What Does “SSSS” on Your Boarding Pass Mean?

If you’ve ever glanced at your boarding pass and noticed the letters “SSSS”, you’re not alone—and yes, it can be a little unsettling. Those four letters often come with longer security lines, extra questions, and more thorough screening at the airport.

So what does it actually mean?

What “SSSS” Stands For

SSSS means Secondary Security Screening Selection.

It’s a designation used by airport security—primarily in the United States—to indicate that a passenger has been selected for additional screening before boarding their flight.

What Happens If You Have SSSS on Your Boarding Pass?

If your boarding pass is marked with SSSS, you can expect:

• Extra security checks at the gate or security area
• A detailed inspection of carry-on items
• Possible swab testing for explosives
• Additional questions about your travel plans

This process can add time, so arriving early is a good idea.

Why Are Passengers Selected?

Being marked with SSSS doesn’t necessarily mean you did anything wrong. Common reasons include:

• Random selection by security systems
• Last-minute ticket purchases
• One-way or international travel
• Paying in cash
• Travel patterns that trigger automated screening

Even frequent flyers can be selected occasionally.

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