What does the SSSS code mean on your boarding pass?

What the SSSS code means: separating fact from fiction

• You’re heading to the United States and just received your boarding pass? Check it right away for the code SSSS. These four letters mark a special security procedure put in place by US authorities since 2001. The code was supposed to stay secret, but it was accidentally revealed to the public in 2009.
• SSSS stands for “Secondary Security Screening Selection”. If this code appears on your boarding pass, you’ll go through a more thorough baggage search and answer additional questions.
• The code applies to all international flights to or from the United States, as well as domestic flights within the country.
• Since the code became public, rumors and misinformation have spread online, even from major news outlets. Some claim the code can make you miss your flight. Others suggest it targets passengers whose profiles concern US authorities. Be skeptical of hearsay.
• The truth is different. The SSSS code is actually assigned randomly to a certain number of passengers on each flight. It’s a routine procedure with nothing to do with whether you’re flagged by authorities. Besides, if you were flagged for security reasons, you wouldn’t have received your ESTA travel authorization.

What you need to know about secondary security screening

• Several members of the New York Forum and our Destination New York Facebook group have had the SSSS code on their boarding passes. All arrived in New York without any problems and had wonderful vacations. The feedback is reassuring. “My husband got it—it takes 5 extra minutes, nothing serious,” says Magalie.
• The key is to cooperate with the procedure and answer the questions. For security agents, this is routine.
• If you can’t print your boarding pass at home, it may be a sign you’ll be selected for secondary screening. In that case, arrive at the airport 15 minutes earlier than usual. This gives you extra time to go through both security stages if the SSSS code appears on your boarding pass.

Sébastien and Muriel’s SSSS experience

• Members of the Destination New York Facebook group, Sébastien and Muriel encountered the SSSS code at Paris-CDG airport while boarding their flight to New York. Sébastien was selected for secondary screening, while Muriel passed through without issue.
• Muriel recalls: “Sébastien had a full search. I could see him from the boarding area. He removed his shoes and the agent ran a detection device through them. Then they used an explosives detection swab on his hands, pockets, belt, bags, phone, cameras, and shoulders. They asked him a few questions, including what he planned to do in New York. The screening happened in Paris, not at arrival in New York JFK.”
• Have you experienced the SSSS code? Feel free to share your story in the comments below.