A seasoned globetrotter has spilled the beans on what ‘SSSS’ signifies on your boarding pass – and it’s not something you’d hope for. Chloe Jade Meltzer, aged 30, a travel aficionado, has been jet-setting since 2015 and boasts visits to an impressive 162 countries. During her numerous jaunts, Chloe has spotted ‘SSSS’ emblazoned on her boarding pass on six occasions. Read more: The truth about knife crime in West Midlands The quartet of S’s represents ‘secondary security screening selection’, indicating that the traveller has been earmarked for extra security scrutiny by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) prior to their flight. This entails undergoing additional security measures such as pat-downs, hand swabs, and comprehensive baggage inspections before they can board the aircraft. Chloe points out that one tell-tale sign of being marked with ‘SSSS’ is if there’s a delay in receiving your boarding pass. Hailing from New York City, Chloe, who pens a travel blog, shared: “I have gotten ‘SSSS’ on my boarding pass periodically over the years.” She advises, “When I get one, I will just try get the checks out of the way and head straight to the boarding gate to be screened again by airline staff. “The duration it takes typically hinges on how promptly you make it to the boarding gate, the manner in which your luggage is organised, and the speediness of the search team.” Chloe adds, “When you are checking into your flight, you usually get your boarding pass. If you don’t get it straight away, that can be a sign your pass will have ‘SSSS’ written on.” Chloe explains that if you’re flagged for secondary screening, you’ll be pulled aside at the gate before you board. She elaborated, saying you’ll either receive a pat-down, an in-depth rummage through your luggage, or an explosives test. Chloe said: “You also might be asked a few extra question like where you’re going and how long you’re staying there. “It can feel very targeted but usually this will be going on for a few other people as well or sometimes half the plane. “I personally don’t like this because it takes longer, you can’t do this before boarding, they do it exactly at boarding.” Providing insight into why someone might get ‘SSSS’ on their boarding pass, Chloe pointed out it could be due to travelling to certain flagged countries or purchasing a one-way ticket. She stresses remaining calm if ‘SSSS’ appears on your boarding pass as it’s not always intentional. Chloe said: “They say it is randomly selected, sometimes it’s because you have travelled to certain countries that are flagged, or because you bought a one-way ticket. “Sometimes you might be on a watch list because you name is similar to one that they have flagged, or you have two different passports, you have passport irregularities. “If you get the dreaded ‘SSSS’ don’t worry, it doesn’t mean you’re in trouble because it is random. “Just deal with it, be ready to board early and get it done.”