This practice started after 9/11 and was much more common at that time. 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. He never ceases to amaze me and will take any opportunity he can to deliver his liberal agenda. If they alarm, children are allowed multiple passes through screening technologies and may undergo other procedures to resolve the alarm to reduce the need for a pat-down. If I remember correctly the people coming through worked out to something just below 90% white. TSA PreCheck is a fantastic program whereby enrolled travelers can get expedited airport screening. I immediately get flagged for SSSS. Ive gotten this because of my global entry when flying back into the US from abroad (at the gate before boarding to fly back). Had no choice. Has anyone experience with these domestic screenings? Im not sure if the TSA came up with the abbreviation first and then came up with words to justify it, or if it was the other way around. A TSA lead or supervisor (someone with two or three stripes on their uniform) will show up eventually and escort you to a separate lane. Stay Secure. Heres Why. make me feel SO SAFE. They had an agent hovering over my luggage at the end of the counter and asked if they were all mine. Back then, it was Q's. The first time I had this was 6 years ago on a flight from Brussels to Washington DC. According to the Department of Homeland Securitys website, the details that make up its algorithm cannot be made public for security reasons. (What we do know is that TSA uses Secure Flight, a pre-screening process that involves identifying low and high-risk passengers before they arrive at the airport by matching their names against trusted traveler lists and watch lists.) In other words, if you share your name with someone on the No Fly list, you will likely be stopped. If these items are partially frozen or slushy, they are subject to the same screening as described above. If there is an alarm, the individual will undergo additional screening. They didn't buy it so I told them I needed it for tips when I went to Thunder from Down Under. First step: Place the carrier on the belt that leads to the scanner. Also, adding to the expense, there are washrooms at each gate . Yes, I have seen them in the past, not recently though. Until I had a flight back to US on LOT, which does not accept redress or KTN number. He was tearing through my carry-on, while he had me sit and watch. TSA, "automated target recognition software detects any metallic and non-metallic threats concealed under clothing by displaying a generic outline of a person on a monitor attached to the advanced imaging technology unit highlighting any areas that may require additional screening." Twice random in Geneva Switzerland on Delta a year apart when I lived there and was flying to the USA. And who doesn't love a good cavity search from a stranger? It really was an unpleasant experience because the screening at Heathrow was done in a small glassed-in partition inside the large passenger's waiting area. LAX is a miserable experience anyway and after a long flight from New Zealand it was horrible. - TSA Agent. You must pass through security checkpoints to access your departure gate, where TSA security officers screen you and your carry-on baggage. Please prepare to show ID and present your bags to an agent for inspection." Or is this new? Programs: Wild Wild Life, TSA Disparager Diamond (LTDD). I remember at the time being explained that it was a random procedure. If you dont have it then theyll have to call the TSA to the gate. 2. CS three? As soon as boarding begins, one of them announces loudly: Attention passengers. I was averaging a trip to Secondary about once a year up until Global Entry was created. I got ssss few days ago in Punta Cana, didnt know what it mean, but only what happened was to take off my shoes. And thats despite the TSA agents at the gate being some of the same ones I had dealt with back at security minutes before. Here is how PNS compares to the top 10 Florida airports in 2022: Orlando International (MCO) 162. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Its just SSSS, not SS ;). This happened to me at the airport in Reykjavik, Iceland. 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. TSA Cares is a helpline to assist travelers with disabilities and medical conditions. And how can you stop getting chosen, if youre consistently targeted? Place all carry-on baggage such as children's toys, bags and blankets on the X-ray belt for screening. Why do you have to make up that story? 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 stare them the fuck down without saying anything else. We may earn a commission from links on this page. 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). I just stopped flying with them all together. Right? Secondary screenings are still done (albeit rarely). When it hit me what theyre trying to do with their obnoxious security audits at the gate. When on a connecting flight you are forced to go through TSA again with the same extensive screening at every single airport. I was detained for hours after a day long flight, was asked several personal questions that violated my privacy. One wheeled luggage and one duffel bag. The process was similar, except I was taken to a separate area where there were small screening rooms. One bag or all the bags (I had just tagged with my info. 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. Be prepared for additional screening at the gate. You have successfully joined our subscriber list. I tried to get off said list. on AA from MAD-PHL business class. I'm so afraid to fly anymore. When the SSSS began I said look they have decided. Omg, this happened to me. 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. Reply May 19, 21, 1:52 pm Since the passenger information was not actually in the airline computer, SSSS was not automatically generated. I think it's important to note that it can happen much more on international journeys. It had a baggage scanner and a body scanner. Ive also dealt with some really uneducated TSA agents during the process. The security checkpoint opens about an hour before the flight departs from that gate. I am not Muslim amd my name doesn't sound "muslim", yet I get picked a lot. Happy to fly with you out of DCA or IAD sometime. I just wanted to give my recent experience with Southwest Airlines and getting randomly selected for secondary security screening. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. The stress ruined my whole trip back. Sure enough, I have had several domestic flights since my last SSSS abroad and have not encountered it. 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. It is now controlled by CBP. 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. She would not say how many passengers or employees have been randomly stopped at gates, or how that figure has changed in recent years. Fortunately I am in fine shape but it's still rather embarrassing. They knew who I was. The line for SSSS was becoming longer and longer. WWWHHHHHHAAAAAA WWWWWHHHHHHHAAAAAAA WWWWHHHHHHAAAAA (yes that was sarcasm Make your screening experience as smooth as possible and become familiar with the process. Some how, someone managed to let me board without doing the extra security check first. I said I was going to Vegas, it was gambling money. In your quest to find an especially great deal for a flight, youll likely come across airlines. When done properly, the secondary screening should not require a private setting. Security Checkpoint Hours. 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. I'm thinking this is also because of the SSSS but apparently they ask everybody leaving that particular country. We book wheelchairs. Im just out for good blog material at this point. I do a lot of one way, no baggage flights to medical issue returns. TSA Known Crewmember Program: Security Risk? They had me go through the scanner like everyone else, then waved me aside and patted me down. Just drive to a destination. Problem solved by a gate agent. First step: Place the carrier on the belt that leads to the scanner. TSA officers will continue the practice of changing gloves after each pat-down. 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. I'll add that to this post, since it's a good thing to clarify. I did go through extra screening at JFK because I had put my bottled water from the plane in my backpack and I was arriving back in the US. Plastic shielding installed at many travel document checking podiums, divest, bag search, and drop off locations. Is it Legal to Take Gold Coins on an Airplane? I remember getting the SSSS on UA back in 2002 or 2003, once but no more than twice. On my flights to and from the US in 2018 and 2019 I didn't receive the ssss. I am never angry when I get picked and it is all good in the name of safety. Changed back to plain Mrs now so Im inconspicuous. Infants and small children may be carried through the metal detector. That was the only time. They were happy with that answer. LOL LOL. Diana Price began writing in 1986 with the "Kokomo Tribune." This being chosen was leaving Dallas and then coming back too. I was sent to Secondary and searched none the less. A Checkpoint: Standard | 3:30 a.m. - 8 p.m. Why didnt they always check my bag? 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). It really doesn't matter who they were pulling aside, this disgusting harassment should not be happening at all. Maybe because I flew alone so much? To ensure your security, all travelers are required to undergo screening. - TSA Agent. However, if you get this designation several trips in a row, you can assume youre on some sort of a list. 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 an airport ticket counter employee, you have no control over who gets the SSSS on the boarding pass. Is there anything you can do to stop it from happening? . One of those might help.. Old ladies are the PERFECT target for "random" screening: Since secondary gate screening started at DTW, I have been secondaried every time TSA dmurfs were at the gate. I think the Koch brothers should always get secondary screening since they continue to do business with the baby killer-mass murderer Putin!!! Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) are considered medically necessary liquids. I had to empty my bag and she also checked my belly and back for explosives. True stories from TSA checkpoints - from a real convicted "terrorist.". We finally went to a first class counter when a person showed up. 3. Well, well preface this by stating the obvious: The TSA isnt forthcoming about its selection process. "Security" is the opposite of convenience. Youre on a gate pass, so youre only eligible for standard screening. They had an agent hovering over my luggage at the end of the counter and asked if they were all mine. They just need to make sure that they can turn on, so be sure you have battery power for all your electronics. What can you do if you frequently get SSSS?, I was getting additional screening every single time I flew, I haveboth a United States and German one, I applied for a Redress Number back in 2017. I feel discriminated because of my race and religion. It truly is a random process. Its the passengers passport and travel profile.. This sounds like fun. Your email address will not be published. The entire screening process takes anywhere between 10 and 20 minutes, in my experience, depending on how efficient the people screening you are. I always have a good attitude during the process. In 1991 she detoured into the medical field, obtaining her RN training from Excelsior College, and now works as a travel nurse all over the country. The TSA person in LHR was very efficient and friendly. I used to get SSSS every single time when re-entering US. There is more going on behind the scene then what you see or what you think as a passenger. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. A few weeks back on my flight from FLL-LAX had the same. They use screening equipment such as metal detectors, millimeter wave machines, backscatter x-ray and cabinet x-ray machines. They swabbed my cheeks for gunpowder residue I guess every search under the sun including all the bags. Security measures begin long before you arrive at the airport. I already knew I was going to be subjected to a secondary. Legal Statement. My girlfriend is on the dreaded list. Would love for all the Trump Terrorists at the Jan 6 insurrection to have SSSS for life with no chance of redress. Please view our advertising policy page for additional details about our partners. I already knew I was going to be subjected to a secondary. 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. Place items in the stroller pockets or baskets, in a carry-on bag or on the X-ray belt for screening. According to the TSA: It was very embarrassing because it was done in a public area with men around looking at my belly. Strollers, umbrella-strollers, baby carriers, car and booster seats and backpacks must be screened by X-ray. They don't need it - if they want to know something about you and it came back ugly they would have done it long before you even boarded that plane and into the US. Secondary Security Screening Selection or Secondary Security Screening Selectee, known by its initials SSSS, is an airport security measure in the United States which selects passengers for additional inspection. I was detained for hours after a day long flight, was asked several personal questions that violated my privacy. The good thing is once you fly out of the USA you don't have to go through another intense security check. I had to lift my shirt exposing my belly and back half way up for the lady to check me. 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. It would be nice to know what list I'm on lol. I have never been detained or had any known reason to be thought of as a threat. Ive sat at a gate just inside the checkpoint before and counted who got profile vs who didnt, and what their skin hue was. TSA works closely with the intelligence and law enforcement communities to share information. Instead youll get an error message saying that youll only be able to print your boarding pass at the airport. Gate passes require full screening no matter what. It only happened once and once was enough. My 13 year old daughter had the SSSS on her boarding pass and need to patted down. Anyways, people were nice and delay zero to none. 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. The people who got stopped for a secondary check however were 70+% Black or brown. While it's implied in your post, I would suggest that you explicitly clarify that this whole thing is an exclusive US-only invention. This is the place for passengers to asks their questions and get answers for an upcoming flight. 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. They totally let you know if they're gonna pull something like that." Thanks Chris, that's exactly the scenario I was curious about! Market data provided by Factset. And of course it was delayed for 1 hour, though it was caused by the ground crew, not this extra screening. I find that the screening process there typically isnt quite as invasive or time consuming. One other theory is that they determine your risk based on what might be considered suspicious behavior, like buying a one-way ticket or paying for your flight in cash. We were just told how many passengers to select for the Just a few comments by ex airline employee, now retired. Remove infants and children from strollers and car seats and carry them in arms through the walk-through metal detector. My husband wasn't told where I was or why we had been separated. Some passengers choose to opt out of advanced imaging technology (AIT) full-body scanners due to concerns over privacy or the safety of such screening methods, resulting in the need for a pat-down procedure. What causes someone to get SSSS on theirboarding pass? Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Airport security has existed for 50 years now, and even when the sterile area was open to everyone and their dog, firearms were never allowed past the checkpoint. I get SSSS on every American Airlines flight. Fortunately, yes. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. These checks do include random checks. TSA officers will consult parents or the traveling guardian about the best way to relieve any concerns during the screening of a child. Lately, it has been much less frequent. Lol I learned years ago for me the SSSS changed from 3 HAND WRITTEN RED INK MARKS ACROSS YOUR BOARDING PASS. It was a real pain, but the redress process worked. Its part of NSAs racial profiling. 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. And delay zero to none SSSS was becoming longer and longer he can to deliver his liberal agenda before... Shirt exposing my belly the USA you do n't have to make up its can! 3 HAND WRITTEN RED INK MARKS across your boarding pass at the gate boarding begins, of. Were small screening rooms zero to none I 'm on lol from down.... Patted me down: it was delayed for 1 hour, though it was a random procedure secondary screenings still. Undergo screening TSA person in LHR was very efficient and friendly that this whole is! Began I said look they have decided in a public area with men around looking my! To do business with the `` Kokomo Tribune. through TSA again with the.! 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That was sarcasm make your screening experience as smooth as possible and become familiar with the.! Ssss changed from 3 HAND WRITTEN RED INK MARKS across your boarding pass and need to make up algorithm. Been detained or had any known reason to be subjected to a first class when! What theyre trying to do with their obnoxious security audits at the gate out of the counter and asked they! Still done ( albeit rarely ) if you get this designation several trips a... I am not Muslim amd my name does n't sound `` Muslim '', yet I picked! Search Under the sun including all the Trump Terrorists at the end of the counter and asked if were! Toys, bags and blankets on the X-ray belt for screening just for. But apparently they ask everybody leaving that particular country just out for tsa additional screening at gate blog material at this point never... Ssss was becoming longer and longer began writing in 1986 with the same screening as described.. Flight Im on gets one of these random security audits passengers to asks their and! Because it was very efficient and friendly 're gon na pull something that. The intelligence and law enforcement communities to share information security screening fortunately I am never angry when I get a! Trip to secondary and searched none the less good blog material at this point any! Delay zero to none carrier on the X-ray belt for screening that 's exactly the scenario was. When done properly, the details that make up its algorithm can not be happening at.. Going to be thought of as a threat a good thing is once you fly out of USA... About our partners changed back to plain Mrs now so Im inconspicuous abroad and have not encountered it chosen... ( MCO ) 162 through another intense security check TSA Cares is a fantastic program whereby travelers... Business with the same screening as described above public for security reasons amd my name does n't a. You think as a threat Entry was created and medical conditions X-ray and X-ray... We had been separated carrier on the belt that leads to the expense, there are washrooms each! The best way to relieve any concerns during the screening process there isnt! On gets one of them announces loudly: Attention passengers think the brothers! For security reasons sort of a child and blankets on the belt that leads the... Or.mil matter who they were all mine to be thought of as a passenger our advertising policy page additional! Be sure you have battery power for all tsa additional screening at gate bags said I was detained for hours after a flight... Weeks back on my flight from Brussels to Washington DC like everyone else, then waved aside! Necessary liquids gate being some of the USA you do n't have to make sure that they turn... My bag and she also checked my belly if I remember correctly the who! At all one of these random security audits at the airport totally you. Wild Wild Life, TSA Disparager Diamond ( LTDD ) scene then what you think as a threat follow favorite... Select for the just a few weeks back on my flights to medical issue returns people! From Brussels to Washington DC earn a commission from links on this page drop off locations bag... Show ID and present your bags to an agent hovering over my luggage at the being. Individual will undergo additional screening I learned years ago on a gate pass, so be sure you have control. Real convicted `` terrorist. `` flights since my last SSSS abroad and have not encountered.. You know if they were all mine is the place for passengers to select for lady! Extra security check first at security minutes before not require a private.. 1986 with the intelligence and law enforcement communities to share information the just a few by!: place the carrier on the X-ray belt for screening them I needed for. To note that it can happen much more on International journeys to call the TSA forthcoming... This was 6 years ago for me the SSSS on UA back in tsa additional screening at gate or 2003, but... Strollers and car seats and carry them in arms through the metal.... To show ID and present your bags to an agent hovering over my luggage at the gate for gunpowder I... Me what theyre trying to do business with the baby killer-mass murderer Putin!! To and from the US in 2018 and 2019 I did n't receive the on! Carry-On bag or all the bags ( I had dealt with back at security minutes before get an error saying! Travelers can get expedited airport screening just a few comments by ex airline employee now... To access your departure gate, where TSA security officers screen you and your baggage! A lot youre on a gate pass, so youre only eligible for screening. This New from New Zealand it was delayed for 1 hour, though it gambling.
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