Quantcast

TSA's 'SSSS': Understanding secondary security screenings at airports

Delta Air Lines bets on ‘blended-wing’ flight to reduce emissions
Europe's airlines pivot to bite size M&A deals to limit cost, regulatory burden
Dave Emerson named new CEO of Virgin Australia, replacing Jayne Hrdlicka
Ryanair DELAYS controversial new boarding pass rule to avoid summer chaos
FAA Orders Inspection, Replacement of 737NG Engine Parts
Spirit Adds New Airport, Three Routes
Delta crash passengers should take the $30,000 payment, their lawyers say. Here’s why.
Budget airline launches new cheap flights to one of the UK’s top winter sun destinations
Brazilian airline Azul to go 'back to basics' after challenging 2024
Airlines cancel flights as air travel to ‘grind to complete halt’ this week ahead of major strike action in Europe
Dramatic moment American Airlines plane diverted to Rome is escorted by fighter jets after mid-air bomb threat
Jetstar Faces Major Backlash as Nationwide System Outage Causes Travel Chaos, Stranding Passengers and Disrupting Flights Across the Australian Airline Industry
Sudden oil supply outages creating turbulence for airline industry
Southwest's layoffs dent its worker-first culture
Abu Dhabi's long-haul carrier Etihad Airways sees record $476 million profit in 2024
Jet2 warns of profits squeeze from rising costs and late bookings
Southwest bends further to activist shareholder Elliott's demands
Downgraded on a flight? Take these simple but important steps to get your money back
Delta Offers Over $2 Million to CRJ Crash Passengers
Boeing Delays Continue for Alaska, Hawaiian
Hong Kong Airlines launches daily Sydney flights
Airline to launch new bunk beds in economy on long-haul flights next year
How Airline Employees Are Coping After Deadly Washington Crash
Major airline reverses in-flight menu change amid outcry
British Airways frequent flyer scheme changes: everything you need to know
Airline introduces world-first hand luggage ban on popular travel gadget
Air Canada Delays Boeing 767 Reentry
Flight Centre tips ‘price war’ as first direct Melbourne to LA Delta flights go on sale
FAA reverses course on meeting prohibition, blaming rogue employee
British Airways tweaks frequent flyer scheme after backlash
TSA's 'SSSS': Understanding secondary security screenings at airports
Policy
Webp ha 3
Ha Nguyen McNeill Deputy Administrator | Transportation Security Administration

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employs a random and layered security measure known as "Secondary Security Screening Selection" or "SSSS." This additional screening is part of the TSA's Secure Flight program, which uses passengers' personal information to distinguish between high-risk and low-risk travelers. According to the TSA, "movements of large amounts of cash through the checkpoint may be investigated by law enforcement authorities if criminal activity is suspected."

Passengers marked for SSSS undergo further checks based on various factors, including travel history or itinerary anomalies such as one-way tickets or using multiple passports. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) supports this process with data from agencies like Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and others.

Some passengers experience repeated SSSS screenings due to their names resembling those on the No-Fly List. To resolve such issues, travelers can apply for the DHS Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (TRIP). Upon approval, a redress control number is provided to help avoid future SSSS designations.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Natalie B. Compton of The Washington Post notes that experiences with SSSS vary widely among travelers. Despite occasional inconveniences, most enhanced search scenarios are brief. Travelers can expedite airport processes by enrolling in programs like Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.

In 2009, Papers Please! reported an incident where a traveler was detained due to unclear scanner images involving cash. The TSA has since updated its protocols but maintains that cooperation during screenings is essential.

The TSA screens over 2 million passengers daily across 440 federalized airports in the United States. With more than 50,000 transportation security officers and significant investments in technology like CT X-ray scanners, the agency continues to enhance its security measures.

For individuals facing ongoing screening challenges without cause, applying for TRIP might provide relief. In all cases, remaining calm and cooperative during secondary screenings is advised.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

British Airways is the leading foreign long-haul airline serving the United States.

Jun 5, 2025

United Airlines has completed a deal with the Chicago Department of Aviation to acquire five additional gates at Chicago O'Hare International Airport.

Jun 5, 2025

Boeing has reached a production milestone, achieving a monthly output of 38 737 MAX aircraft for the first time since 2020.

Jun 5, 2025

At 14:12 local time on June 2, an Allegiant Air Airbus A320 experienced engine failure shortly after taking off from Huntington Tri-State Airport.

Jun 5, 2025

The UK government has initiated a comprehensive airspace modernization program, marking the first significant update since the 1950s.

Jun 5, 2025

Global Airlines has addressed speculation about its future operations, denying any intention to operate as an ACMI carrier using Airbus A380 aircraft.

Jun 5, 2025