People only just realising what

Navigating airports can already be a stressful experience, but spotting the four-letter code “SSSS” on your boarding pass might make things worse. This code stands for “Secondary Security Screening Selection” and often appears on flights to and from the US. It means you’ll likely face additional screening at security, which could include extra bag checks, pat-downs, or body scans. The delay can last from a few minutes to over an hour, depending on the situation. The code has been jokingly dubbed the “kiss of death” for travelers hoping for a smooth airport run.

The selection process is handled by US security authorities after airlines share passenger lists, and it can happen randomly, meaning there’s no way to avoid or predict it. Despite the inconvenience, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) defends the added screening as a necessary security measure, stressing that safety procedures begin before you even reach the airport. The TSA emphasized that once selected, passengers must comply with the screening and cannot opt out. So, if you see “SSSS” on your boarding pass, plan for some extra time at security—and you might have to wait a little longer for that airport drink.