Airplane: The code you never want to see on your boarding pass

What happens if you see it on your boarding pass?

If you’ve ever traveled by plane, whether for business or pleasure, you know how strict airport controls are now. Each airport has its own policy, especially on international flights. In addition to international rules, it may have imposed additional security measures to board the plane. Specifically, these checks are made at the point where your personal belongings are examined.

The passwords that flight attendants say if they have "set their sights" on you

Airplane: The code you never want to see on your boarding pass

Security measures at airports are so strong that it takes time and patience to get on the plane, especially in some countries. That’s why many don’t want to be targeted by airport security. If you happen to have a specific code on your boarding pass, then know that you are already a target of airport security. This specific code is called SSSS and applies to airports and flights to and from the USA.

According to Business Insider, the SSSS code stands for “Secondary Security Screening Selection.” This means that you will undergo additional security screening procedures which may include searching your bag, a physical check, and further questions about your trip. The duration of this process is usually between 10 to 30 minutes. However, unless something strange comes up through the screening process, you will proceed to your gate and board your flight by plane.

The code is usually printed on the boarding pass of those on the FBI’s terrorism list. However, often the choice is random and may appear because you booked your ticket at the last minute on the plane or because you have booked a one-way ticket to a high-risk country.