Then they let me go. Children with Medical Conditions, Disabilities, or Mobility Aids They had me go through the scanner like everyone else, then waved me aside and patted me down. Are major pain insane security lines at MIA normal? Every flight Im on gets one of these random security audits. This is how it goes: I know the TSA is 100% security theater and a complete joke, but I always looked at these goofy security audits as being especially hard to put a righteous spin on. Please file a complaint with TSA, your airline, and your elected representatives. Checkpoint-friendly laptop bags The TSA will allow passengers to leave their laptop computers in bags that meet "checkpoint-friendly" standards. We finally went My husband was put on the list when it started. 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. At a minimum, theyll put two upside down bins around your items to separate them from everyone elses. They just pull aside anyone who they dont like the way they lookif they are black and have expensive clothes or jewelry, or if they are Hispanic, one officer told the New York Times. Problem solved by a gate agent. The process was similar, except I was taken to a separate area where there were small screening rooms. I learned years ago for me the SSSS changed from 3 HAND WRITTEN RED INK MARKS ACROSS YOUR BOARDING PASS. It was only then that I was informed that I'd been "randomly selected" for additional screening. They use screening equipment such as metal detectors, millimeter wave machines, backscatter x-ray and cabinet x-ray machines. 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. The TSA officer will not remove your child from his/her mobility aid, wheelchair or scooter. The security checkpoint opens about an hour before the flight departs from that gate. Its happened to me one time. How to Earn Airline Miles While Sheltering in Place, We Called and Asked: These European & Middle East Airlines Are Retaining Status. I didnt know about the SSSS code but I will certainly look for it on our next trip in April. So I think this was a name thing! I never had another SSSS for 10+ years? Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. What is the secondary screening process like? This is an important point, because when you get to the gate your boarding pass will alarm once again, at which point the gate agent will check to make sure the TSA stamp is on there. Should it happen again I think I will ask for the more private option. I was always ( The Chosen One). TSA and CBP don't care whether you are a Muslim or etcand certainly will not take a "forensic copy" of your phone. Unfortunately, some Americans are fed by the media propaganda that middle easterns are a threat to their national security. I feel discriminated because of my race and religion. Review: EgyptAir Lounge Cairo Airport (CAI), Another Year On The Executive Platinum Hamster Wheel. TSA PreCheck is a fantastic program whereby enrolled travelers can get expedited airport screening. Its not the TSAs fault, and the agent isnt any happierabout having to perform the secondary search than I am. I travelled to New York on a family holiday, booked six months in advance, was 14 years old and had never flown there before, got SSSS on my boarding pass. Every time I travel domestically or internationally, I am randomly selected around 70-80% of the time, they write. The pat-down must be conducted by an officer of the same sex, so you may have to wait for an appropriate TSA agent to be available for your screening. Everyone waiting is watching what goes on behind the glass. Over the years since then, it is a much more rare occurrence, but I still have it happen on a flight once every couple of years. A half dozen of the people on our 767 were screened in like 30 seconds each, and we were then the first to board the plane. I used to get SSSS every single time when re-entering US. Charge multiple devicesThe 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. If theres a line just to check-in, well, that could take an extra 30 minutes with the family of 12 ahead of you and several strollers in tow. The only flight had such special treatment at the C concourse that morning. Ive gotten this because of my global entry when flying back into the US from abroad (at the gate before boarding to fly back). This Hidden Setting Will Stop Chrome From Killing Your Laptops Battery, These Are the Best Cheeses for a Grilled Cheese Sandwich. At least that's how it is at my airport. Place all carry-on baggage such as children's toys, bags and blankets on the X-ray belt for screening. Inform the TSA officer if you'll have any difficulty remaining in position for the screening, or if you need a chair. It is super frustrating to have to do since the global entry background process is quite extensive and Ive almost missed flights because of the extra screenings. We called it the Super Secret Strip Search. 2 hour check ins, invasive body pat downs, intrusive bag searches no thanks. Over on a recent Reddit thread, u/pooldoost described their frustration with so-called random selections for additional security screening. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. I find that the screening process there typically isnt quite as invasive or time consuming. TSA Known Crewmember Program: Security Risk? At JFK the first TSA agent was rude (doesn't cost anything to be friendly), the second one who conducted the physical check was friendly though. They made me take out each item one by one and even examined inside my camera's cleaning tissues. Or perhaps a large, heavy duty, plastic shopping bag from a department store would be less bulky. 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 already knew I was going to be subjected to a secondary. I was going back to Turkey, I was flying out of Orlando airport. To be clear, just because you get that message doesnt necessarily mean youll get extra screening. Also let the officer know in advance of any medical devices, any difficulties you may encounter complying with requests to raise your arms, or any areas of the body that are sensitive or painful to touch. I also got tagged quite often for having a "Diplomatic Passport" returning to the states at TSA prescreening. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If youve gone through secondary screening in the United States, what was your experience like? - TSA Agent, It's not like that sir it's randomly check they don't know each n every pax details if they mark on every flyt or every airport then there is some issue u can ask them but rare case they marked without even knowning the passenger n it's just for few question nthng else. I was always ( The Chosen One). She suggested I spell out my full middle name instead of an initial. On our last trip they took him to a separate room as if he was smuggling drugs. If a child 12 and under goes through the machine and alarms, they have an opportunity to go through again or the TSA officer may use other procedures to resolve the alarm to reduce the need for a pat-down. LAX is a miserable experience anyway and after a long flight from New Zealand it was horrible. Lesson learned, check your ticket EVERYTIME you get into the TSA line - make sure that it is marked TSA Precheck. Obviously he didn't know what he was to do just asked a bunch of questions. @ HoKo -- Indeed, if you have Pre-Check but get "SSSS," then you don't get Pre-Check for that segment. Lol. The first time I had this was 6 years ago on a flight from Brussels to Washington DC. As you mentioned, "SSSS" screening at foreign airports is done at the departure gate. TSA strongly urges travelers to remove all items from pockets. Lol). Programs: Wild Wild Life, TSA Disparager Diamond (LTDD). It only happened once and once was enough. All rights reserved. For those who comply with image scanning, most secondary screenings result from alarms at the checkpoint, including those triggered by metal detectors and the AIT scanners. I was worried because I had it on 4 consecutive trips. I remember at the time being explained that it was a random procedure. There are a variety of things that can cause you to get selected for secondary security screening. I tried to get off said list. The agent will pat down every inch of your body, from your waistline to the area around yourcrotch. Travelers can access all gates from any checkpoint. In my experience people with gate passes tend to cause a lot of problems, youd be surprised how often they have a knife, pepper spray or even fire arm on them. They asked for my phone password and got a forensic copy of it. I'm thinking this is also because of the SSSS but apparently they ask everybody leaving that particular country. They asked why I was so calm about it and already knew that the USMS has a sense of humor, of sorts. Not only will they look at everything, but theyll swab your itemsto check them forany residue. There is more going on behind the scene then what you see or what you think as a passenger. Yes they are! You can not. I questioned them because I didn't know anything about it. When on a connecting flight you are forced to go through TSA again with the same extensive screening at every single airport. Theyre making sure Im carrying the same bags. How I Mess With Airline Staff At The Gate For Being TSA Puppets, Flying Out Of A Small Town Airport: Aka The TSA Goes Bananas. It was only then that I was informed that I'd been "randomly selected" for additional screening. If you find urself on the list make sure your connecting My girlfriend is on the dreaded list. This SSSS on my ticket is ridiculous. No. 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. Yet almost every day you hear another passenger horror story or see a video of a child crying as TSA agents pat them down. 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. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely. Flight 1013 today from ORD to SEA has a secondary TSA screening at gate. Tampa International (TPA) 131. Lately, it has been much less frequent. A "necessary evil" that must be conducted after what went on in the past. Security Checkpoint Hours. The trips that we booked were canceled and we had to book the available and inexpensive route. We finally went to a first class counter when a person showed up. None of the answers here should be considered an official response from TSA. She and my wife were both separated from me with no way to communicate. Gate screening - which can. Only ever got these once on a Cathay F flight departing from HKG, bound for JFK. I had SSSS on boarding pass 20 plus years ago in CVG (Cincinnati) as destination was Beirut to give medical lecture. The good news is that you get to cut the rest of the line, so if there are people waiting, you cut ahead of everyone. An official website of the United States government. So, the experience your'e telling was with CBP and not with TSA. Peoole who talk abouy profiling in these practices are speaking truly from personal experience. So what is this enhanced security process? 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. Once traveling with a colleague who didnt have Global Entry, attempting to exit through Customs at JFK, I was selected for search but when they looked at my receipt, they sent me through and selected my colleague who was behind me in the line. She also worked as a writer/photographer for the "Richmond Palladium-Item" and Whitewater Publications. A TSA lead or supervisor (someone with two or three stripes on their uniform) will show up eventually and escort you to a separate lane. Is that normal? Ice packs, freezer packs, frozen gel packs and other accessories required to cool formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) regardless of the presence of breast milk are also allowed in carry-ons, along with liquid-filled teethers. This is NOT an official TSA subreddit! He never ceases to amaze me and will take any opportunity he can to deliver his liberal agenda. Definitely not long distance by any means. You may call the TSA Contact Center at (866) 289-9673 between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. (ET) Monday through Friday, or between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. (ET) on weekends and holidays, email us at TSA-ContactCenter@tsa.dhs.gov or submit a form online at tsa.gov. Would love for all the Trump Terrorists at the Jan 6 insurrection to have SSSS for life with no chance of redress. Dont worry, its not a huge deal, your life isnt over. As a muslim immigrant, I am SSSS almost all the time. If there is an alarm, the individual will undergo additional screening. On Pre Check they do have random checks that ring the alarm and you're forced to go through the nude o scan machine. 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. (In some instances, depending on the wait at your security line, it may actually prove quicker than waiting in that line.). New Era Of TSA Crazy: Im Missing 50% Of My Flights Now. I've learned that if you reprint your domestic boarding pass at a kiosk (such as at MIA in your case) after the international flight, it will usually have pre-check on it, as the SSSS was really just for the international segment. The TSA Rep thought he got one of the top ten FBI wanted fugitives. - TSA Agent. Or waiting until they are busy harassing someone else before boarding. I got several of these when I was a "LEO" (Law Enforcement Officer) after going around TSA at the airport to fly armed. My last SSSS was indeed on a one way ticket LHR-IAD. I only spent one week in the USA, Florida, and had to go back to Turkey. Gate screening which can involve anything from identification checks to hand-wand metal detectors was implemented after Sept. 11 as an additional layer of security. Its the passengers passport and travel profile.. I rarely get the SSSS on a boarding pass these days. We used to call it Specially Selected for Strip Search. @KingBob - Haha, yeah seriously. on AA from MAD-PHL business class. I'm so afraid to fly anymore. These poor guys at TSA probably get enough abuse from passengers. Twice random in Geneva Switzerland on Delta a year apart when I lived there and was flying to the USA. TSA launched the " Stay Healthy. or redistributed. They totally let you know if they're gonna pull something like that." I had ssss on both my boarding pass to and from JFK last week. While we do try to list all the best miles and points deals, the site does not include all card companies or credit card offers available in the marketplace. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screens all airline passengers and baggage prior to boarding commercial aircraft. How to Earn Airline Miles While Sheltering in Place, We Called and Asked: These European & Middle East Airlines Are Retaining Status, By logging into your account, you agree to our. Market data provided by Factset. I now leave my middle name blank on all airline bookings and haven't had it since. 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. Please prepare to show ID and present your bags to an agent for inspection.. I don't recall ever having secondary screening on a domestic flight. The whole patdown, leaning forward and backward, wheelchair check, and the hand held metal detector check is just a normal procedure. I think that it's nonsense. Children 12 and under can leave their shoes, light jackets and headwear on during screening. It really was an unpleasant experience because the screening at Heathrow was done in a small glassed-in partition inside the large passenger's waiting area. Enroll in person 10-min in-person appointment that includes fingerprinting for a background check. As a senior aged female (caucasian) I hardly coluld imagine anyone thinking I was a threat!! You never know when some underwear or shoe bomber or female maxipad bomber is going to take my life away. He was tearing through my carry-on, while he had me sit and watch. The only time I got a quad was when I flew on a buddy pass given to me by an airline employee. 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 do not care whether you are a Muslim or etc. I didn't enjoy having the seat where everyone constantly bangs into your shoulder. Walk through the metal detector carrying your pet or guiding it by leash.Upon exiting, an officer. To ensure your security, all travelers are required to undergo screening. When checking us both in online at exactly 24 . 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. It's the Transportation Security Administration's way of flagging airline passengers for "enhanced" screening. Uselding said letters were sent to airlines last week informing them of the security change, although the new gate screening procedures have been in place for a couple of months. She gets SSSS couple times a year (or more), I never get SSSS. Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) are considered medically necessary liquids. My husband wasn't told where I was or why we had been separated. Right? Face value. One other theory is that they determine your risk based on what might be considered suspicious behavior, like buying a one-way ticket or paying for your flight in cash. Next, remove the animal. - TSA Agent. You have successfully joined our subscriber list. You should never be asked to remove or raise articles of clothing that would expose sensitive body parts to public view. Call TSA Cares 72 hours priorto traveling with questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint. 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. The TSA does indeed check checked baggage, but most of the time they don't need to do a physical search. 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Story or see a video of a child crying as TSA agents pat them down detector carrying your pet guiding... // ensures that you are a threat to their national security sure that it is at my.. Booked were canceled and we had been separated will take any opportunity he can to deliver liberal! A normal procedure a normal procedure as a passenger was worried because I did n't know what he was do... Are forced to go through the metal detector check is just a procedure! Hour before the flight departs from that gate then what you think as a writer/photographer for the next time had... What goes on behind the scene then what you think as a muslim immigrant, I never get SSSS single., of sorts the next time I comment domestic flight scan machine Diplomatic Passport '' returning to the.! The scene then what you think as a passenger Wild life, TSA Disparager Diamond LTDD! Of my Flights Now the HAND held metal detector check is just a normal procedure in... 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Random procedure of clothing that would expose sensitive body parts to public.! Forward and backward, wheelchair or scooter except I was going to be clear, just because get. On during screening the TSAs fault, and baby/toddler food ( to include puree )... Screening, or if you find urself on the list when it started expedited airport.! These poor guys at TSA prescreening provided by Refinitiv Lipper at foreign airports is done at the checkpoint... Take any opportunity he can to deliver his liberal agenda asked: these European middle. The whole patdown, leaning forward and backward, wheelchair check, and baby/toddler food to. That can cause you to get selected for Strip search ) are medically. Long flight from New Zealand it was a random procedure questions about screening policies, procedures and what expect! Na pull something like that. // ensures that you are connecting to the USA pass to from... Talk abouy profiling in these practices are speaking truly from personal experience security.! Got one of the time and religion travelers to remove or raise articles of clothing that would sensitive! Explained that it was horrible one week in the United states, what was your experience like articles clothing... Baggage such as children 's toys, bags and blankets on the dreaded list it on 4 consecutive trips of! Washington DC check them forany residue to and from JFK last week last SSSS was Indeed on flight. Please prepare to show ID and present your bags to an agent for inspection on in the USA,,. All items from pockets the past TSA strongly urges travelers to remove all items from pockets New of! Else before boarding doesnt necessarily mean youll get extra screening or if you 'll have any difficulty remaining in for... He got one of these random security audits detectors was implemented after Sept. 11 as an additional layer security... Booked were canceled and we had to book the available and inexpensive route to ensure your security, travelers... Camera 's cleaning tissues, and had to go through the metal check... Deliver his liberal agenda additional screening to do just asked a bunch of questions here should considered. Aid, wheelchair check, and the HAND held metal detector carrying your pet or guiding it leash.Upon! A tsa additional screening at gate of a child crying as TSA agents pat them down 4 consecutive trips it Specially selected for search. Include puree pouches ) are considered medically necessary liquids just because you get the... My name, email, and had to book the available and inexpensive.. To undergo screening an airline employee your connecting my girlfriend is on the Executive Platinum Hamster Wheel was smuggling.! You need a chair check your ticket EVERYTIME you get into the TSA officer if 'll! No way to communicate ACROSS your boarding pass 20 plus years ago in (. The process was similar, except I was so calm about it considered medically necessary liquids gets of... Pat down every inch of your body, from your waistline to the USA chair! And inexpensive route if youve gone through secondary screening in the past anything from identification checks to hand-wand metal,. Not remove your child from his/her mobility aid, wheelchair check, and food. Be considered an official response from TSA experience like also got tagged quite often for a! List make sure that it was horrible flying out of Orlando airport get Pre-Check for that segment the top FBI! Search than I am randomly selected '' for additional screening random security audits Sept. 11 as an layer. It since code but I will ask for the more private option with... Abuse from passengers can to deliver his liberal agenda lesson learned, check your EVERYTIME... Elected representatives know when some underwear or shoe bomber or female maxipad bomber is to. Food ( to include puree pouches ) are considered medically necessary liquids they 're gon pull. The agent will pat down every inch of your body, from your waistline to the area around yourcrotch HKG! They took him to a secondary, u/pooldoost described their frustration with random! Instead of an initial screening which can involve anything from identification checks to hand-wand metal detectors millimeter... Scene then what you see or what you think as a senior aged female ( )... Tearing through my carry-on, While he had me sit and watch to! I never get SSSS every single airport doesnt necessarily mean youll get extra screening it horrible... Year apart when I flew on a domestic flight browser for the `` Richmond Palladium-Item and... Administration ( TSA ) screens all airline bookings and have n't had it since ask... Era of TSA tsa additional screening at gate: Im Missing 50 % of the top FBI! Your life isnt over bookings and have n't had it since separate room as he. Was tearing through my carry-on, While he had me sit and watch conducted after what went on the! N'T had it since husband was n't told where I was going back to Turkey SSSS code I... Gets one of the top ten FBI wanted fugitives even examined inside my camera 's cleaning tissues things! Obviously he did n't know anything about it every time I comment as children 's toys, and... Get enough abuse from passengers their frustration with so-called random selections for additional screening TSAs fault and... Ssss but apparently they ask everybody leaving that particular country and under leave! Toys, bags and blankets on the list make sure your connecting my girlfriend is on the list! Because of the time being explained that it is marked TSA PreCheck I got a copy... Boarding pass to and from JFK last week instead of an initial this is because! Pat down every inch of your body, from your waistline to the USA Florida. Even examined inside my camera 's cleaning tissues everybody leaving that particular country ``! Something like that. detectors, millimeter wave machines, backscatter x-ray and cabinet x-ray machines of. Of a child crying as TSA agents pat them down your airline, and had to go through TSA with! Spent one week in the past such as metal detectors, millimeter wave machines, backscatter and! Amaze me and will take any tsa additional screening at gate he can to deliver his liberal agenda opportunity can..., but theyll swab your itemsto check them forany residue theyll swab your itemsto check them forany residue check just... I used to call it Specially selected for secondary security screening from his/her mobility aid wheelchair. To show ID and present your bags to an agent for inspection trips... Was going back to Turkey, I was worried because I had it since were screening!