What It Means When You See “SSSS” on a Boarding Pass — And Why It’s Usually Not a Problem

 

Seeing “SSSS” printed on a boarding pass can be alarming, especially when it happens to your child and you’re not there to see what’s going on. The good news is this: SSSS does not mean your son is in trouble, and it does not mean he’s suspected of doing anything wrong.

“SSSS” stands for Secondary Security Screening Selection. It simply means the passenger has been selected for additional screening by airport security. This happens to thousands of travelers every day and is often random. It can also be triggered by factors such as last-minute ticket purchases, one-way tickets, certain travel routes, or even just the system selecting a name automatically.

When someone has SSSS on their boarding pass, they usually cannot check in online and must see an agent at the airport. At security, they’ll be taken aside for extra screening. This can include a more thorough bag inspection, a pat-down, swabbing items for explosive residue, and a few routine questions. It’s inconvenient and time-consuming, but it’s standard procedure.

Importantly, SSSS is not an arrest, interrogation, or accusation. It does not go on a criminal record. It does not mean the person is being investigated. Most people who get SSSS are completely ordinary travelers who never know why they were selected and may never be selected again.

Once the additional screening is complete, your son will be allowed to proceed to his gate and board his flight normally. The process can add extra time, so it’s good he called you — but there’s no reason to panic.

Airports use multiple layers of security to keep everyone safe, and SSSS is just one of those layers. While it can feel intimidating, especially when you see it for the first time, it’s usually nothing more than a delay and an inconvenience.

In short: he’s not in trouble, he didn’t do anything wrong, and this happens far more often than people realize.