What the “SSSS” Code on a Boarding Pass Indicates and Why Travelers Sometimes See It

What the “SSSS” Code on a Boarding Pass Indicates and Why Travelers Sometimes See It

as dangerous.

Some travel behaviors are more likely to trigger this designation. Last-minute ticket purchases are one common reason. One-way international flights can also draw more attention, especially if they involve routes or regions considered higher risk. Paying cash for airfare may also increase the chance of being flagged. A traveler with little or no established travel history may sometimes be selected as well. At the same time, the system also includes a random element. This unpredictability is intentional, since it helps prevent anyone from learning how to avoid the

There’s more to discover. Continue to the next page for the rest of this article.