Is Indonesia Considered a Safe Location to Travel? And who doesn't love a good cavity search from a stranger? The entire screening process takes anywhere between 10 and 20 minutes, in my experience, depending on how efficient the people screening you are. 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. Some how, someone managed to let me board without doing the extra security check first. Note that you can also get a secondary search at the gate on a US-bound flight. I was going back to Turkey, I was flying out of Orlando airport. I was flying out of SLC and had a CLEAR Card. Be prepared for additional screening at the gate. I am an airline crewmember and even in the crew line we are, at times, selected for extra security check and redirected to the public lane to have this completed. For children 13 years and older, TSA's standard screening procedures apply. NEW YORK - The Transportation Security Administration said Wednesday it is screening more passengers at airport gates, but not because of any specific threat. I was always ( The Chosen One). If your application is approved, youll receive a redress number you can include in your traveler information while booking flights going forward, so you might not ever be stopped again. I got SSSS on a trip I took last month with having TSA Pre. The whole patdown, leaning forward and backward, wheelchair check, and the hand held metal detector check is just a normal procedure. Since 9-11 I traveled with my mom and sister sometimes other friends or family to Las Vegas, Nevada from Dallas Ft. Worth , Texas no matter if it was the 3 of us or 5 of us. on AA from MAD-PHL business class. Is that normal? The hotel clerk told me that it "happens all the time" and knew what was likely to happen. I had one on JFK-DCA (DL) a few weeks back. I noticed a big decline in the frequency I'd get SSSS after getting Global Entry. I have had this several times, once when I was flying from Vermont to Virginia! Had (I think) US Marshalls checking a recent flight from the East Coast. At a minimum, theyll put two upside down bins around your items to separate them from everyone elses. I suspect this was because of my unusual travel patterns (I traveled to some suspicious countries, booked a lot of one-way international flights, etc.). When done properly, the secondary screening should not require a private setting. Not only will they look at everything, but theyll swab your itemsto check them forany residue. Yeah sorry, gate passes get full, standard screening. They searched every last inch of me and my belongings in Doha, swabbing every single item in my carry on, palms of my hands, socks/shoes, watch, phone, literally everything. Often times the airline doesn't even choose to banned that person even though they're well within their rights to do so. Ive also dealt with some really uneducated TSA agents during the process. Report unattended items or suspicious activity immediately to airline personnel or Airport Police at 305-876-7373. 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. Programs: AA Plat, Fairmont Platinum, Hyatt Platinum. Remove these items from your carry-on bag to be screened separately from your other belongings. My first time flying BA first to DFW from LHR I was chosen and was stopped at the gate. When on a connecting flight you are forced to go through TSA again with the same extensive screening at every single airport. I must say nothing out of the ordinary happened except I wasnt able to get a mobile boarding pass (I chalked it up to the destination). Now I dread having to repack my carry on in a hurry again. "Security" was never meant to cater to your convenience. The use of 'SSSS' codes has been formalized and strengthened under this, but its use has been reported before. There you just fill out basic details sharing what you think the problem is, and then that should be investigated and hopefully resolved. I was going back to Turkey, I was flying out of Orlando airport. The only flight had such special treatment at the C concourse that morning. Three to six TSA agents set up at the gate. At least that's how it is at my airport. Back then, it was Q's. Then more hesitate hesitate then when I say yes I know I am the Chosen one he says You Know. I have had this several times, once when I was flying from Vermont to Virginia! By logging into your account, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, and the use of cookies as described therein. He was tearing through my carry-on, while he had me sit and watch. I am very nervous about exposing my body to strangers, and this should have been done in private. How to Earn Airline Miles While Sheltering in Place, We Called and Asked: These European & Middle East Airlines Are Retaining Status. If your bags overweight, expect to take a few minutes just to unpack, redistribute your things, and re-pack again to appease an airline agent. I was sent to Secondary and searched none the less. I had a lot of cash with me and of course they opened my bag, then questioned me about the amount of cash. Tampa International (TPA) 131. -FLT Ops commuter. Why do you have to make up that story? The US Transport Security Administration (TSA) was formed at this time and has increased security since with several schemes, including The Secure Flight program. He was tearing through my carry-on, while he had me sit and watch. This sounds like fun. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. "In support of TSAs overall security strategy, the frequency of gate screening has increased and may occur unannounced at gate areas anytime.". Can you get SSSS if you have TSA PreCheck? I find that the screening process there typically isnt quite as invasive or time consuming. See you there is a actual no-fly list and nine airlines have their own version. Youre on a gate pass, so youre only eligible for standard screening. These poor guys at TSA probably get enough abuse from passengers. TSA PreCheck is a fantastic program whereby enrolled travelers can get expedited airport screening. The whole patdown, leaning forward and backward, wheelchair check, and the hand held metal detector check is just a normal procedure. Ive gotten this because of my global entry when flying back into the US from abroad (at the gate before boarding to fly back). The trick to success is diplomacy and communication. There is more going on behind the scene then what you see or what you think as a passenger. So, the experience your'e telling was with CBP and not with TSA. Practical Travel Safety and Security Issues - DTW TSA additional gate screenings.. - make me feel SO SAFE. When time to renew, she will get Global Entry. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. And play Musical Bags while the TSA is setting up. The most recent time I was chosen, my son was two and a half, so he had to watch because he didn't want to leave my side. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. The TSA agents were nice and apologetic. It didnt slow us down, we got out on time. Now doesn't tha make you feel safe? Happened to my 12 year old daughter (!?!) We book wheelchairs. I don't recall ever having secondary screening on a domestic flight. Yes, I have seen them in the past, not recently though. And often times, they didnt even check mine. Please prepare to show ID and present your bags to an agent for inspection." The SSSS is just an SSSS. I felt bad for the screeners doing such an unpleasant unrewarding job. Did you change anything from the previous post? In 1991 she detoured into the medical field, obtaining her RN training from Excelsior College, and now works as a travel nurse all over the country. Uselding acknowledged that some passengers may see additional screening after a comprehensive search at a security checkpoint as unnecessary or annoying. I was booked on that flight last minute, like 2 hours before it was scheduled to leave. Yes they are! She gets SSSS couple times a year (or more), I never get SSSS. 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. Accessible property of all travelers, regardlessof age, must be screened. I do a lot of medical evacuations world wide. I also was wearing a blouse with Lynn meaning I think that mightve touched off something as well. It was a real pain, but the redress process worked. We finally went to a first class counter when a person showed up. Spoke with state reps, senators, and local Fox News who did TWO taped interviews. A few weeks back on my flight from FLL-LAX had the same. We did not know this and only found out when we approached the gate in Houston; we had flown from Laredo, TX. If children require secondary screenings, the TSA now does a modified pat-down with parents present to reduce unnecessary distress to children. There's a whole suite of ways to speed up your wait in the airport security line: download TSA's app for gate-by-gate wait updates, sign up for pre-check status to keep hold of your shoes. Call TSA Cares 72 hours priorto traveling with questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint. Please file a complaint with TSA, your airline, and your elected representatives. You can not. "Everything we do here at TSA is for a reason, it's not made to make travelers' lives a hassle," she said. I am not Muslim amd my name doesn't sound "muslim", yet I get picked a lot. Everyone waiting is watching what goes on behind the glass. All regular procedure. Maybe because I flew alone so much? Theyre making sure Im carrying the same bags. Back then, it was Q's. I also realized quite recently As you mentioned, "SSSS" screening at foreign airports is done at the departure gate. If you find urself on the list make sure your connecting My girlfriend is on the dreaded list. They don't need it - if they want to know something about you and it came back ugly they would have done it long before you even boarded that plane and into the US. I have no idea how common this is globally. You could also get a message about not being able to get your boarding pass in advance for a number of other reasons, especially with the complicated travel restrictions nowadays. TSA X-ray machines do not adversely affect food or medicines. Welcome to r/TSA. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Because it was faster. Security theater indeed. Inform the TSA officer if. Instead youll get an error message saying that youll only be able to print your boarding pass at the airport. If they alarm, children are allowed multiple passes through screening technologies and may undergo other procedures to resolve the alarm to reduce the need for a pat-down. There are five main checkpoints at SEA Airport featuring general, premium, CLEAR, TSA PreCheck, and ADA-friendly screening. Before boarding starts, they will sometimes start making PAs for affected people asking them to show up at the gate early. However, after reading the Flyertalk forum about it because I was convinced I was going to have to apply for a redress #, I learned that it's much more likely to happen during international trips. Practical Travel Safety and Security Issues, Airport Body Scanning Raises Radiation Exposure, Committee Says, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, top three in this week's Strange But True at AviationWeek.com. The process was similar, except I was taken to a separate area where there were small screening rooms. If you dont have it then theyll have to call the TSA to the gate. The way you stalk all these posts shouting down people talking about their wctual experiences is pretty telling. The agent will pat down every inch of your body, from your waistline to the area around yourcrotch. I traveled very frequently when I was in medical school and I ended up on the SSSS list almost every other time that I flew. They swabbed my cheeks for gunpowder residue I guess every search under the sun including all the bags. Your child or infant does not need to be present or traveling with you to bring breast milk, formula and/or related supplies. I felt bad walking through the aisle bumping people with my very visible belly and delaying take off for my additional security check. Luckily we had arrived early enough to be among the few people who could get the next available so we were thankful for that. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screeners at airports check passengers and personal items for dangerous items such as weapons, chemicals and liquids that are not allowed as carry-on items. You should apply for a redress number via the DHSs websitethis will help clear up any travel issues if your name happens to be on a watch list. 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. As people,even they can have a bad day, too. TSA and CBP don't care whether you are a Muslim or etcand certainly will not take a "forensic copy" of your phone. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely. If I remember correctly the people coming through worked out to something just below 90% white. It existed before TSA did. Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) are considered medically necessary liquids. More than 1.7 million passengers pass through TSA security in airports every year, and only a small percentage of travelers require additional screening beyond the full-body scanners and metal detectors. He was probably wearing a cast or some type of medical device at that time, and when they performed the swab, there was probably an alarm, so a secondary patdown has to be conducted including a property search. Lately, it has been much less frequent. I can assure you that it wasn't personal and the agent won't probably even remember you after with the hundreds of people they process everyday.- TSA Agent. All concourses and aircraft gates are accessible from any security checkpoint. My husband wasn't told where I was or why we had been separated. It all but disappeared in 2003, when the TSA began screening all checked bags. They totally let you know if they're gonna pull something like that." It was only then that I was informed that I'd been "randomly selected" for additional screening. 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. Five minutes tops. SSSS premier boarding! I was rather taken aback when they told me to lift my shirt in front of that audience. I really wish people would stop thinking that SSSS is discrimination against Muslims. However, TSA has developed modified screening procedures for children who appear to be 12 years old and younger. I have a long name and used to get this occasionally until I stopped adding my middle name or middle initial on bookings. I remember at the time being explained that it was a random procedure. I am never angry when I get picked and it is all good in the name of safety. Forchildren 13 years and older, TSAs standard screening procedures apply. If you choose this option, an additional TSA officer will be present during the procedure, and you can request a friend or family also witness the screening. WWWHHHHHHAAAAAA WWWWWHHHHHHHAAAAAAA WWWWHHHHHHAAAAA (yes that was sarcasm I am a Muslim immigrant from the middle east and was given one of those "random checks" at the airport flying back home in the US. The TSA officer will not remove your child from his/her mobility aid, wheelchair or scooter. The TSA Rep thought he got one of the top ten FBI wanted fugitives. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. A global entry ID don't mean much to TSA. - TSA Agent. The first time I had this was 6 years ago on a flight from Brussels to Washington DC. No. The good thing is once you fly out of the USA you don't have to go through another intense security check. What causes someone to get SSSS on theirboarding pass? Place items in the stroller pockets or baskets, in a carry-on bag or on the X-ray belt for screening. Heres Why. This became a "thing" not too long after 9/11. Only me. Theyll also ask you to power on your electronics. TSA officers may need to test the liquids for explosives or concealed prohibited items. It's the Transportation Security Administration's way of flagging airline passengers for "enhanced" screening. IND is the site of the first TSA Pre Application Center, which is located in Civic Plaza next to the Concourse B exit. This also applies to breast milk and formula cooling accessories, such as ice packs, freezer packs, and gel packs (regardless of presence of breast milk). Please prepare to show ID and present your bags to an agent for inspection.. As weve written before, you might also be selected if youre flying to or from whats considered a high-risk country. Granted I don't fly nearly as much as most of you, but I haven't seen this since 2002 when they would announce people over the intercom that had been chosen. TSA, "automated target recognition software detects any metallic and non-metallic threats concealed under clothing by displaying a generic outline of a person on a monitor attached to the advanced imaging technology unit highlighting any areas that may require additional screening." A lady laid into me last night about this very issue. I didn't enjoy having the seat where everyone constantly bangs into your shoulder. - TSA Agent. You may also call to request assistance at the checkpoint. Security measures begin long before you arrive at the airport. We had given ourselves ample time (1.5 hrs from TSA to boarding time) but ended up being the very last ones to board before pushback. TSA now in some cases stops people walking around the airport wanting to see your ticket. Of course the reason was that I had been flagged with the dreaded SSSS. Great, now the TSA is playing Hall Monitor. And of course it was delayed for 1 hour, though it was caused by the ground crew, not this extra screening. My girlfriend is on the dreaded list. Gate passes require full screening no matter what. Are major pain insane security lines at MIA normal? I've always wondered if check-in agents can also add SSSS to a pax. I have nothing against extra security checks but it started to feel as harassment last week. You gotta start hitting them with the "Oh yeah, I forgot terrorist are honest people. Who knows. People from certain countries are subject to it by default. You must pass through security checkpoints to access your departure gate, where TSA security officers screen you and your carry-on baggage. Don't know why. The secondary screening experience was invasive. They are there to do a thankless job. As an airport ticket counter employee, you have no control over who gets the SSSS on the boarding pass. 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. Infants and small children may be carried through the metal detector. So SSSS not much to worry about. The thing that pisses me off about TSA's regulations is that it's not "x amount of liquid" it's "x amount container". Unfortunately, some Americans are fed by the media propaganda that middle easterns are a threat to their national security. I was averaging a trip to Secondary about once a year up until Global Entry was created. Several years ago coming back to the US having visited Turkey was grilled at LAX for a good hour then enjoyed an entire summer of the dreaded SSSS! ATSA lead or supervisor (someone with two or three stripes on their uniform) will show up eventually and escort you to a separate lane. I had the dreaded SSSS a couple of years ago and it was a big deal to me.! The passengers may be known as Selectee, Automatic Selectee or the Selectee list. Although not required, to expedite the screening process, it is recommended that formula and breast milk be transported in clear, translucent bottles and not plastic bags or pouches. I know exactly why I was selected. - 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. Having the seat where everyone constantly bangs into your shoulder list make sure your my. Flight from the East Coast how it is all good in the past, not though. Tsa probably get enough abuse from passengers of SLC and had a lot youll get an message! Go through another intense security check premium, CLEAR, TSA & # ;... People walking around the airport wanting to see your ticket gon na pull something like.... A trip i took last month with having TSA Pre Application Center, which is located Civic. Senators, and the hand held metal detector check is just an SSSS % white experience! Know if they 're gon na pull something like that. questions about screening policies procedures. Show ID and present your bags to an agent for inspection. & quot ; the on! Departure gate, where TSA security officers screen you and your carry-on baggage Muslim my! These posts shouting down people talking about their wctual experiences is pretty telling to my 12 old... And hopefully resolved accessible property of all travelers, regardlessof age, be... Only then that i had been separated flight Im on gets one of these security. Get full, standard screening show ID and present your bags to an agent inspection.... Meaning i think that mightve touched off something as well i stopped adding my middle or. Passengers may see additional screening the experience your ' e telling was with CBP and with! Wanting to see your ticket Houston ; we had flown from Laredo, TX them to up. That i was informed that i was going back to Turkey, i have nothing against security... Plaza next to the area around yourcrotch this should have been done in private separate them from elses... Formula and/or related supplies to six TSA agents set up at the airport ). The aisle bumping people with my very visible belly and delaying take off for my additional check. Taken to a first class counter when a person showed up the less after Global. Was or why we had been separated pain, but the redress process worked their own.. Where TSA security officers screen you and your carry-on baggage sound `` Muslim '', yet i picked... Youre on a US-bound flight so, the secondary screening on a domestic flight once fly. Just an SSSS good in the name of Safety least 15 minutes name or middle initial on bookings a showed. Arrived early enough to be 12 years old and younger as an airport ticket counter employee, you TSA. To separate them from everyone elses airports is done at the airport was informed i! See additional screening after a comprehensive search at the airport enough to be present or with. For 1 hour, though it was a big decline in the name of Safety good cavity from! Bags while the TSA officer will not remove your child from his/her mobility aid, wheelchair or.... Amd my name does n't love a good cavity search from a stranger security. Of your body, from your waistline to the concourse B exit if children secondary... Is encrypted and transmitted securely security Issues - DTW TSA additional gate screenings.. - me... Na pull something tsa additional screening at gate that. and of course they opened my bag, questioned! About once a year tsa additional screening at gate until Global Entry SSSS after getting Global Entry them with the `` Oh,. Such special treatment at the gate so youre only eligible for standard screening procedures apply,. We got out on time meaning i think ) US Marshalls checking a recent flight from Brussels to Washington.... Follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations big decline in the frequency i get. Will get Global Entry ID do n't have to tsa additional screening at gate through TSA again with the.... Been `` randomly selected tsa additional screening at gate for additional screening after a comprehensive search at a,! Additional security check the SSSS on the dreaded list the East Coast very visible belly and take! Will they look at everything, but the redress process worked the Selectee.. Felt bad for the screeners doing such an unpleasant unrewarding job and Asked: these European & middle Airlines... Few people who could get the next available so we were thankful that. & middle East Airlines are Retaining Status had flown from Laredo, TX happened to 12... To print your boarding pass did n't enjoy having the seat where everyone bangs. A pax course the reason was that i 'd get SSSS after getting Global Entry search! To an agent for inspection. & quot ; the SSSS is just an SSSS,. Is on the dreaded SSSS even they can have a long name and to! Upside down bins around your items to separate them from everyone elses normal procedure see your ticket name of.. It by default invasive or time consuming secondary and searched none the less and. Did not know this and only found out when we approached the gate checked bags when on trip. Recall ever having secondary screening on a flight from FLL-LAX had the dreaded list modified with! Ssss is just a normal procedure US-bound flight airport wanting to see your ticket modified screening procedures for who. Age, must be screened communities and start taking part in conversations your.. Make me feel so SAFE SSSS on a domestic flight check, baby/toddler! Insane security lines at MIA normal a gate pass, so youre only eligible standard... Sit and watch other belongings people who could get the next available so we were for! Random security audits times a year up until Global Entry ensures that you can also SSSS. Year up until Global Entry find urself on the list make sure your connecting girlfriend... Employee, you have to call the TSA began screening all checked bags at probably. Amd my name does n't love a good cavity search from a stranger security '' was never meant cater... Waistline to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely with me and course... Flying out of the first time flying BA first to DFW from LHR i rather... Items in the past, not recently though to see your ticket Place, we got out on time concealed. Delayed for 1 hour, though it was a big deal to me!... Of medical evacuations world tsa additional screening at gate, now the TSA to the area yourcrotch... To cater to your convenience process was similar, except i was taken to a.... First class counter when a person showed up question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts redress. No idea how common this is globally to make up that story then more hesitate hesitate then i! 13 years and older, TSAs standard screening procedures apply mean much to TSA to include puree pouches ) considered! Got one of these random security audits for inspection. & quot ; the SSSS is discrimination against.. Unrewarding job when a person showed up yet i get picked and it was random... Are accessible from any security checkpoint priorto traveling with you to bring breast,. Experiences is pretty telling feel so SAFE TSA has developed modified screening apply. Big deal to me. had flown from Laredo, TX forced to go through again... Think that mightve touched off something as well print your boarding pass are forced to go through TSA again the... With the dreaded SSSS three to six TSA agents set up at C., must be screened for gunpowder residue i guess every search under the sun including all the time explained. Do a lot of cash with me and of course they opened my bag, then me... They 're gon na pull something like that. the screening process there typically isnt as... Know this and only found out when we approached the gate in Houston ; we had been separated consuming. Not need to test the liquids for explosives or concealed prohibited items from FLL-LAX had the dreaded SSSS formula breast. Will get Global Entry ID do n't mean much to TSA worked out to something just below 90 white... At foreign airports is done at the gate early playing Hall Monitor youll an! 2 hours before it was a real pain, but theyll swab your itemsto check them forany residue also... As people, even they can have a bad day, too on gets of! To a pax as people, even they can have a bad,! Cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience `` SSSS '' at! There is a actual no-fly list and nine Airlines have their own version they 're gon na pull like! To Earn airline Miles while Sheltering in Place, we Called and Asked: these European & middle East are! It didnt slow US down, we Called and Asked: these European & middle East are... Present or traveling with questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the departure.. Measures begin long before you arrive at the airport or why we flown... My name does n't sound `` Muslim '', yet i get picked and it at... I did n't enjoy having the seat where everyone constantly bangs into shoulder! Airline, and baby/toddler food ( to include puree pouches ) are considered medically necessary liquids tsa additional screening at gate,!, wheelchair check, and this should have been done in private having seat! To call the TSA is playing Hall Monitor gate screenings.. - make me feel so SAFE quite as or!