Couple Goes Viral After Showing Dreaded Letters On Boarding Pass That Travelers Never Want To See

This couple went viral on the internet after showing these four letters on their boarding pass. According to them and others who commented on the video, these four letters are dreaded by any traveler, and they definitely cause stress.

Traveling is supposed to be fun and stress-free for the most part, but much of the stress can arise when traveling by plane and needing to get a boarding pass checked. The most stress for many travelers usually comes when they begin going through the airport and checking in to board their flight to their destination.

If you're not sure what these letters mean, you're not alone; many people who saw the video didn't know either. These airline travelers let us know exactly what these letters mean and why they were worried when they saw them on their boarding passes.

Let's take a look at what they had to say and what the letters "SSSS" mean on your boarding pass. If you are in the same situation, then you already know exactly what this means and how to handle it. Let's dive in and explore what all this means for any traveler who receives a boarding pass with it.

Let's look at what SSS means and if you should worry if it pops up on your boarding pass.

This couple from Arizona took to social media to explain what it means when you see the four letters "SSSS" on your boarding pass. "SSSS are indeed four dreaded letters that no traveler wants to see on their boarding pass," Zach Griff, an aviation writer, said.

"It stands for ‘secondary security screening selection,’ and it’s a measure implemented by security authorities in the U.S. to screen certain passengers with additional checks," he continued.

Jordyn Verrzera and JT Mocarsk

Griff said that those who receive the SSS won't be able to check in online.

"Selectees for this enhanced security are chosen in the days leading up to a flight when airlines share the manifest with U.S. security authorities," Griff added.

Jordyn Verzera and JT Mocarski received a printed ticket and could not check in online, and printed on their ticket were the letters "SSSS." The travel duo from Arizona was flooded with questions about what the letters meant and what was happening.

She gave insight into how the process went and the frustration she experienced.

"They had to give me a printed boarding pass. He [Mocarski] could still use his digital one, and then I had to carry this pass around. It was marked and circled, and I had to show it at every step along the way," Verzera said.

"Instead of just going through one form of security… you had to get to the gate early, and they conducted an extra-deep screening when you departed. But the big issue was that once we arrived, we actually ended up having to go through customs… and that was when the really deep search began."

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Understanding Stress in Travel

Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar, a renowned happiness researcher, emphasizes that stress can significantly affect our travel experiences. He explains that anticipating stressful situations, like seeing dreaded letters on a boarding pass, can create anxiety even before departure.

He recommends proactive preparation as a way to mitigate this stress. This includes knowing your flight details, having a backup plan, and arriving at the airport with plenty of time. By implementing these strategies, travelers can foster a more enjoyable experience, ultimately leading to a more relaxed journey.

When encountering stressful travel situations, it can be beneficial to focus on mindfulness techniques. As productivity expert David Allen notes, staying present helps individuals manage their stress more effectively. Simple practices like deep breathing, grounding exercises, or even distraction techniques can be implemented while waiting in line or dealing with boarding frustrations.

Additionally, planning ahead for potential delays or issues can also alleviate stress. Having a checklist and ensuring all travel documents are in order can provide peace of mind, making the travel experience smoother.

She explained the process of going through customs, which seemed pretty intense.

She said that every item she packed was laid out on a conveyor belt from her luggage. They even had to turn on her computer to get it through security as well.

"It was a little intimidating the first time around," she said. She stated that she arrived at the airport early but still had to wait in line for three hours when she got there.

"It depends on which country… or which place you’re going, like the severity of the search and what it entails," Mocarski said.

"At the end of the day, it's random; even the TSA agents aren't picking you. They know the procedures they have to follow to ensure that they're conducting the check," Mocarski added.

This new security check is intense, and honestly, although it's for safety reasons, it can still be inconvenient for travelers. Now we know what will happen and how things will go if you end up having this security check and need to go through these extra steps.

So if you have SSSS printed on your ticket, just know you will be going through some extra security checks before departing and upon arrival.

Solutions & Coping Strategies

Traveling should be a joyful experience, but stress often creeps in, especially when unexpected issues arise. Research indicates that being prepared and practicing mindfulness can significantly reduce anxiety, allowing for a more enjoyable journey. As experts like Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar and David Allen suggest, focusing on proactive strategies and present-moment awareness can transform how we approach travel. By adopting these techniques, travelers can reframe their experiences, leading to less stress and more enjoyment during their journeys.