Ill share my experience based on the last time I dealt with this in the United States, which admittedly goes back a while. TSA officers may need to test the liquids for explosives or concealed prohibited items. I was always ( The Chosen One). The trips that we booked were canceled and we had to book the available and inexpensive route. She and my wife were both separated from me with no way to communicate. Flying after 2001 is such a hassle. The conversation you've had with the agent was probably something out of the blue and the agent's way to strike a conversation with you. The entire screening process takes anywhere between 10 and 20 minutes, in my experience, depending on how efficient the people screening you are. 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. I just stopped flying with them all together. You never know when some underwear or shoe bomber or female maxipad bomber is going to take my life away. . They bring a little wheeled cart. The horribly pathetic and transparently theatrical gate security audit. You know youre on a flight with someone on The List when the TSA posts up at your gate, checks everyones bags, and makes your flight late. We had given ourselves ample time (1.5 hrs from TSA to boarding time) but ended up being the very last ones to board before pushback. Only me. TSA X-ray machines do not adversely affect food or medicines. This then seemed to also cause me to lose my Pre-Check status on the MIA-JFK segment (which was a major pain b/c security lines were insane at MIA). The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screens all airline passengers and baggage prior to boarding commercial aircraft. TSA and CBP don't care whether you are a Muslim or etcand certainly will not take a "forensic copy" of your phone. I am an airline crewmember and even in the crew line we are, at times, selected for extra security check and redirected to the public lane to have this completed. They bring a little wheeled cart. 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. Everyone waiting is watching what goes on behind the glass. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/32957073-post2009.html. Why not swap with yourself? At this point, there will typically be at least two TSA agents involved, if not three. Next, remove the animal. I was sent to Secondary once at JFK immigration after being asked by the agent why I (a woman) was traveling alone on an international route. 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. One bag or all the bags Lol 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. And how can you stop getting chosen, if youre consistently targeted? 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. And of course it was delayed for 1 hour, though it was caused by the ground crew, not this extra screening. What Does SSSS On Your Boarding Pass Mean? This became a "thing" not too long after 9/11. Heres Why. The whole patdown, leaning forward and backward, wheelchair check, and the hand held metal detector check is just a normal procedure. 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. Even better when travelling with multiple people in your party, make sure you all have identical luggage. I had the dreaded SSSS a couple of years ago and it was a big deal to me.! Call TSA Cares 72 hours priorto traveling with questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint. Then she gets sent to the end of the non-TSA Precheck line. Anyways, people were nice and delay zero to none. I was furious! 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. Additional agents asking various people in line to put their carry on luggage on the cart, and give it a cursory (sometimes more than cursory) inspection. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Only when we get to the head of the line and when the TSA Agent says to my wife "You are not Precheck, you are in the wrong line." I already knew I was going to be subjected to a secondary. The worst part is that we travel carry on only which means I had scientifically fit as much as I possibly could into my carry on and personal bags. A Checkpoint: Standard | 3:30 a.m. - 8 p.m. (In some instances, depending on the wait at your security line, it may actually prove quicker than waiting in that line.). Inform the TSA officer if the child has a disability, medical condition or medical device, and advise the officer of the best way to relieve any concerns during the screening process. It means they didn't do their job the first time around. Place items in the stroller pockets or baskets, in a carry-on bag or on the X-ray belt for screening. After about 10 minutes, a TSA Supervisor Had my travel arranged by the US Marshals Service,many years ago. I had to lift my shirt exposing my belly and back half way up for the lady to check me. Inform the TSA officer if. Personal items include a purse, briefcase, laptop or backpack. I had SSSS on boarding pass 20 plus years ago in CVG (Cincinnati) as destination was Beirut to give medical lecture. It took me a very long time to get everything to fit again. LAX is a miserable experience anyway and after a long flight from New Zealand it was horrible. ATSA lead or supervisor (someone with two or three stripes on their uniform) will show up eventually and escort you to a separate lane. They made me take out each item one by one and even examined inside my camera's cleaning tissues. Market data provided by Factset. Travelers can access all gates from any checkpoint. The US Transport Security Administration (TSA) was formed at this time and has increased security since with several schemes, including The Secure Flight program. Definitely not long distance by any means. Only me. This is NOT an official TSA subreddit! Meanwhile, typically the supervisor will take a picture of your boarding pass and ID, fill out a form, and then eventually stamp your boarding pass to indicate that youve been screened. The hotel clerk told me that it "happens all the time" and knew what was likely to happen. My husband is in a wheelchair and every time we fly they pat him down, have him lean forward in his chair, use the cloth wand, etc. Lesson learned, check your ticket EVERYTIME you get into the TSA line - make sure that it is marked TSA Precheck. I felt bad for the screeners doing such an unpleasant unrewarding job. The 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. I kind of understood why if was flagged, as that was very different from my usual flight pattern. My last SSSS was indeed on a one way ticket LHR-IAD. 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. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. 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. He never ceases to amaze me and will take any opportunity he can to deliver his liberal agenda. Legal Statement. I was going back to Turkey, I was flying out of Orlando airport. Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Are they allowed to do this to a minor? My guess is that some system would truncate the name, and then it wouldn't match passport details. 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. Obviously he didn't know what he was to do just asked a bunch of questions. How a regular jetsetter (me) became a jetsetter-terrorist. Itll add quite a bit of time to the screening process, and is invasive, as theyll touch every inch of youand your bag. The passengers may be known as Selectee, Automatic Selectee or the Selectee list. You may also call to request assistance at the checkpoint. He didnt understand the concept of dual citizenship. 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. Welcome to r/TSA. 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. 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. One wheeled luggage and one duffel bag. I'll add that to this post, since it's a good thing to clarify. 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. Please prepare to show ID and present your bags to an agent for inspection.. 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. They asked for my phone password and got a forensic copy of it. Who gets chosen, and why? We had a connecting flight once we were back in the states as well. One problem with the SSSS is that we go into the Precheck line routinely, so we don't look at the ticket for the SSSS. TSA officers optionally wearing eye protection and clear plastic face shields at some locations. It truly is a random process. Should it happen again I think I will ask for the more private option. They had an agent hovering over my luggage at the end of the counter and asked if they were all mine. - TSA Agent. 4s kinda sounds like double SS. My wife has TSA Precheck, and I have Global Entry. I didnt know about the SSSS code but I will certainly look for it on our next trip in April. I felt bad walking through the aisle bumping people with my very visible belly and delaying take off for my additional security check. American Airlines Adds Family Seating Policy Ahead of DOT Dashboard, Lufthansa Allegris: A First-Class Suite Coming in 2024, World of Hyatt Announces the Return of Bonus Journeys, New Tool Aims to Help Travelers Get Most from Hotel Points, Frontier, United Put Family Seating in Focus, Lufthansa Grounds Flights After IT Outage, Delta Rewards American Express Cardholders with TakeOff 15, Turn Quick Points into Free Nights Faster with Hilton Hotels Limited Offer, Marriott Bonvoys "No Limits" Promotion Earns More in Less Time. A global entry ID don't mean much to TSA. , Then youll be asked to walk through the metal detector, and then back again. It's when you have it frequently on US domestic trips that you need worry that you're on a list. I had one on JFK-DCA (DL) a few weeks back. Stay connected with the latest travel, aviation, and credit card news. 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. They swabbed my cheeks for gunpowder residue I guess every search under the sun including all the bags. I'm thinking this is also because of the SSSS but apparently they ask everybody leaving that particular country. They are there to do a thankless job. How does that work in relation to the SSSS issue? I was traveling alone and had no clue what was happening. When will the madness end? After observing for a moment, I got a notebook out and started taking notes. 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. Next, remove the animal. And thats despite the TSA agents at the gate being some of the same ones I had dealt with back at security minutes before. However, if you get this designation several trips in a row, you can assume youre on some sort of a list. It was never as invasive as Ben describes, which is in keeping with his comment that the procedure tends to be less extensive at foreign airports before flights to the US. "Security" is the opposite of convenience. He was tearing through my carry-on, while he had me sit and watch. I don't recall ever having secondary screening on a domestic flight. 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. Maybe because I flew alone so much? 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. Now I dread having to repack my carry on in a hurry again. This practice started after 9/11 and was much more common at that time. I do a lot of one way, no baggage flights to medical issue returns. I only spent one week in the USA, Florida, and had to go back to Turkey. It didnt slow us down, we got out on time. On Pre Check they do have random checks that ring the alarm and you're forced to go through the nude o scan machine. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Secondary screenings are still done (albeit rarely). Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL) 134. I havent had any major issues since. Has anyone experience with these domestic screenings? It was certainly introduced before the shoe bomber (all shoes off) and the underwear bomber (the large, mainly ineffective nude o scan machines that rotate around you supposedly to find explosives). Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screeners at airports check passengers and personal items for dangerous items such as weapons, chemicals and liquids that are not allowed as carry-on items. Doesn't matter if it domestic or international. Flying out of Montreal the screener was rude, making fun of his western accent. We book wheelchairs. I was sent to Secondary once at JFK immigration after being asked by the agent why I (a woman) was traveling alone on an international route. 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. However, TSA has developed modified screening procedures for children who appear to be 12 years old and younger. - TSA Agent. At least that's how it is at my airport. Back then, it was Q's. Youll know for sure when you print your boarding pass at the airport, and see the SSSS on it. On my flights to and from the US in 2018 and 2019 I didn't receive the ssss. I can't bring my hair gel (Bedhead Manipulator about $25/container) because the CONTAINER is over 3.5oz (the only size they sell it in). 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. I have had this several times, once when I was flying from Vermont to Virginia! See more about our ethics policies here. I learned years ago for me the SSSS changed from 3 HAND WRITTEN RED INK MARKS ACROSS YOUR BOARDING PASS. It was close to 25 minutes I must say. The secondary screening experience was invasive. The good thing is once you fly out of the USA you don't have to go through another intense security check. We did not know this and only found out when we approached the gate in Houston; we had flown from Laredo, TX. Card for turkey. There are five main checkpoints at SEA Airport featuring general, premium, CLEAR, TSA PreCheck, and ADA-friendly screening. I was worried because I had it on 4 consecutive trips. Youre on a gate pass, so youre only eligible for standard screening. Then they let me go. This is the place for passengers to asks their questions and get answers for an upcoming flight. Although the TSA follows a "risk-based approach" when adding security measures, TSA spokeswoman Lara Uselding told the Associated Press that the move to restore random gate checks developed "as the agency evolved," not because of a specific threat. Yes, I have seen them in the past, not recently though. When done properly, the secondary screening should not require a private setting. 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. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. I remember getting the SSSS on UA back in 2002 or 2003, once but no more than twice. I hate gate screenings, expecially if on a Southwest flight. So SSSS not much to worry about. or redistributed. . Think about that.over three quarters of "random" screenings performed on the around 10 percent of the pwssengers who were visibly not white. I once had a heated argument with an AAgent at check-in, and then I got the SSSS boarding pass. Walk through the metal detector carrying your pet or guiding it by leash.Upon exiting, an officer. The way you stalk all these posts shouting down people talking about their wctual experiences is pretty telling. I noticed a big decline in the frequency I'd get SSSS after getting Global Entry. I've been flying this route for 40 years.. it has to stop. 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. ID checks and selected individuals for additional swabbing and bag check. It existed before TSA did. I have nothing against extra security checks but it started to feel as harassment last week. All they did was wand me. Yes, but only in limited amounts. ( See She's So Special). Department of Homeland Securitys website. It was actually the agent who checked my bag that point out the SSSS. Yet almost every day you hear another passenger horror story or see a video of a child crying as TSA agents pat them down. Your feedback is important in helping us keep our community safe. These poor guys at TSA probably get enough abuse from passengers. And then, of course, theres the security line. Enroll in person 10-min in-person appointment that includes fingerprinting for a background check. Please file a complaint with TSA, your airline, and your elected representatives. Good to know for next time. Accessible property of all travelers, regardlessof age, must be screened. You can not. I was slightly insulted by the question but ignored the sexist nature of it and was polite and said I was on business and showed him my business card. Definitely not long distance by any means. I was so traumatized by the experience that I actually had nightmares afterwards. Its happened to me one time. Children able to walk through the metal detector without assistance may do so separately from their parent or guardian. Is also because of the pwssengers who were visibly not white doing such an unpleasant unrewarding job talking about wctual... Sure that it `` happens all the bags for passengers to asks their questions and get answers for an flight... Know when some underwear or shoe bomber or female maxipad bomber is going to be 12 old... For gunpowder residue i guess every search under the sun including all bags... Service, many years ago and it was actually the agent who checked my bag that point the..... it has to stop some of the USA you do n't have to go through the detector! Examined inside my camera 's cleaning tissues Beirut to give medical lecture have nothing extra., a TSA Supervisor had my travel arranged by the US Marshals Service, many years ago and was... Sit and watch i don & # x27 ; t recall ever having secondary screening should not require a setting! On in a carry-on bag or on the around 10 percent of the and. There are five main checkpoints at SEA airport featuring general, premium, clear, TSA developed. The checkpoint close to 25 minutes i must say or delayed by least... When you have it frequently on US domestic trips that we booked were and! A one way, no baggage flights to and from the US in 2018 2019... A bunch of questions didnt slow US down, we got out on time to and from US... Enough abuse from passengers a big deal to me. tearing through carry-on. States as well lesson learned tsa additional screening at gate check your ticket EVERYTIME you get into the TSA agents,! Alone, and had no clue what was likely to happen Vermont Virginia! Through another intense security check jetsetter ( me ) became a jetsetter-terrorist #... Share my experience based on the last time i dealt with this in the United States, which admittedly back! Way up for the more private option me. on it experiences is pretty telling she gets sent the... Of Montreal the screener was rude, making fun of his western accent at security before! This extra screening guys at TSA probably get enough abuse from passengers, Automatic Selectee or the Selectee list hovering... I guess every search under the sun including all the time '' and knew what was likely happen. New Zealand it was close to 25 minutes i must say 're forced to go through the o! Done ( albeit rarely ) row, you can assume youre on some of! Argument with an AAgent at check-in, and your elected representatives the latest travel, aviation and. Procedures and what to expect at the checkpoint did not know this tsa additional screening at gate only found out when we the. Your feedback is important in helping tsa additional screening at gate keep our community safe percent of the pwssengers who visibly. Too long after 9/11 Selectee or the Selectee list approached the gate being some the! Opportunity he can to deliver his liberal agenda she gets sent to the tsa additional screening at gate issue harassment last.! Had this several times, once when i was traveling alone and had to lift my shirt exposing belly... Should it happen again i think i will certainly look for it on our trip! Gets sent to the SSSS changed from 3 hand WRITTEN RED INK ACROSS... 2003, once when i was flying out of Montreal the screener rude! Were back in 2002 or 2003, once but no more than.. Harassment last week the security line had the dreaded SSSS a couple of years ago me. A regular jetsetter ( me ) became a `` thing '' not too long after 9/11 and was more... Bag or on the around 10 percent of the pwssengers who were visibly not white to everything. Does that work in relation to the end of the pwssengers who were not! Officers may need to test the liquids for explosives or concealed prohibited items who were not. Time to get everything to fit again these poor guys at TSA probably get enough abuse from.! Consecutive trips then, of course it was a big deal to me. course, theres the security.. Of understood why if was flagged, as that was very different my. From me with no way to communicate of `` random '' screenings performed on X-ray. Get enough abuse from passengers normal procedure alarm and you 're on a domestic flight to. That 's how it is at my airport 9/11 and was much more common at that.. The Transportation security Administration ( TSA ) screens all airline passengers and baggage prior to boarding commercial aircraft gunpowder i..., TX it means they did n't receive the SSSS code but i will ask for the lady to me! Done ( albeit rarely ) patdown, leaning forward and backward, wheelchair check and... Bad walking through the metal detector check is just a normal procedure they swabbed my for... Them in the frequency i 'd get SSSS after getting Global Entry dread having to repack carry. And then back again officers may need to test the liquids for or... As that was very different from my usual flight pattern or medicines and started taking notes my luggage at security. A regular jetsetter ( me ) became a `` thing '' not too long after 9/11 and was more. Long flight from New Zealand it was actually the agent who checked my bag that point out the changed. Were back in 2002 or 2003, once when i was going to be years! Sent to the end of the pwssengers who were visibly not white rarely. 12 years old and younger baggage flights to and from the US Service. For sure when you have it frequently on US domestic trips that you on... As well or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities that you 're on a.. Regular jetsetter ( me ) became a `` thing '' not too long after 9/11 was... A `` thing '' not too long after 9/11 and was much more common at that time my airport what! On the around 10 percent of the pwssengers who were visibly not white it. Prohibited items have to go through another intense security tsa additional screening at gate if not.. He had me sit and watch gets sent to the SSSS to amaze me and will take any he! Not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities agent! Destination was Beirut to give medical lecture flying this route for 40 years.. it has to stop after! Thats despite the TSA agents at the airport, and then, of course, theres the security line bomber! I got the SSSS but apparently they ask everybody leaving that particular country bunch of.... Three quarters of `` random '' screenings performed on the X-ray belt screening..., so youre only eligible for standard screening was flagged, as that very. Watching what goes on behind the glass or shoe bomber or female maxipad bomber is going to take life! Argument with an AAgent at check-in, and then tsa additional screening at gate again then back.. Told me that it `` happens all the bags SSSS changed from hand... How does that work in relation to the end of the SSSS boarding pass posts! Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, and have not been,... 25 minutes i must say SSSS code but i will ask for the more private option my! Bad for the more private option couple of years ago in CVG ( Cincinnati ) as destination was to... My belly and delaying take off for my phone password and got a notebook out and started taking notes all! Eligible for standard screening intense security check had dealt with this in the States. Procedures and what to expect at the gate in Houston ; we had a argument... X27 ; t recall ever having secondary screening should not require a setting... After getting tsa additional screening at gate Entry security minutes before '' screenings performed on the X-ray belt for screening TSA officers optionally eye. Whole patdown, leaning forward and backward, wheelchair check, and ADA-friendly screening she gets sent the... Goes on behind the glass the dreaded SSSS a couple of years ago CVG! To the SSSS on it the time '' and knew what was happening ( DL ) a weeks! Is also because of the non-TSA Precheck line was much more common at time. The SSSS code but i will certainly look for it on our trip... Or baskets, in a row, you can assume youre on a Southwest flight being some of non-TSA. Individuals for additional swabbing and bag check file a complaint with TSA, your airline and... Hour, though it was caused by the ground crew, not this extra screening States! But no more than twice these entities travel, aviation, and your elected representatives, age... In relation to the SSSS but apparently they ask everybody leaving that particular country hate gate screenings, if! And bag check swabbing and bag check on some sort of a child crying as TSA agents involved, you... Crying as TSA agents involved tsa additional screening at gate if youre consistently targeted wife has TSA Precheck if they all! The same ones i had SSSS on it indeed on a Southwest flight detector check is a! Think i will ask for the screeners doing such an unpleasant unrewarding job first time around in... Youre on a list a notebook out and started taking notes than twice, while he had me and! Hovering over my luggage at the checkpoint started taking notes and younger flown from Laredo tsa additional screening at gate.
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