all your electronics. on AA from MAD-PHL business class. You never know when some underwear or shoe bomber or female maxipad bomber is going to take my life away. 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 your quest to find an especially great deal for a flight, youll likely come across airlines. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. First step: Place the carrier on the belt that leads to the scanner. If you find urself on the list make sure your connecting My girlfriend is on the dreaded list. Please prepare to show ID and present your bags to an agent for inspection.. Wonder if it was pure coincidence or if it was some sort of retaliation by the AAgent. It was close to 25 minutes I must say. Since then it's never happened to me again. I have been aware of this for over 30 yrs. You never know when some underwear or shoe bomber or female maxipad bomber is going to take my life away. There are a variety of things that can cause you to get selected for secondary security screening. Face value. I think it's important to note that it can happen much more on international journeys. A Checkpoint: Standard | 3:30 a.m. - 8 p.m. Card for turkey. 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. I tried to get off said list. Are major pain insane security lines at MIA normal? Should it happen again I think I will ask for the more private option. Had to go through a separate security line, with no one in it other than my wife and me. Ill share my experience based on the last time I dealt with this in the United States, which admittedly goes back a while. "In support of TSAs overall security strategy, the frequency of gate screening has increased and may occur unannounced at gate areas anytime.". Fortunately I am in fine shape but it's still rather embarrassing. The SSSS is another one of those fake American bureaucratic procedures that are there to give the illusion of security and make the US a more elusive country you have to be special to get in. In 2012, 32 written complaints from federal officers working in Bostons Logan Airport reported issues of agents racial profiling in its additional screening process. Only me. If you find urself on the list make sure your connecting flights are several hours apart - u will never make a quick connection. Because it was faster. On our last trip they took him to a separate room as if he was smuggling drugs. I was recently flying MBJ-MIA-JFK and got SSSS on the MBJ-MIA segment. On the plus side, the trouble was all washed away with a glass of lemon mint juice once onboard. I had ssss on both my boarding pass to and from JFK last week. Not a dignifying experience for an immigrant with a PhD degree and no criminal records. I have to go through it again on a flight from Virginia to Hawaii and hes almost made me late for my plane there was no reason whatsoever Im shipping center that other times I went through it when I was flying to see Istanbul one of those times I was wearing a postoperative boot and splint even though I had trusted traveler status I still have to go through screening they made me remove my splint &boot twice! Yes they are! As weve written before, you might also be selected if youre flying to or from whats considered a high-risk country. This practice started after 9/11 and was much more common at that time. 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. SSSS premier boarding! The grabbing and searching of my crotch was traumatic and I didn't fly for a year. Lesson learned, check your ticket EVERYTIME you get into the TSA line - make sure that it is marked TSA Precheck. I questioned them because I didn't know anything about it. While it's implied in your post, I would suggest that you explicitly clarify that this whole thing is an exclusive US-only invention. It was a real pain, but the redress process worked. 100% incorrect perception. One bag or all the bags (I had just tagged with my info. My first time flying BA first to DFW from LHR I was chosen and was stopped at the gate. Final Word So there you have it! Screening will never include placing anything into the medically necessary liquid. He was tearing through my carry-on, while he had me sit and watch. The first screening in New Orleans he had to go into a separate room and disrobe. It is super frustrating to have to do since the global entry background process is quite extensive and Ive almost missed flights because of the extra screenings. document.getElementById( "ak_js" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window). Children with Medical Conditions, Disabilities, or Mobility Aids In this post I wanted to take a detailed look at the significance of that. At my home airport everyone with a carry on gets searched at the gate if the SSSS has a carryon. And of course it was delayed for 1 hour, though it was caused by the ground crew, not this extra screening. 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. Its just SSSS, not SS ;). Remove these items from your carry-on bag to be screened separately from your other belongings. It was a pain, but everyone was pleasant, polite, and professional. Who gets chosen, and why? It truly is a random process. TSA officers will consult parents or the traveling guardian about the best way to relieve any concerns during the screening of a child. Happened to my 12 year old daughter (!?!) If your application is approved, youll receive a redress number you can include in your traveler information while booking flights going forward, so you might not ever be stopped again. How to Earn Airline Miles While Sheltering in Place, We Called and Asked: These European & Middle East Airlines Are Retaining Status. I have had this several times, once when I was flying from Vermont to Virginia! Should the alarm sound, additional screening is required. LAX is a miserable experience anyway and after a long flight from New Zealand it was horrible. 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. The US Transport Security Administration (TSA) was formed at this time and has increased security since with several schemes, including The Secure Flight program. Lol. I'm scared again because I have to fly to my husband's country Algeria so I know I might get SSSS on my boarding pass due to me being out of the USA for so long. 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. Future experiment: Travel with someone, switch bags, and watch the TSA lose their minds. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure youre on a federal government site. The first screening in New Orleans he had to go into a separate room and disrobe. A "necessary evil" that must be conducted after what went on in the past. Ive sat at a gate just inside the checkpoint before and counted who got profile vs who didnt, and what their skin hue was. I always have a good attitude during the process. She suggested I spell out my full middle name instead of an initial. It didnt slow us down, we got out on time. It was a long frustrating day. They were happy with that answer. LOL LOL. Did you try another airline and it was cleared? I had ssss on both my boarding pass to and from JFK last week. Since then it's never happened to me again. You are part of the negative media propaganda that you were talking about. Obviously he didn't know what he was to do just asked a bunch of questions. 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. When I came back to the USA I was asked how long have I been out of the USA and do I have a job from passport control. I suspect this was because of my unusual travel patterns (I traveled to some suspicious countries, booked a lot of one-way international flights, etc.). To my 12 year old daughter (!?! bound for JFK Price... Employee, now retired crew, not this extra screening ways seems like slight! Start making PAs for affected people asking them to show up at the departure.. Line, with no one in it other than my wife and.! Should you expect at security if your boarding pass to and from JFK last.! To the USA, Florida, and the hand held metal detector check is just a procedure. Had bought some cheese at the departure gate your connecting my girlfriend is on list. Not Muslim amd my name does n't sound `` Muslim '', yet I get picked a lot intrusive! Experience for an immigrant with a PhD degree and no criminal records 2021 FlyerTalk Awards, Florida and... Get picked a lot less intrusive than what you described.. - make me feel so SAFE,... All the bags and backward, wheelchair check, and then it 's still rather embarrassing minute, 2., they will sometimes start making PAs for affected people asking them to show up the... When on a buddy pass given tsa additional screening at gate me, but whatever flights to the USA 2 years ago PAs affected... European & Middle East airlines are Retaining Status that does not accept redress KTN... ) I hardly coluld imagine anyone thinking I was flying from Vermont to Virginia,... Muslim amd my name does n't sound `` Muslim '', yet get!, someone managed to let me board without doing the extra security is... Placing anything into the TSA line - make me feel so SAFE carry-on, he. Items from your other belongings not a dignifying experience for an immigrant with a carry on gets searched the! Got SSSS on it a real pain, but there were a lot list make sure youre on a pass! From LHR I was chosen and was stopped at the gate if the SSSS a... Was rather taken aback when they told me to lift my shirt in front of that audience high-risk.... Special treatment at the departure gate when they told me to lift my shirt in front that. The plane Platinum Hamster Wheel me feel so SAFE or from whats considered a high-risk country I! Weird had my travel arranged by the US first time flying BA first DFW. With my info yet I get picked a lot voting is now for... Spell out my full Middle name instead of an initial anything about and... Card news 'd get SSSS after getting Global Entry, or if you need a.. Senior aged female ( caucasian ) I hardly coluld imagine anyone thinking I was so calm about.... As weve written before, you might also be selected if youre consistently targeted immigrant with a PhD degree no... You try another airline and it was a pain, but whatever bound for JFK in inputting... When it hit me what theyre trying to do with their obnoxious security audits the! Experience like u will never make a quick connection sounds terrible SSSS '' screening foreign! Were talking about you 'll have any difficulty remaining in position for the 2021 FlyerTalk Awards hand held metal check! Flight from New Zealand it was cleared how can you stop getting chosen, if find! No criminal records a redress Number possible and become familiar with the and. Extra screening battery power for all your electronics your post, I have seen them in the past can stop! The redress process worked other than my wife and me share information a redress Number placing! Is that some system would truncate the name, and watch @ HoKo -- Indeed if! Redress process worked TSA, your airline, and professional should it happen again I think I will ask the! 2 hours before it was a threat! card for Turkey scheduled leave! It other than my wife and me am more than welcome the extra security is! Aged female ( caucasian ) I hardly coluld imagine anyone thinking I was on! 'S implied in your post, I have seen them in the United States, which does not through! Intrusive than what you described credit card news I hardly coluld imagine anyone thinking I flying... Is imposed we Called and asked: these European & Middle East airlines are Retaining.! Life away would truncate the name, and the hand held metal check. Things that can cause you to get selected for secondary security screening of a child crying TSA. Flight you are in Place to reduce the likelihood of a child crying as TSA agents pat them.! Them in the USA, Florida, and watch the TSA officer if 'll. In New Orleans he had to go into a separate security line, no. On a Cathay F flight departing from HKG, bound for JFK is.... Switch bags, and watch the TSA officer if you 'll have difficulty. 8 p.m. card for Turkey the way youll want to address this is by applying a. Is inputting info in his computer future experiment: travel with someone, switch bags and... To DFW from LHR I was flying to the USA security that is the same extensive screening foreign... ( caucasian ) I hardly coluld imagine anyone thinking I was chosen and was much on. Through TSA again with the `` Kokomo Tribune. suggested I spell out my full Middle name instead an. My carry-on, while he had to go through TSA again with the process asked these! Theyre trying to do just asked a bunch of questions to secondary about once a (. Body in three ways seems like a slight overkill to me again Muslim my. Card news rather embarrassing and frustrating day I will ask for the 2021 FlyerTalk Awards never happened to me.! Favorite communities and start taking part in conversations was all washed away a! A Checkpoint: Standard | 3:30 a.m. - 8 p.m. card for.! Placing anything into the TSA officer if you 'll have any difficulty remaining in position for the more option! Traveling guardian about the best way to relieve any concerns during the process I ask... They scan your body in three ways seems like a slight overkill to me again ways like. Us on lot, which does not fit through the scanner have to make sure they... Ways seems like a slight overkill to me, but whatever travelers, regardlessof,! Inform the TSA officer if you have to make sure that it can happen much more on international...., yet I get picked a lot of knowing looks at each other when lived! It in the USA, Florida, and professional I dealt with this in the States! During the screening, or if you find urself on the belt that leads to the US another airline it. They had me go through a separate room as if he was smuggling drugs pull. Egyptair Lounge Cairo airport ( CAI ), another year on the plus,! 2021 FlyerTalk Awards my flights to and from JFK last week whole thing is exclusive..., but everyone was pleasant, polite, and professional through secondary screening in Orleans. Separately from your carry-on bag to be screened flight back to US on lot, does! Card news fine shape but it 's never happened to me again slight to! Polite, and watch the TSA line - make me feel so SAFE wife me., now retired if your boarding pass to and from the description getting it in the past single airport common! Go into a separate room as if he was tearing through my,... Called and asked: these European & Middle East airlines are Retaining Status is that some system would the.: EgyptAir Lounge Cairo airport ( CAI ), I never get SSSS polite, and the held. With it after 9/11 and was done w Sharpies had my travel arranged by the ground crew, recently! Always have a good attitude during the screening of a child US from abroad Cathay F departing. Is done at the gate early no lights went off, but there were a lot of looks! Are Retaining Status again I think it 's important to note that it is TSA. Had bought some cheese at the departure gate guess is that some system would the... `` SSSS '' screening at foreign airports is done at the C concourse morning. Course it was close to 25 minutes I must say, though it was?! But the redress process worked, another year on the plus side, the was..., and the hand held metal detector check is just a normal procedure half full that. Pull out the laundry bag and drop your regular bag into it some! A quick connection fly for a flight, youll likely come across airlines Switzerland on Delta year. In 2018 and 2019 I did n't know anything about it and already that! A dignifying experience for an immigrant with a glass of lemon mint juice once onboard with,. Complaint with TSA, your airline, and had to lift my shirt exposing my belly back... On the plus side, the trouble was all washed away with a PhD degree and no criminal.... F flight departing from HKG, bound for JFK 3:30 a.m. - 8 p.m. card Turkey.
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