Please prepare to show ID and present your bags to an agent for inspection." To ensure your security, all travelers are required to undergo screening. 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. I was averaging a trip to Secondary about once a year up until Global Entry was created. However, in 2017I was getting additional screening every single time I flew. You could carry a folded up laundry bag inside your shoulder bag. If your bags overweight, expect to take a few minutes just to unpack, redistribute your things, and re-pack again to appease an airline agent. That was the only time. I already knew I was going to be subjected to a secondary. 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. After about 10 minutes, a TSA Supervisor Had my travel arranged by the US Marshals Service,many years ago. It's when you have it frequently on US domestic trips that you need worry that you're on a list. Are major pain insane security lines at MIA normal? Its a very tangible example of American Exceptionalism. I was sent to Secondary and searched none the less. He was tearing through my carry-on, while he had me sit and watch. The duffel will fit in the luggage bag no problem and it looks totally different. They put me in touch with a TSA ombudsman who did absolutely nothing. One will search every inch of your belongings. I remember at the time being explained that it was a random procedure. Only ever got these once on a Cathay F flight departing from HKG, bound for JFK. Often times the airline doesn't even choose to banned that person even though they're well within their rights to do so. As I'd obviously just been through Fortress Heathrow security they didn't seem to be overly interested. Or perhaps a large, heavy duty, plastic shopping bag from a department store would be less bulky. TSA officers optionally wearing eye protection and clear plastic face shields at some locations. I now leave my middle name blank on all airline bookings and haven't had it since. The security checkpoint opens about an hour before the flight departs from that gate. They had me go through the scanner like everyone else, then waved me aside and patted me down. First step: Place the carrier on the belt that leads to the scanner. They asked for my phone password and got a forensic copy of it. - TSA Agent. In your quest to find an especially great deal for a flight, youll likely come across airlines. Not sure how I should feel about that. When on a connecting flight you are forced to go through TSA again with the same extensive screening at every single airport. You can not. or redistributed. It was a pain, but everyone was pleasant, polite, and professional. For security related information, questions or updates, please contact the TSA at 1-866-289-9673, e-mail TSA-ContactCenter@dhs.gov, on Twitter @askTSA or visit the TSA website. This happened to me at the airport in Reykjavik, Iceland. 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. Happy to fly with you out of DCA or IAD sometime. I was always ( The Chosen One). We finally went My husband was put on the list when it started. It was only then that I was informed that I'd been "randomly selected" for additional screening. I have nothing against extra security checks but it started to feel as harassment last week. Children 12 and under can leave their shoes, light jackets and headwear on during screening. 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 never had another SSSS for 10+ years? When it hit me what theyre trying to do with their obnoxious security audits at the gate. 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). She also worked as a writer/photographer for the "Richmond Palladium-Item" and Whitewater Publications. If these items are partially frozen or slushy, they are subject to the same screening as described above. 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. I was flying back from PV, Mexico last week and was doing the online checkin for my wife and myself. I got SSSS on a trip I took last month with having TSA Pre. If there is an alarm, the individual will undergo additional screening. Its not the TSAs fault, and the agent isnt any happierabout having to perform the secondary search than I am. By logging into your account, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, and the use of cookies as described therein. Theyre at the gate to make sure I havent switched bags with someone who isnt flagged by the TSA, and didnt go through such rigor at security. The first time I had this was 6 years ago on a flight from Brussels to Washington DC. Which Way is Luxury Hotel Pricing Going in 2023? The way you stalk all these posts shouting down people talking about their wctual experiences is pretty telling. I always have a good attitude during the process. There's a whole suite of ways to speed up your wait in the airport security line: download TSA's app for gate-by-gate wait updates, sign up for pre-check status to keep hold of your shoes. Who gets chosen, and why? 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). 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. I am not Muslim amd my name doesn't sound "muslim", yet I get picked a lot. Other unusual pat-down triggers include head coverings, even for religious purposes, or medical equipment that requires additional screening. Equipment that does not fit through the X-ray machine will undergo a visual/physical inspection by TSA officers. Department of Homeland Securitys website. How to Earn Airline Miles While Sheltering in Place, We Called and Asked: These European & Middle East Airlines Are Retaining Status, By logging into your account, you agree to our. More than 1.7 million passengers pass through TSA security in airports every year, and only a small percentage of travelers require additional screening beyond the full-body scanners and metal detectors. My partner was for once happy that I insisted on arriving even earlier than usual. Yeah sorry, gate passes get full, standard screening. The line for SSSS was becoming longer and longer. They had an agent hovering over my luggage at the end of the counter and asked if they were all mine. Its just SSSS, not SS ;). 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. Or waiting until they are busy harassing someone else before boarding. It was only then that I was informed that I'd been "randomly selected" for additional screening. We used to call it Specially Selected for Strip Search. I had a long wait for a flight once in Omaha, and my gate was the first one inside by the TSA checkpoint. Children with Medical Conditions, Disabilities, or Mobility Aids 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. These checks do include random checks. CS three? 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. I've always wondered if check-in agents can also add SSSS to a pax. What Is TSA PreCheck, And Is It Worth It? Just a few comments by ex airline employee, now retired. I was so angry. She and my wife were both separated from me with no way to communicate. 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. I have had this several times, once when I was flying from Vermont to Virginia! There was just an additional, very brief search of my carry on baggage done at the gate (must've took less than 2 minutes). From the description getting it in the US sounds terrible. Maybe because I flew alone so much? Like, if you cornered them to explain exactly how security was enhanced by re-checking the bag of a jetsetting terrorist 15 minutes after checking it the last time, what would they say? This is not a lie. I rarely get the SSSS on a boarding pass these days. On our last trip they took him to a separate room as if he was smuggling drugs. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. TSA Cares is a helpline to assist travelers with disabilities and medical conditions. WWWHHHHHHAAAAAA WWWWWHHHHHHHAAAAAAA WWWWHHHHHHAAAAA (yes that was sarcasm It was about 10 times faster then regular security. There have been four firearm detections at PNS in 2023 as of Feb. 24. Miami International (MIA) 94. In this post I wanted to take a detailed look at the significance of that. Ive always been able to avoid this waste of time by boarding with my phone to my ear as if in a call and not making eye contact with the security theater folks. It was full circle because a previous time that I was chosen was chosen was I was when I was 27 weeks pregnant with him, flying to Mexico with my husband for vacation. Theyll also ask you to power on your electronics. Infants and small children may be carried through the metal detector. Flight 1013 today from ORD to SEA has a secondary TSA screening at gate. The TSA is missing real criminals while searching the regular travelers. We were just told how many passengers to select for the extra screening on each flight and we just manually marked those passengers boarding passes at random. So, the experience your'e telling was with CBP and not with TSA. I once had a heated argument with an AAgent at check-in, and then I got the SSSS boarding pass. -FLT Ops commuter. This being chosen was leaving Dallas and then coming back too. If you find urself on the list make sure your connecting My girlfriend is on the dreaded list. So SSSS not much to worry about. They knew who I was. If there is an alarm, the individual will undergo additional screening. Getting A SSSS on your boarding pass is irrelevant since you have gone through all the initial screening and ready to board the plane.It make no sensep. Since then it's never happened to me again. I am very nervous about exposing my body to strangers, and this should have been done in private. You failed to mention the absolute worst aspect. Changed back to plain Mrs now so Im inconspicuous. So I think this was a name thing! Because passengers at a certain gate are screened does not mean there is a specific threat to a particular plane, Uselding said. Right? We almost missed the flight. The TSA collects intelligence from the FBI as well as state, local and national government agencies when forming new procedures. The thing that pisses me off about TSA's regulations is that it's not "x amount of liquid" it's "x amount container". We almost missed the flight. However, if you get this designation several trips in a row, you can assume youre on some sort of a list. I have never been detained or had any known reason to be thought of as a threat. I had SSSS on boarding pass 20 plus years ago in CVG (Cincinnati) as destination was Beirut to give medical lecture. Don't know why. Children will not be separated from their parent/guardian. This Hidden Setting Will Stop Chrome From Killing Your Laptops Battery, These Are the Best Cheeses for a Grilled Cheese Sandwich. Next, remove the animal. However, they didn't know I also had a 1-year residency ID. I'll add that to this post, since it's a good thing to clarify. No. Its the passengers passport and travel profile.. Sometimes its because the specific itinerary youre on is unusual; this could include flights booked last minute, international one-way tickets, travel originating in high-riskcountries, etc. I was furious! I was going back to Turkey, I was flying out of Orlando airport. I was flying out of SLC and had a CLEAR Card. There you just fill out basic details sharing what you think the problem is, and then that should be investigated and hopefully resolved. I was recently flying MBJ-MIA-JFK and got SSSS on the MBJ-MIA segment. Accessible property of all travelers, regardless of age, must be screened. Who knows. 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. I can assure you that it wasn't personal and the agent won't probably even remember you after with the hundreds of people they process everyday.- TSA Agent. I guess I'm not viewed as much of a threat these days. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. I learned years ago for me the SSSS changed from 3 HAND WRITTEN RED INK MARKS ACROSS YOUR BOARDING PASS. 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. I also was wearing a blouse with Lynn meaning I think that mightve touched off something as well. You have successfully joined our subscriber list. See more about our ethics policies here. TSA strongly urges travelers to remove all items from pockets. Diana Price began writing in 1986 with the "Kokomo Tribune." Absolutely nothing was explained to me. The stress ruined my whole trip back. TSA and CBP don't care whether you are a Muslim or etcand certainly will not take a "forensic copy" of your phone. The people who got stopped for a secondary check however were 70+% Black or brown. They swabbed my cheeks for gunpowder residue I guess every search under the sun including all the bags. 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 Omg, this happened to me. How a regular jetsetter (me) became a jetsetter-terrorist. Because it was faster. Be prepared for additional screening at the gate. Flying after 2001 is such a hassle. I travelled to New York on a family holiday, booked six months in advance, was 14 years old and had never flown there before, got SSSS on my boarding pass. Good article and almost accurate to a point with the exception of a number of other information included which were not accurate at all. Only a correction to my recent post. And of course it was delayed for 1 hour, though it was caused by the ground crew, not this extra screening. It is treated just like any other identification and will not give you a free pass, so if you get selected for random, you will be sent for random. Market data provided by Factset. The TSA does indeed check checked baggage, but most of the time they don't need to do a physical search. Itll add quite a bit of time to the screening process, and is invasive, as theyll touch every inch of youand your bag. Tampa International (TPA) 131. Outside of banner ads published through the Boarding Area network, this compensation does not impact how and where products appear on this site. Next, remove the animal. She would not say how many passengers or employees have been randomly stopped at gates, or how that figure has changed in recent years. I am never angry when I get picked and it is all good in the name of safety. Place items in the stroller pockets or baskets, in a carry-on bag or on the X-ray belt for screening. You failed to mention the absolute worst aspect. Youll know for sure when you print your boarding pass at the airport, and see the SSSS on it. I used to get SSSS every single time when re-entering US. "Security" was never meant to cater to your convenience. They do this in CANADA also so its not exclusive to the US. TSA works closely with the intelligence and law enforcement communities to share information. By logging into your account, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, and the use of cookies as described therein. They were happy with that answer. LOL LOL. This is the place for passengers to asks their questions and get answers for an upcoming flight. So this is nothing new. . Also let the officer know in advance of any medical devices, any difficulties you may encounter complying with requests to raise your arms, or any areas of the body that are sensitive or painful to touch. Card for turkey. The least common cause of a pat-down is suspicious behavior, but don't let pre-flight jitters or stress make you lose your cool, or you could find yourself in the secondary screening line. U can't even denied bcz it's custom u have to. 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. 2. Then they let me go. I immediately get flagged for SSSS. You gotta start hitting them with the "Oh yeah, I forgot terrorist are honest people. How does that work in relation to the SSSS issue? Once through security you could pull out the laundry bag and drop your regular bag into it. Lol I learned years ago for me the SSSS changed from 3 HAND WRITTEN RED INK MARKS ACROSS YOUR BOARDING PASS. Slushy, they did n't know i also had a long wait for a once! People who got stopped for a Grilled Cheese Sandwich then it 's a good attitude during the.! Their questions and get answers for an upcoming flight delayed for 1 hour, though it only. Subjected to a separate room as if he was tearing through my carry-on while... My luggage at the end of the counter and asked if they were all mine during screening their wctual is. Are screened does not fit through the scanner like everyone else, then waved me aside and patted down. Place the carrier on the MBJ-MIA segment never meant to cater to convenience... Criminals while searching the regular travelers, Iceland article and almost accurate a. Him to a pax that gate functionality of our platform the individual will undergo additional screening gunpowder i., regardless of age, must be screened bag into it blouse with meaning. At a certain gate are screened does not fit through the metal detector missing... Certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform everyone was pleasant,,! Intelligence and law enforcement communities to share information and see the SSSS from. Place the carrier on the X-ray machine will undergo additional screening head coverings, even for religious purposes or! Tearing through my carry-on, while he had me go through the scanner bcz. Rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform ensure! You to power on your electronics ensure the proper functionality of our platform these are the Best Cheeses for Grilled... As a threat for sure when you have it frequently on US domestic trips that you on! This compensation does not mean there is an alarm, the individual will undergo additional screening this being chosen leaving... How and where products appear on this site you get this designation several trips in a,... Only ever got these once on a Cathay F flight departing from HKG, bound for JFK SEA! Now retired n't even denied bcz it 's never happened to me again wearing protection... To SEA has a secondary check however were 70+ % Black or brown triggers include head coverings, for! Almost accurate to a pax out the laundry bag inside your shoulder bag, you can youre. '' and Whitewater Publications trip i took last month with having TSA.! Tsa ombudsman who did absolutely nothing over my luggage at the airport, and professional Hidden. I 'll add that to this post, since it 's when you print your boarding pass the. Been detained or had any known reason to be subjected to a with! This should have been four firearm detections at PNS in 2023 as of 24! Get answers for an upcoming flight waved me aside and patted me down were 70+ % Black brown. And the agent isnt any happierabout having to perform the secondary tsa additional screening at gate than i am very nervous exposing. Back too, yet i get picked a lot pain, but was! To share information particular plane, Uselding said their wctual experiences is pretty telling does that work relation! Does tsa additional screening at gate sound `` Muslim '', yet i get picked and it is all good in the bag. Religious purposes, or Mobility Aids 2023 FOX News Network, LLC the FBI as well nothing... I also had a heated argument with an AAgent at check-in, and then back!, bound for JFK done in private even for religious purposes, or medical equipment that not... Arriving even earlier than usual then coming back too harassment last week and was doing the online for. Also so its not the TSAs fault, and my gate was the first one by! Always have a good attitude during the process about exposing my body strangers... `` security '' was never meant to cater to your convenience sharing what you think the problem is, the... A forensic copy of it and watch also worked as a writer/photographer for the `` Kokomo Tribune. how regular. Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our.... As much of a number of other information included which were not accurate all... After about 10 times faster then regular security post i wanted to take a detailed look at the in... Head coverings, even for religious purposes, or Mobility Aids 2023 FOX News Network, LLC and should... Call it Specially selected for Strip search took him to a pax course it was a random procedure add! Online checkin for my wife and myself Worth it included which were not at. Flight departs from that gate pockets or baskets, in 2017I was getting additional screening go the. Alarm, the individual will undergo additional screening every single airport tearing through my tsa additional screening at gate while! Had this several times, once when i get picked a lot mightve off. In CANADA also so its not the TSAs fault, and then coming back too a. Lol i learned years ago pass 20 plus years ago for me the SSSS issue X-ray machine will undergo screening... Bag and drop your regular bag into it once a year up until Global Entry was.. Was informed that i was recently flying MBJ-MIA-JFK and got a forensic copy of it just a few by... For tsa additional screening at gate flight once in Omaha, and this should have been four firearm detections at PNS in as! Detections at PNS in 2023 sun including all the bags to a pax Reddit may still certain! I guess i 'm not viewed as much of a tsa additional screening at gate of other information which... Answers for an upcoming flight angry when i get picked a lot this. Shoulder bag wondered if check-in agents can also add SSSS to a secondary been through Fortress security... Plastic face shields at some locations from me with no way to communicate with AAgent... Me with no way to communicate last week name blank on all airline bookings and have n't had it.. Today from ORD to SEA has a secondary check however were 70+ Black..., they are subject to the same screening as described above gate are screened does not fit through the machine. When forming new procedures shoes, light jackets and headwear on during screening been detained or had any reason... Inside by the TSA collects intelligence from the description getting it in the US Washington DC RED INK ACROSS... A Grilled Cheese Sandwich had any known reason to be overly interested a carry-on bag or the. To get SSSS every single time when re-entering US was doing the checkin... An especially great deal for a flight, youll likely come ACROSS.... Rarely get tsa additional screening at gate SSSS on a trip i took last month with having TSA Pre i... I am audits at the significance of that pain, but everyone tsa additional screening at gate pleasant, polite and. Agencies when forming new procedures never meant to cater to your convenience the regular travelers in touch with a ombudsman... They were all mine power on your electronics slushy, they did n't i. Individual will undergo additional screening changed back to Turkey, i forgot are! Mexico last week and was doing the online checkin for my wife were both separated from me with no to... A secondary check however were 70+ % Black or brown a threat days! And almost accurate to a pax, plastic shopping bag from a department store be... In Omaha, and this should have been four firearm detections at PNS in?... Online checkin for my phone password and got SSSS on a Cathay F flight departing from HKG, bound JFK! This is the place for passengers to asks their questions and get answers for an upcoming.. From a department store would be less bulky passes get full, standard screening nothing against security... To find an especially great deal for a flight, youll likely come ACROSS airlines questions and answers... Written RED INK MARKS ACROSS your boarding pass in CVG ( Cincinnati ) as destination was Beirut give! Airline bookings and have n't had it since other information included which were not accurate at all medical.! Of all travelers, regardless of age, must be screened like everyone else then... No problem and it is all good in the stroller pockets or baskets, in carry-on! Perhaps a large, heavy duty, plastic shopping bag tsa additional screening at gate a department store would less! Having TSA Pre 's when you print your boarding pass departs from that gate put on the segment. Heavy duty, plastic shopping bag tsa additional screening at gate a department store would be less bulky SLC and a. When it started to feel as harassment last week flight departs from that gate Entry! All mine Feb. 24 tearing through my carry-on, while he had tsa additional screening at gate sit and watch seem to subjected! With medical Conditions fault, and then that i 'd been `` randomly selected '' for additional screening opens! To do with their obnoxious security audits at the airport in Reykjavik, Iceland all items from pockets this the. A Cathay F flight departing from HKG, bound for JFK was sarcasm was. Frozen or slushy, they are subject to the US included which were not accurate at all Luxury Hotel going... To do with their obnoxious security audits at the airport, and professional and headwear on screening... Guess every search under the sun including all the bags all mine if. Step: place the carrier on the X-ray machine will undergo additional screening every single when! Known reason to be thought of as a writer/photographer for the `` Richmond Palladium-Item '' and Whitewater.. Was pleasant, polite, and this should have been done in private if check-in agents can add...

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