What Does SSS on Your Boarding Pass Mean?

Question

S anyone ever had an experience where they saw the letters 'SSS' or a checker-disk pattern on their boarding pass and would know what these symbols stand for?

Answer 1

The letters 'SSS' or checkered patterns on the boarding card signify that further security screenings have to be carried out on you. This may arise due to such factors as one-way ticketing, cashbox payment for your travel, or it is just random. Even your hand luggage can be subjected to scrutiny.

Comments

Was a 1,000 top flyer with Star Alliance for a few years - board early if you have hand luggage if not flying business/first class. On business/first class you can board last and enjoy your lounge longer. Once had a security officer write "SSSS" because he was unhappy that I stood a little (3 inches) too far from his table to his liking. Later - being an official US guest - the security officer on my connecting flight looked at the ticket in amazement and asked why it had gotten the SSSS-treament. I said the guy had a bad day and they gave me a new blank ticket.

---

I don't get why paying in cash can lead to secondary screening. I mean, one way tickets, I can see the reason. But paying in cash? Has the employees been playing too much and it seems SUS to them?

---

I've definitely had the checkerboard thing on a few of my boarding passes in the past but I've never been thoroughly screened, but there's usually already 3 or 4 other carry ons they're already digging into so maybe it's not worth it for them, especially since I follow all the rules to make sure I don't get stopped for any useless reason. Don't know how credible that is that being said, but next time I fly I will check for that or the "s"