Air travel often feels stressful. Planning your trip, catching your flight, and navigating crowded airports leave plenty of room for things to go wrong. When you’re already anxious, the last thing you want is extra scrutiny from airport security. If you see the code “SSSS” on your boarding pass, be prepared. According to Business Insider, those four letters mean you’ve been pre-selected for additional screening by the TSA (Transportation Security Administration).

“SSSS” stands for Secondary Security Screening Selection. It indicates that the TSA will perform extra security checks on you before you board your plane. The TSA runs a program called Secure Flight. This risk-based pre-screening system compares passengers’ names to trusted traveler lists and watchlists. It helps identify both low- and high-risk travelers before they even reach the airport.

A TSA spokesperson explained that Secure Flight collects only basic personal information like your name and date of birth. This data helps ensure accurate matching. The program also prevents people on the No Fly List and the CDC’s Do Not Board List from flying. Seeing “SSSS” on your boarding pass isn’t a sign of trouble.

It simply means the TSA is following routine safety procedures designed to protect you and everyone on the flight. So stay calm it’s all about keeping air travel safe. To make your airport experience easier, learn what items and clothing to avoid during security screening. Steering clear of common security triggers can help you get through faster and with less hassle.