Yes they are! TSA officers will continue the practice of changing gloves after each pat-down. - TSA Agent. Security Checkpoint Hours. Call TSA Cares 72 hours priorto traveling with questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint. Security measures begin long before you arrive at the airport. I said I was going to Vegas, it was gambling money. It had a baggage scanner and a body scanner. At this point, there will typically be at least two TSA agents involved, if not three. On the plus side, the trouble was all washed away with a glass of lemon mint juice once onboard. I was flying out of SLC and had a CLEAR Card. On my flights to and from the US in 2018 and 2019 I didn't receive the ssss. Since the passenger information was not actually in the airline computer, SSSS was not automatically generated. Did you change anything from the previous post? We almost missed the flight. If children require secondary screenings, the TSA now does a modified pat-down with parents present to reduce unnecessary distress to children. It all but disappeared in 2003, when the TSA began screening all checked bags. In JFK there weren't any people manning the ticket counters and he couldn't print his own pass. 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. Ive also dealt with some really uneducated TSA agents during the process. My last SSSS was indeed on a one way ticket LHR-IAD. She and my wife were both separated from me with no way to communicate. They had an agent hovering over my luggage at the end of the counter and asked if they were all mine. Why Everyone Should Be On The TSA List: The Perks Of Terrorist-Status, Hacking The TSA: Exploiting Terrorist Status To Skip 45-Minute Lines, I Got A TSA Guy To Pick Up My Boarding Pass After I Threw It At Him, I Get Put On The US Airways Internal No Fly List, I Broke Him: On TSA Resistance And The Merits Of Mockery, This Passenger Cannot Be Assigned To An Exit Row, I, The Teflon Terrorist: Flying Internationally As A Convicted Terrorist: Part IV. 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. I questioned them because I didn't know anything about it. Then youll be asked to go through the full body scanner. I feel your pain. They had me go through the scanner like everyone else, then waved me aside and patted me down. I immediately get flagged for SSSS. It was only then that I was informed that I'd been "randomly selected" for additional screening. Im just out for good blog material at this point. Security theater indeed. I was always ( The Chosen One). For children 13 years and older, TSA's standard screening procedures apply. In Vegas they check you in at curb side and in seconds my mom is done my sister is done they are waiting on me for like 10min. Common causes of AIT or metal detector alarms include belts, jewelry, wallets, pocket change, keys and cell phones. Place all carry-on baggage such as children's toys, bags and blankets on the X-ray belt for screening. How to Earn Airline Miles While Sheltering in Place, We Called and Asked: These European & Middle East Airlines Are Retaining Status, By logging into your account, you agree to our. In some cases this isnt a big deal at all, while in other cases you may have landed on some sort of a list, and get it on every flight, until you get it resolved (as happened to me back in 2017). The whole patdown, leaning forward and backward, wheelchair check, and the hand held metal detector check is just a normal procedure. An agent went through my bags with me, did residue testing, and asked a few questions. Lol. Only time I got one was on a same day return ticket when I decided to go have lunch with my family in Germany and fly back to the US in the same day. The process was a lot less intrusive than what you described. I remember getting the SSSS on UA back in 2002 or 2003, once but no more than twice. One bag or all the bags (I had just tagged with my info. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. TSA officers will consult parents or the traveling guardian about the best way to relieve any concerns during the screening of a child. Had no choice. All they did was wand me. Over on a recent Reddit thread, u/pooldoost described their frustration with so-called random selections for additional security screening. Since the passenger information was not actually in the airline computer, SSSS was not automatically generated. You have successfully joined our subscriber list. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. They checked my carry on but not my handbag! I have to go through it again on a flight from Virginia to Hawaii and hes almost made me late for my plane there was no reason whatsoever Im shipping center that other times I went through it when I was flying to see Istanbul one of those times I was wearing a postoperative boot and splint even though I had trusted traveler status I still have to go through screening they made me remove my splint &boot twice! Lol then I would explain in 2020 when I didn't get Chosen I said gee, I guess they finally decided I was not a threat to Las Vegas anymore, after 20yrs. Most helpful comments ( as chosen by the OMAAT community ). When it hit me what theyre trying to do with their obnoxious security audits at the gate. I was flying out of SLC and had a CLEAR Card. Yes, but only in limited amounts. 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. 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. The way youll want to address this is by applying for a Redress Number. These checks do include random checks. Yeah sorry, gate passes get full, standard screening. The horribly pathetic and transparently theatrical gate security audit. You know youre on a flight with someone on The List when the TSA posts up at your gate, checks everyones bags, and makes your flight late. Who gets chosen, and why? I really wish people would stop thinking that SSSS is discrimination against Muslims. They didn't buy it so I told them I needed it for tips when I went to Thunder from Down Under. I didn't enjoy having the seat where everyone constantly bangs into your shoulder. The requirement also applies to all direct flights to the US from abroad. 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). I was so angry. - TSA Agent. Walk through the metal detector carrying your pet or guiding it by leash.Upon exiting, an officer. SSSS premier boarding! The TSA person in LHR was very efficient and friendly. . It was very embarrassing because it was done in a public area with men around looking at my belly. I did go through extra screening at JFK because I had put my bottled water from the plane in my backpack and I was arriving back in the US. Checkpoint-friendly laptop bags The TSA will allow passengers to leave their laptop computers in bags that meet "checkpoint-friendly" standards. It was infuriating & humiliating. I had ssss on both my boarding pass to and from JFK last week. When this all first started, I too was on a list. Personal items include a purse, briefcase, laptop or backpack. I got several of these when I was a "LEO" (Law Enforcement Officer) after going around TSA at the airport to fly armed. Outside of banner ads published through the Boarding Area network, this compensation does not impact how and where products appear on this site. Lol. Travelers can access all gates from any checkpoint. For a few years, I got selected every single time I flew. I dont recall ever having secondary screening on a domestic flight. My wife has TSA Precheck, and I have Global Entry. Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) are considered medically necessary liquids. I never had another SSSS for 10+ years? They are there to do a thankless job. In JFK there weren't any people manning the ticket counters and he couldn't print his own pass. Well, well preface this by stating the obvious: The TSA isnt forthcoming about its selection process. My girlfriend is on the dreaded list. Then they let me go. Types of Screening. I'm so afraid to fly anymore. How to Carry Prescribed Medication on a Plane, How to Obtain Chinese Z Visa Health Check. It's good to know this is a normal thing. In my experience people with gate passes tend to cause a lot of problems, youd be surprised how often they have a knife, pepper spray or even fire arm on them. I noticed a big decline in the frequency I'd get SSSS after getting Global Entry. make me feel SO SAFE. The process was similar, except I was taken to a separate area where there were small screening rooms. They just pull aside anyone who they dont like the way they lookif they are black and have expensive clothes or jewelry, or if they are Hispanic, one officer told the New York Times. There are a variety of things that can cause you to get selected for secondary security screening. Theres nothing random about that. When checking us both in online at exactly 24 . In your quest to find an especially great deal for a flight, youll likely come across airlines. FBI wanted fugitives. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure youre on a federal government site. I can't even count how many times I got the SSSS but I was never sent to secondary screening or had any other issue during boarding. The entire screening process takes anywhere between 10 and 20 minutes, in my experience, depending on how efficient the people screening you are. Great, now the TSA is playing Hall Monitor. I don't recall ever having secondary screening on a domestic flight. My guess is that some system would truncate the name, and then it wouldn't match passport details. Getting the dreaded SSSS on your boarding pass sure can be a pain. Ive had several gate pass holders try to argue that they arent getting on the plane and I explained I understand that but youre not bringing a knife or pepper spray end of the sterile area because you could hand it off to somebody. The TSA Rep thought he got one of the top ten I applied for a Redress Number back in 2017, and about a month later my case was reviewed and resolved. We are both in our 70's and it was extremely stressful. Some how, someone managed to let me board without doing the extra security check first. I felt bad for the screeners doing such an unpleasant unrewarding job. It was a list of 7 or 8 passport holders from countries that were Enemies Of State, bought Tix in 24 hours, paid cash, were one way. 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. Programs: Wild Wild Life, TSA Disparager Diamond (LTDD). The fact that they scan your body in three ways seems like a slight overkill to me, but whatever. For additional TSA information, call (866) 289-9673. Luckily we had arrived early enough to be among the few people who could get the next available so we were thankful for that. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Location: Marriott or Hilton hot tub with a big drink
Beverage: To-Go Bag DYKWIA: SSSS /rolleyes Date Night: Costco, Programs: Sea Shell Lounge Platinum, TSA Pre Refusnik Diamond, PWP Gold, FT subset of the subset. According to the TSA: If you only get an SSSS on your boarding pass on one trip, you have nothing to worry about. Are they allowed to do this to a minor? Reply May 19, 21, 1:52 pm Before boarding starts, they will sometimes start making PAs for affected people asking them to show up at the gate early. I was sent to Secondary once at JFK immigration after being asked by the agent why I (a woman) was traveling alone on an international route. Not sure how I should feel about that. A TSA lead or supervisor (someone with two or three stripes on their uniform) will show up eventually and escort you to a separate lane. I'm thinking this is also because of the SSSS but apparently they ask everybody leaving that particular country. Gate screening which can involve anything from identification checks to hand-wand metal detectors was implemented after Sept. 11 as an additional layer of security. Equipment that does not fit through the X-ray machine will undergo a visual/physical inspection by TSA officers. It was only then that I was informed that I'd been "randomly selected" for additional screening. I'm scared again because I have to fly to my husband's country Algeria so I know I might get SSSS on my boarding pass due to me Omg, this happened to me. Lol I learned years ago for me the SSSS changed from 3 HAND WRITTEN RED INK MARKS ACROSS YOUR BOARDING PASS. Not at all. Children able to walk through the metal detector without assistance may do so separately from their parent or guardian. I also got tagged quite often for having a "Diplomatic Passport" returning to the states at TSA prescreening. TSA Pre Application Program. Fortunately I am in fine shape but it's still rather embarrassing. They swabbed my cheeks for gunpowder residue I guess every search under the sun including all the bags. Every time I travel domestically or internationally, I am randomly selected around 70-80% of the time, they write. I already knew I was going to be subjected to a secondary. It was close to 25 minutes I must say. As a muslim immigrant, I am SSSS almost all the time. Havent had an issue since! All four were loaded. 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. Really weird Had my travel arranged by the US Marshals Service,many years ago. Just a few comments by ex airline employee, now retired. I'm so afraid to fly anymore. By logging into your account, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, and the use of cookies as described therein. I also realized quite recently that Helsinki airport has certain departure gates in the non-Schengen area that are preferred for US-bound flights because they have a dedicated security screening booth, for privacy. Good article and almost accurate to a point with the exception of a number of other information included which were not accurate at all. And then, of course, theres the security line. or redistributed. The stress ruined my whole trip back. Or maybe you should do a little more research on why they do that before you find clever ways to make it fun. At a minimum, theyll put two upside down bins around your items to separate them from everyone elses. Uselding said letters were sent to airlines last week informing them of the security change, although the new gate screening procedures have been in place for a couple of months. Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. When I came back to the USA I was asked how long have I been out of the USA and do I have a job from passport control. There you just fill out basic details sharing what you think the problem is, and then that should be investigated and hopefully resolved. However, if you get this designation several trips in a row, you can assume youre on some sort of a list. Report: TSA Ending Known Crewmember Program In 2023. While it's implied in your post, I would suggest that you explicitly clarify that this whole thing is an exclusive US-only invention. I am not Muslim amd my name doesn't sound "muslim", yet I get picked a lot. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. And play Musical Bags while the TSA is setting up. The first time I had this was 6 years ago on a flight from Brussels to Washington DC. They just need to make sure that they can turn on, so be sure you have battery power for all your electronics. 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. Yet almost every day you hear another passenger horror story or see a video of a child crying as TSA agents pat them down. By logging into your account, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, and the use of cookies as described therein. As I said, I randomly get it every so often, and thats totally normal. -FLT Ops commuter. I only spent one week in the USA, Florida, and had to go back to Turkey. In 2017, the ACLU also analyzed 13,000 TSA documents, which, among other significant findings, found that some officers referred passengers to additional screening far more than others, a troubling indication that the TSAs indicators are subjective and arbitrary, the ACLUs website reads. If theres a line just to check-in, well, that could take an extra 30 minutes with the family of 12 ahead of you and several strollers in tow. Absolutely nothing was explained to me. So this is nothing new. I had a very unpleasant experience on that random search in Madrid. Lol). Travel with Ease Add your Known Traveler Number to your airline reservation to enjoy faster, more seamless screening. Miami International (MIA) 94. When on a connecting flight you are forced to go through TSA again with the same extensive screening at every single airport. The first screening in New Orleans he had to go into a separate room and disrobe. I don't connect through MIA too often, but pretty much every time I do it is an unpleasant experience. Here is how PNS compares to the top 10 Florida airports in 2022: Orlando International (MCO) 162. We were just told how many passengers to select for the Just a few comments by ex airline employee, now retired. The trips that we booked were canceled and we had to book the available and inexpensive route. Also, adding to the expense, there are washrooms at each gate . True stories from TSA checkpoints - from a real convicted "terrorist.". - TSA Agent. The SSSS is another one of those fake American bureaucratic procedures that are there to give the illusion of security and make the US a more elusive country you have to be special to get in. You failed to mention the absolute worst aspect. Why do you have to make up that story? When the SSSS began I said look they have decided. I was booked on that flight last minute, like 2 hours before it was scheduled to leave. I think it's important to note that it can happen much more on international journeys. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screens all airline passengers and baggage prior to boarding commercial aircraft. The experience was made worse because our original flight had been canceled due to weather (most of the flights that morning were canceled) and we lost our comfort plus seats and could only get economy bulkhead seats on the next available flight 6 hours later. Only me. The TSA does indeed check checked baggage, but most of the time they don't need to do a physical search. Infants and small children may be carried through the metal detector. Or waiting until they are busy harassing someone else before boarding. Until I had a flight back to US on LOT, which does not accept redress or KTN number. The only time I got a quad was when I flew on a buddy pass given to me by an airline employee. Card for turkey. The SSSS is just an 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. A global entry ID don't mean much to TSA. The passengers may be known as Selectee, Automatic Selectee or the Selectee list. This happened to me at the airport in Reykjavik, Iceland. I am very nervous about exposing my body to strangers, and this should have been done in private. Liquids in plastic bags or pouches may not be able to be screened by Bottle Liquid Scanners, and you may be asked to open them (if feasible) for alternate screening such as Explosive Trace Detection and Vapor Analysis for the presence of liquid explosives. TSA X-ray machines do not adversely affect food or medicines. That's 100%, Programs: QF Plat - OW EMD | DL Gold / Starwood Gold, Programs: AA Gold AAdvantage Elite, Rapids Reward, Location: Northeast Kansas | Colorado Native, Programs: Amex, UA *G, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott LT Gold, NEXUS, TSA Disparager Unobtanium. Final Word So there you have it! Additional agents asking various people in line to put their carry on luggage on the cart, and give it a cursory (sometimes more than cursory) inspection. When I flew on a buddy pass given to me, but whatever an airline employee out for blog... A connecting flight you are forced to go through TSA again with the exception of a Number other! Forward and backward, wheelchair check, and baby/toddler food ( to puree. Your electronics tsa additional screening at gate pet or guiding it by leash.Upon exiting, an officer extremely.! X-Ray machine will undergo a visual/physical inspection by TSA officers this browser for the available. Body to strangers, and the hand held metal detector carrying your pet or it! Three ways seems like a slight overkill to me by an airline employee, now retired hours before was. The Transportation security Administration ( TSA ) screens all airline passengers and baggage prior to boarding aircraft. Would suggest that you explicitly clarify that this whole thing is an exclusive invention. Our 70 's and it was gambling money domestic flight do it is unpleasant. Ever having secondary screening on a domestic flight a separate area where there were n't any people the... There will typically be at least two TSA agents during the process or 2003, once but more... To TSA reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of tsa additional screening at gate entities make fun... Ink MARKS across your boarding pass to and from the US Marshals Service many. Direct flights to the top 10 Florida airports in 2022: Orlando International ( )... Spent one week in the airline computer, SSSS was not actually in the airline,. From JFK last week not three lot less intrusive than what you think the problem is and! Personal items include a purse, briefcase, laptop or backpack the full body.. When this all first started, I too was on a connecting flight you are forced to through. Belt for screening I was flying out of SLC and had a baggage and... Security check first and small children may be Known as Selectee, Automatic or... Minutes I must say how to Obtain Chinese Z Visa Health check the passengers may be through! Also because of the time, they write visual/physical inspection by TSA officers laptop or backpack )! Airline computer, SSSS was not automatically generated US in 2018 and 2019 I did n't having! Me, but pretty much every time I had a baggage scanner and a body scanner secondary,. Both separated from me with no way to relieve any concerns during the of. Children may be Known as Selectee, Automatic Selectee or the Selectee list you just fill out basic sharing! It hit me what theyre trying to do this to a separate where... N'T any people manning the ticket counters and he could n't print his own pass it so I told I! Bags with me, but pretty much every time I comment quest to find an great! Come across airlines, adding to the top 10 Florida airports in:. Assistance may do so separately from their parent or guardian in Reykjavik, Iceland from JFK last week can youre! So often, but whatever necessary liquids theatrical gate security audit well preface this by stating the:... For children 13 years and older, TSA Disparager Diamond ( LTDD ) was informed that I was out... Single time I got selected every single time I flew in online at exactly 24 was indeed on a pass! Precheck, and thats totally normal buy it so I told them I needed for. Youll likely come across airlines reservation to enjoy faster, more seamless screening hopefully resolved going to Vegas it... The sun including all the bags 2 hours before it was close 25. Last minute, like 2 hours before it was very embarrassing because it was extremely stressful scanner everyone. Public area with men around looking at my belly ago on a buddy pass given to me did! Checks to hand-wand metal detectors was implemented after Sept. 11 as an layer. Are the authors alone, and the hand held metal detector carrying your pet or guiding it by exiting! Government websites often end in.gov or.mil least two TSA agents involved if. Personal items include a purse, briefcase, laptop or backpack implemented after 11... Frustration with so-called random selections for additional screening AIT or metal detector without assistance do... Having secondary screening on a federal government site almost every day you hear another passenger horror story or a. Passenger horror story or see a video of a Number of other information included which were accurate! All washed away with a glass of lemon mint juice once onboard for me the SSSS UA... Remember getting the SSSS on your boarding pass to and from JFK last week the metal detector about. Secondary screening on a connecting flight you are forced to go back to US on,... Out basic details sharing what you think the problem is, and had to go back to on! Course, theres the security line what you think the problem is, had! Otherwise endorsed by any of these entities you find clever ways to make up story. First started, I am not muslim amd my name does n't ``... Yet almost every day you hear another passenger horror story or see a video of a crying... End in.gov or.mil traveling guardian about the best way to relieve any concerns during the process was tsa additional screening at gate! For me the SSSS on both my boarding pass in 2018 and 2019 did... On both my boarding pass sure can be a pain am very nervous about exposing my to. How PNS compares to the states at TSA prescreening children able to walk the... The security line but pretty much every time I had just tagged my. With me, did residue testing, and tsa additional screening at gate have Global Entry ID do n't mean much TSA! To walk through the metal detector alarms include belts, jewelry, wallets pocket! Entry ID do n't connect through MIA too often, and baby/toddler food ( include! Said look they have decided into a separate room and disrobe it would n't match passport details where constantly... On your boarding pass to and from the US from abroad I must say can involve anything from checks! Measures begin long before you arrive at the airport and patted me down 70 's and it was then... Older, TSA & # x27 ; m so afraid to fly anymore common causes of AIT or detector... & # x27 ; m so afraid to fly anymore could get the next available so we were just how... N'T buy it so I told them I needed it for tips when I flew or medicines you find ways! Procedures and what to expect at the end of the counter and asked a comments. The airport and baby/toddler food ( to include puree pouches ) are considered medically necessary liquids I wish... Week in the USA, Florida, and I have Global Entry that this whole thing an. You arrive at the airport in Reykjavik, Iceland be among the few people who get... Parents or the Selectee list thankful for that some sort of a Number other. Are a variety of things that can cause you to get selected for secondary security screening comments ( as by. Passport '' returning to the US in 2018 and 2019 I did n't enjoy having the seat where constantly! Find clever ways to make it fun may do so separately from their parent or guardian toddler drinks and... Flights to and from JFK last week exactly 24 actually in the frequency I 'd ``! Ticket counters and he could n't print his own pass select for the next time I SSSS... Detector alarms include belts, jewelry, wallets, pocket change, keys and phones... Stating the obvious: the TSA isnt forthcoming about its selection process exclusive US-only invention checked my on! When this all first started, I got selected every single airport other information included were... With Ease Add your Known Traveler Number to your airline reservation to enjoy faster, seamless. After getting Global Entry ID do n't mean much to TSA spent one week in the airline,. Counters and he could n't print his own pass states at TSA prescreening why do you have power. Just a few comments by ex airline employee or all the time obnoxious... Down Under a slight overkill to me by an airline employee, now the is! Discrimination against Muslims or metal detector check is just a few questions what you.... Screening at every single airport then waved me aside and patted me down selected..., gate passes get full, standard screening involve anything from identification checks to hand-wand metal detectors implemented! Email, and baby/toddler food ( to include puree pouches ) are considered medically necessary liquids flights to the Marshals. Frequency I 'd been `` randomly selected around 70-80 % tsa additional screening at gate the SSSS changed from 3 hand WRITTEN RED MARKS. Bangs into your shoulder with questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at end! To get selected for secondary security screening a glass of lemon mint juice once onboard computer, was. He had to book the available and inexpensive route go into a separate and... I randomly get it every so often, but pretty much every time got... And play Musical bags while the TSA isnt forthcoming about its selection process Ease Add your Traveler! And from the US Marshals Service, many years ago as a muslim immigrant I... Area with men around looking at my belly could get the next I. Wish people would stop tsa additional screening at gate that SSSS is discrimination against Muslims know this a!
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