I have the dreaded SSSS on my boarding pass

Being randomly selected for additional airport security checks can be stressful and leave you with less time to get to the plane.

Stewart Jackson, from London, received the dreaded “SSSS” letters on his boarding pass while flying to New York to visit his girlfriend.

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The code stands for “Secondary Security Screening Selection”, which means that the passenger has been selected for an additional security check.

Stewart said: “I tried to check in online the night before but the website kept throwing an error message.

“I didn’t think much about it at the time and knew I would be fine to check in at the airport.

But when he got to the airport check-in counter, his boarding pass was stamped with the letters “SSSS.”

Stewart explained that when airline staff walked down the queue to ask if all passengers had met the appropriate Covid requirements, he mentioned the website wouldn’t let him check in.

Stewart said: “She ushered me out of the queue to a desk to check my details.

“After she entered my passport number, she said ‘Oh!’ and my heart started racing as she did so I was convinced there was a problem and I wasn’t allowed to fly…

“The agent saw the panic in my eyes and explained the reason the check-in failed because I had already been pre-screened for additional screening.

“She assured me that this was nothing to worry about and was purely coincidental. There would be a pre-boarding search at the London end of the journey and not in New York as I originally feared.”

During the procedure, your baggage will be checked again by the officers; Pat them down, dab for explosive residue, and open all your pockets.

You may also request additional proof of identity information and a detailed summary of all travel plans.

The SSSS checks take place mainly on international flights to and from the USA.

Luckily, Stewart didn’t have to queue any longer than other passengers when he was selected for the second security check.

Stewart said: “I was walking to the gate when my boarding party was called and when they saw my boarding pass I was directed to an area behind a screen where someone else was also being searched.

“My carry-on luggage was searched, my hands and pockets were wiped – they didn’t tell me what for. I was then asked to remove my shoes so they could look inside.

“It all happened in the waiting area before we actually boarded, so it didn’t stop me from boarding the plane.”

A travel expert shared the top tips for getting through airport security as quickly as possible.

Meanwhile, a pilot explained how you can tell if your flight is likely to be delayed or cancelled.

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