The secret code on a boarding pass you NEVER want to see while travelling to the United States
Ruby, was preparing to fly from Brisbane International Airport to the United States when she noticed the four letters 'SSSS' printed on her ticket.
Posting to social media, Ruby, who now lives full-time in Chicago, said it was 'the four letters no traveller wants to see on their boarding pass'.
The code stands for 'Secondary Security Screening Selection', enforced by the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) that flags certain passengers for additional checks before boarding.
Travellers marked with SSSS should brace for a more intense screening process than usual.
These enhanced checks can involve luggage being fully searched, including swabs for explosives and narcotics, and electronics being switched on and inspected.
Some passengers have even reported having their feet swabbed or being taken aside for a private screening.
TSA agents may also ask detailed questions about the passenger's travel plans, destination, and who packed their bags.
There's no set timeframe for how long the SSSS process takes, but it can significantly delay boarding.
As a result, anyone flying to or from the US is advised to arrive early, just in case they are selected.
'I've travelled to over 30 countries so am aware of the stigma around it,' Ruby told Yahoo News.
Her boarding pass had the SSSS printed before she even made it past airport security.
'They didn't check my paperwork or say anything, which was surprising,' she said.
It wasn't until she arrived at the gate that the extra screening kicked in.
'After I scanned my boarding pass, they said, "go over there", and had me hand over my passport, which they reviewed,' Ruby recalled.
'I put all of my stuff out on the table and they swabbed everything, my bag, laptop, hands, and even my stomach. I've never had that before.'
The SSSS printed on Ruby's boarding pass flagged her for extra security screening
After landing in the US, Ruby said border agents grilled her further before ultimately allowing her to continue on her way.
The 'Secondary Security Screening Selection' process was introduced after the September 11 attacks in 2001, as part of strict security reforms under then-President George W. Bush.
The TSA has never disclosed exactly how or why passengers are chosen, with the criteria remaining a tightly held secret.
In response to Ruby's video, dozens of fellow travellers chimed in with their own SSSS experiences.
'Happens to me EVERY time, they say it's random, but I know it's not,' one person wrote.
Another added, 'I got the Super Special Security Screening in Lisbon. It wasn't bad — they just unpacked my carry-on and searched every square inch of everything.'
'It's a huge inconvenience,' someone else commented, 'BUT way less scary knowing what it is beforehand. I had no idea when I got the SSSS in Barcelona flying home.'
Another jetsetter, a US citizen was left scratching her head after spotting the cryptic code on her boyfriend's ticket during a recent airport run.
She found herself separated from her partner after they passed through security, before she captured the moment he was cleared after undergoing further questioning at passport control.
Sharing her experience to social media, the American content creator detailed 'On flights to/from the US, you can get 'randomly' selected to undergo a much higher level of security.
'For my partner, this meant separating all of his things from mine, pulling absolutely everything out of his bag, swabbing everything, and then making sure that his laptop turned on (so that they could inspect it).'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
2 hours ago
- The Sun
I'm a travel editor – the flight, train & ferry upgrades that are worth the money… skip the queue & bag unlimited drinks
FOR more than 26 years I've been travelling the world on behalf of Sun readers and while I've been lucky enough to turn left on a fair few planes, I've also spent hours in airport queues and even longer squished into tiny seats on long haul flights. And that's where splashing out on a cheeky little upgrade can make all the difference between a miserable journey and a boujee start to your break. 8 But while paying can sometimes be a real winner, not all upgrades are worth splashing the cash on. Here, I reveal the ones that are worth the dosh, and those to ditch across trains, planes and ferries. AIRPORT No one likes to queue and I've had a few close calls over the years where long lines at security or passport control have led to a mad dash to the gate. If you're travelling at a particularly busy time of year like the school holidays, it can pay to shell out for a FastTrack access to skip the queues. 8 8 If you book a package holiday to a 4* resort with you'll get free fast track security passes from your chosen airport - book a 5* hotel and you'll get lounge access. At Gatwick, you'll get FastTrack for free if you stay at the in-airport Bloc Hotel and rooms there, literally metres from the security lanes, start from just £90 a night, perfect for those hideously early departures. In general though, it pays to think ahead. You can save up to 20 per cent on fast track security passes if you book in advance. And prices start from just £3.50 at Bournemouth. Booked in advance, prices are from: Bristol, £6; East Midlands, £6; Gatwick, £6; Liverpool, £4; Luton, £4; Manchester, £7; Newcastle, £7. Stansted will let you buy a fast track for both security AND passport control at £7.50 and £15 respectively and at Leeds Bradford, where passes cost £5, you can take a child under 12 for free with each paying adult. The same applies to treating yourself to a stay in an airport lounge. If you're travelling with the family or enjoy having a drink and meal in departures, often the cost of a lounge can sometimes be cheaper than buying food and drink in the busy bars and restaurants. Prices start from just £20 if booked well in advance. Check out deals on websites like for extra discounts. PLANE While we'd all love to be basking in the luxury of business class on every flight, the prohibitively high prices are never going to make it an option for most of us. But the stratospheric rise of the class between economy and business shows that we're all willing to splash out a little bit extra for more space and comfort. 8 8 Premium Economy is the one upgrade I think is worth its weight in gold when it comes to flying long haul over 12 or more hours. And one airline in particular has stolen a march on rivals when it comes to their version of Premium. Norse Airlines' Boeing 787 Dreamliners fly to Orlando, Miami, New York, Los Angeles year round from its Gatwick base and will fly to Cape Town and Bangkok from October for the winter season. With its no-frills ethos, flights cost from just £250 return for the absolute basic fare with just hand luggage and no food. But its Premium comes with two meals and luggage as well as a wider seat with oodles of leg room and here's the best bit - with a bit of planning you can fly in this class for the same price of an economy seat on many of the full service, legacy airlines. Another great way to upgrade your flight relies a lot more on luck - and what you're prepared to shell out at the last minute. Most major airlines will have a service in place where you can bid a set price for an upgrade - in general, a price around 20 to 40 per cent above their lowest bid offer will be the most successful. And there's always the option of asking directly as you check in for your flight how much it would cost to upgrade. If a flight is particularly busy in one cabin, there will be some attractive deals to move up. You're more likely to be successful on routes popular with leisure passengers - and on flights later in the day or last thing at night. Holiday packing tips Jemma Solomon, aka The Label Lady has got 5 packing tips to help you get organised for your next holiday. 1. Write a list Think about all the essentials you need to take with you; suncream, medicine, a few games for the kids, beach towels, and write everything in one list, which you can tick off as you add it to your suitcase. Or for complete ease, try Google's AI app - Gemini - which will create a list for you and help you not over pack. 2. Involve your kids Jemma said: 'My girls are getting older, they're 11 and nine, and they enjoy helping to pack. So I send them a list, and say 'this is what you need' and they follow the list. 'And then I give them a rucksack each - and say to them 'you can have whatever you want in there as long as it's not liquid', and they can take that on the plane. And that's their 'home away from home' items.' 3. Try a hack or two She said: "I think they all work, but for different reasons - and you've just got to pick the right one for your trip. "Rolling your clothes is really good to stop your clothes from getting creases. And if you're trying to get a lot of items into your case, it's a space saver. 'Packing cubes are great - for example, I'm going on holiday with my three kids and we're all using the same suitcase for our clothes. "These handy compartments let you separate your clothes, toiletries and tech into designated cubes, maximising luggage space by keeping your items compressed and neatly stacked. "I love taking them abroad with the family and it means my kids can easily take charge of their own items once we've arrived." 4. Decant beauty products Do you really need to take full-size bottles of shampoo and conditioner with you? The beauty industry has evolved so much, you can now buy shampoo bars or sheets - which are much lighter and smaller. Or, if you'll be popping to the shops when you're abroad, consider buying some items when you arrive. 5. Get organised before you come home Jemma said: 'When you repack on holiday [before coming home], the trick is to separate clean from dirty clothes. 'Also pack it in some form of order - so lights, darks, colours for items that need washing, or if you wash your clothes by person in the household, piles for each person. "Then you can put it straight into the washing machine. Do it straight away, don't leave it." Rail travel in the UK is hardly known for its luxury but while First Class seats come at a huge premium, there are ways to get an upgrade for less. First Class comes with a host of perks from free wifi to complimentary drinks and food as well as extra legroom and reclining seats. It could also include access to First Class lounges at certain stations. 8 Many train companies have a Weekend First offer - providing you with an upgrade to First Class on services running on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays. You can't book these in advance and the price varies by company but can cost anywhere between £10 to £45. Ask staff onboard if there is availability and at what price. Another great way to score an upgrade if you're travelling in the week is to download the Seatfrog app. This allows anyone with a standard class train ticket to bid for an upgrade to First Class. Auctions usually open 24hours before your journey and close 30minutes before departure. Give the app the maximum amount you're prepared to spend on the upgrade and Seatfrog will automatically bid for you, raising the bid incrementally until it reaches your maximum bid. If you win, Seatfrog will automatically allocate you the best available seat. FERRY Ferries may not be the most romantic form of travel - outshone by the glitzy cruise ships - but for heading off on the open roads of Europe in your own car just cannot be beaten. But for a little bit of luxury on your channel crossing, I think the Club Lounges on P&O Ferries' ships are definitely worth upgrading to if you're travelling without the kids. 8 8 From £29 you'll get a private lounge with an all-inclusive offering of food, drinks and even Wi-Fi. And you can even enjoy the sea air from a sun-lounger on the private deck. Considering the cost of a hearty lamb shank main in their usual restaurant will set you back at least £17, you don't have to indulge in much more to get the benefit of the lounge back. And the same can be said for someone looking to take a longer sailing with Brittany Ferries from Portsmouth to Bilbao in Spain. An upgrade to their Commodore Cabins may seem pricey but when you factor in the comfy double bed in a larger cabin complete with window and access to the open deck as well as access to the Club Lounge with a veritable feast of food available for free from dawn till dusk, it can sometimes work out cheaper if you do enjoy a glass or two of wine with your lunch and dinner. Travellers often wonder how to secure an upgrade to first class without paying the premium price. According to a flight attendant, there are several strategies passengers can employ to increase their chances. Firstly, loyalty to an airline is crucial; frequent flyers and those with elite status are more likely to receive upgrades. Additionally, booking directly with the airline rather than through third-party sites can improve your odds, as can being flexible with your travel dates and times. Dressing smartly and arriving early can also make a difference. While airlines generally prioritise upgrades based on status and fare class, a well-dressed passenger who checks in early may catch the staff's attention. It's also beneficial to be polite and friendly to the airline staff, as they have the discretion to upgrade passengers at their own judgement. Lastly, if you're celebrating a special occasion, such as a honeymoon or birthday, it doesn't hurt to mention it. While not guaranteed, some flight attendants might consider this when deciding on upgrades. Overall, while there's no surefire way to get a free upgrade, combining these strategies can certainly improve your chances.
The Sun
7 hours ago
- The Sun
World's largest manmade island airport size of a TOWN being built…& it's big enough for every single Brit to fly through
CHINA is steaming ahead with building the world's largest man-made island airport. The town-sized travel hub will sit off the country's northeast coast and process 80 million passengers each year - more than the entire UK population. 7 7 7 The Dalian Jinzhouwan Bay International Airport will cover 20-square-kilometres out in the Bohai Sea when completed. First flights are expected on the runway in 2035, with capacity winding up to around 540,000 flights each year. When construction of the four runways is completed, Dalian will surpass Hong Kong International Airport and Japan 's Kansai Airport to become the world's largest airport hosted on an artificial island. A recent post to the project's social media said: 'The country's largest offshore airport is rising slowly from the sea level like the sunrise in the east." However, progress has not been plain sailing. The engineer running the project, Li Xiang, said in October: 'There have been great challenges to the construction as the project has complex geological conditions, high drilling difficulty and high demand in quality with a tight construction schedule.' The international travel hub will open with an initial passenger capacity of 43 million annually - but that is expected to double as construction completes. The new airport addresses limitations at the existing Dalian Zhoushuizi Airport. Operating for almost a century, the current airport was built during the Japanese occupation and has reached its maximum possible capacity after several recent expansions. Last year, it served 658,000 international passengers. JetBlue plane 'skids off runway' at Boston Logan Airport with all flights halted as rescue crews swarm aircraft Dalian Zhoushuizi sits in a valley surrounded by mountains, which means more planes cannot safely be introduced to the airspace. The difficult terrain has made navigation challenging for pilots, particularly in poor weather conditions, and the airport has reached its capacity limit after multiple expansions. The offshore placement of Jinzhouwan Airport solves these challenges by providing more space for expansion and enhancing safety measures, the South China Morning Post reports. Dalian, in northeastern China, has long been a thriving coastal city with a population of around 7.5 million. 7 7 Its strategic port location has led to it becoming is hub for trade with neighbouring Japan and South Korea - and it plays a key role in the oil refining, shipping, logistics, and tourism industries. The new airport aims to bolster these industries further by improving connectivity and positioning Dalian as a regional air transport hub. Bigger airports are also a cornerstone of China's wider aviation ambitions. The country is on track to surpass the US as the world's largest air travel market - and massive new infrastructure is needed to accommodate that. Beijing's second airport, Daxing (PKX), opened to great fanfare on in October 2019 - the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. At the time, Chinese officials said the country would need 450 airports by 2035, nearly doubling the current count. 7
Daily Mail
9 hours ago
- Daily Mail
TSA announces change to security checks at 10 airports
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced a major change to security checks at 10 airports across the country. The administration shared that it would be adding a new expedited lane and discounts 'to enhance the travel experience for members of the U.S. military community,' per PR Newswire. Gold Star families - those who have lost a loved one in military service - will also now have TSA PreCheck fees waived. Additionally, TSA will now offer a $25 discount on TSA PreCheck enrollment for spouses of military and uniformed service members. 'This Independence Day and beyond, TSA reaffirms its commitment to ease travel for the military community through its TSA PreCheck program by providing it free to Gold Star families, discounting it for military spouses and creating expedited lanes for service members,' she said, according to the publication. 'By expanding access, easing enrollment, and partnering with our TSA PreCheck enrollment providers and industry partners, we strive to honor those who serve and the families who stand beside them.' To make things as accessible as possible, TSA PreCheck is hosting mobile enrollment events near major US military locations. The new lanes will be implemented at 10 American airports in cities including: San Antonio, Texas, Anchorage, Alaska, Atlanta, Georgia, Austin, Texas, Colorado Springs, Colorado, El Paso, Texas, Fayetteville, North Carolina, Nashville, Tennessee, San Diego, California, and Seattle, Washington. In other airport news, TSA was recently forced to issue a hilarious statement about which ID cards qualify as official identification while traveling. It came after a user on X, formerly known as Twitter, posted a picture of a bright yellow Waffle House customer card with the caption, 'TSA might want REAL ID, but I have the realest ID.' It read 'Matthew Cappucci, Meteorologist,' with an American flag in the right corner. The post amassed over 2.2 million views and thousands of replies - including one from the official TSA account. 'Respectfully, no… Waffle House IDs will not suffice as a Real ID alternative (sorry),' the organization's comical response read. Cappucci followed up his post by writing: 'One of my greatest life accomplishments is being one of the only 90 people in this world that Waffle House follows.' TSA has also responded to travelers who attempted to use their Costco cards as valid ID at the airport. US travelers are now required to have a federally approved REAL ID or passport to board a domestic flight , with a standard driver's license no longer cutting it.
