What Does ‘SSSS’ On Your Boarding Pass Mean?

What Does “SSSS” Stand For?
SSSS stands for Secondary Security Screening Selection.

It’s an indicator used by aviation security authorities—most commonly associated with the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA)—to flag a passenger for additional security screening beyond the standard process.

In plain terms:
If your boarding pass has “SSSS,” you’ve been selected for extra checks before boarding your flight.

This can happen on:

Flights to, from, or within the United States

Many international departures bound for the U.S.

Some foreign airports that follow U.S. security protocols

It’s not a code for “dangerous person,” “criminal,” or “terror suspect.” But it does mean you’ll get more attention than the average traveler.

What Actually Happens When You Get SSSS?
The experience varies by airport and country, but typically includes some or all of the following:

1. You Can’t Check In Normally
Passengers with SSSS often:

Can’t check in online

Can’t use mobile boarding passes