Getting ready for a trip can be time consuming, right? I know I often feel rushed and do not relax until I am onboard with my seatbelt buckled. An extra delay in the process is the last thing we want. Unfortunately, for some there is a hold-up that is both unwanted and
unexpected when the TSA provides one more hurdle you must jump through. What is this delay and why does it occur? The Department of Homeland Security makes the request and the TSA fulfills it.
The first clue that you are among that select group is your inability to access your online boarding pass. The airport kiosk will also deny you. When you approach an airline they will issue a boarding pass curiously stamped SSSS. Yep, you will be receiving additional attention in the form of a second, more intensive search that can be time-consuming and occasionally can result in missing your flight. This search will include a more detailed and intensive search of your shoes, clothes and all electronic devices. It usually includes a body screen and a full body pat-down as well. All of your luggage (including checked luggage) will be searched. While the TSA will be polite and professional they will not be able to supply a reason. They do not know as they are simply responding to a request of the Department of Homeland Security.
Who receives this treatment? Sometimes it is totally random and if it happens only once that is most likely the reason. If it happens to you on every flight, however, there is a specific reason. Some of these reasons include:
Who receives this treatment? Sometimes it is totally random and if it happens only once that is most likely the reason. If it happens to you on every flight, however, there is a specific reason. Some of these reasons include:
- Booking one-way tickets
- Purchasing tickets at the last minute
- Paying for your tickets with cash
- Flying into or through countries that are deemed high risk
- Frequent itinerary changes
- Changes in your normal flight patterns ( an occasional flyer starts flying often for instance)
- Your name resembles the name of someone on the Dept of Homeland Security’s watch list.
It does not matter if you are a trusted traveler or have Global Entry. You will NOT get an
exemption.
If you find this happening to you more than once, the only real way to stop it is to apply for redress through the Department of Homeland Security. Use a bit of patience here, they will get it settled-even if it takes longer than you believe it should!
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