The Unexpected Cause of My WORST TSA Experience (avoid this!!)

[@PortableProfessional]

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[@janethamilton616]

I received the sss on my boarding pass in Toronto several years ago. Supposedly it was random. As I was already over 70 at the time I couldn't think that I looked very suspicious. Went through everything you described. Even the nasty agent. Then they forgot to enter my passing the inspection into the computer. So at the gate I was told that I had failed to comply with the inspection requirement and would have to return to TSA. Plan was boarding. Fortunately a Canadian Air employee pleaded my case and I was allowed to board. Truly a nightmare.

[@debbiekeltz-wolk7691]

I got the dreaded SSSS on my boarding pass as well and just about every time I go through security I get pulled aside for "random" screening. At first it was just me that got it but once I got married my husband is also now "randomly" screened. I would love to know what they think they have on me since I have never done anything wrong nor have they every found anything that we shouldn't be carrying. When we were coming home from Puerto Rico I got pulled aside and the agent laughed as he told a female agent to pat me down by hand and not wand me and he laughed as she did it. It was really creepy.

[@KathrynFritze]

@@debbiekeltz-wolk7691big brother is watching browsing history, text msgs, random comments on social media…

[@michaels3003]

​@@debbiekeltz-wolk7691, you don't believe in random screenings, but they do exist. I would consider filing a complaint for any unprofessional behavior.

[@user-vm5ud4xw6n]

@@debbiekeltz-wolk7691 Just out of curiosity since I don’t fly, what do the 4-S’s mean? I don’t go out of the country and for the past IDK how many years, I have either driven or my last trip I took a train. So I am not up on the latest frisking procedures used by the TSA.

[@debbiekeltz-wolk7691]

@@user-vm5ud4xw6n It means that they are going to pull you aside for special screening.

[@emilybemily4397]

I think navigating airports and air travel epitomise the hell that is modern life.

[@leebaronbespokecustomtailo9717]

So very true

[@jodeegu]

I have large amounts of metal in my body due to an accident and I always set off the metal detectors, so long ago a TSA agent recommended I request the full body scanner and explain why. Most of the time I’m accommodated with no problem. Until I was at LAX on afternoon. They shifted the line and began redirecting passengers upstairs. I stopped at the agent who was redirecting the line and briefly explained what I needed. Her response was “uh-huh” and to point me in the direction of the new line. Finally got to the actual checkpoint only to discover the scanner was broken. The agent told me to “try” going through the metal detector. It went off, of course. Then I was swabbed and wanded. Then I was told to wait for a female agent to do a pat down. In the meanwhile they searched my carry on and backpack. After 18 minutes, I told the agent that I didn’t care who did the pat down, because my flight was about to start boarding (and I had arrived 3 hours early because it was a holiday weekend!). Nope, must wait. She arrived, I was patted down, then she walked me down to the scanner I should have gone through in the first place. Then she strolled back to the checkpoint where my luggage had remained to let them know I was ok to go. My flight was at the last gate and they were calling my name over the PA system. I hit that gate at a dead run and they literally closed the door behind me. Luckily I was in the second row and was quickly seated so we could go. The really irritating part is that all of this would have been avoided if that first TSA agent could have been bothered to listen to me. 😖

[@alohalaniboido8083]

TSA should inform people that nail polish and lotions with glycerin will set off a positive test. Save us all a lot of time and hassle.

[@mikeburns6603]

Government hates to give the little people any information.

[@DSE233]

I agree with you. That's good to know now.

[@Rlotpir1972]

TSA are nothing but a bunch of whiners!

[@Joe-lb8qn]

When my wife was undergoing various scans she got a letter warning that she might set off alarms at airports for a few days afterwards as there were radioactive substances which had a half life that took several days to become undetectable and for the body to flush them out. (I doubt the letter contained the term half-life it was probably dumbed down but that was the gist) .

[@jeep146]

@@Joe-lb8qnYes you are correct. My wife had a scan done and they used the radioactive dye. My home meter read about 5,000 CPM when she went home. It dropped to 2,400 the next day then 1,000 the next finally down to 50. Less than 50 is normal.

[@pizzazzincorporated4583]

I washed my hands and applied hand lotion prior to going thru security. And, as in the channel, all hell broke loose. You would think they might ask a 76 year old lady if she had just put lotion in her hands as the first question.

[@dsbennett]

They won't ask you if you put lotion on your hands because they know 99% of the time that is the case, and then they wouldn't have fun messing with you.

[@gregh335]

I am a type 1 diabetic on an insulin pump and every time I travel I get the SSSS treatment. Swab, scan, pat down, and further carry on bag review. Go home tonight and hug your pancreas if you aren’t a type 1…

[@BigBear11141]

Right after 9/11 I was traveling back and forth from SYR to SLC every week... I was Special Selected EVERY TIME, even on Connecting Flights... And month later my son and I were flying to New Orleans from SYR - I was Special Selected on Every Leg Both Ways... Cooperate, Keep Quite, and Comply... Answer their Questions, and always get to the Airport(s) Early!!!

[@rosemarymonty5399]

I find that some Agents abuse the ‘power’ that they have in this job by being extremely rude and treating you like a criminal. They need to be trained to remember that we are people like them and the majority of us do not plan to smuggle, hijack or blow up the plane we intend to board.

[@mindbodyhome102]

They could also use a nip of trauma sensitivity training!

[@lexa_power]

Amen

[@lexa_power]

@@mindbodyhome102i wish lol since this is considered a low skill job for low educated folks they will never do anything sophisticated like that 😢 it’s sad because these are people who get to basically molest every day citizens every day

[@sgrant9814]

If common products set off a false positive then tsa needs to change their machines. Total b.s. that common household products like nail polish and hand cream set off "alarms".

[@BrendanKDavis]

I'm an American businessman who has lived or worked in Beijing on and off since 2013, and travelled extensively through Asia and Europe during that time as well. I have never once NOT gotten flagged for extra interrogation upon returning to the US, and have been gifted SSSS on at least half of my outbound flights. Such a hassle.

[@ClintHollingsworth]

Yikes!!

[@enjoyslearningandtravel7957]

Is it because you travel to and from China do you think?

[@BrendanKDavis]

@@enjoyslearningandtravel7957 I do; I’ve had many occasions to consider all the possibilities, and that’s the only thing that makes sense. It’s probably enhanced by my profile in China: I used to work in the China-Hollywood entertainment business, which both sides keep a close eye on, and have intersected with a lot of fellow cross-border folks along the way, some of whom have a high profile. I’ve also appeared on State media a lot in the past - talking about the movie business, nothing at all political - so there have been eyes on me for awhile. But I’ve also hosted or been on panels for events at the US Embassy in Beijing, which you might think would earn me some US-side credit! Haha. But nope.

[@BrendanKDavis]

(Outbound flights US to China, that is; US to Europe? No problem.)

[@carolepeck3829]

I have had to go through swab test a couple of times. Also got ssss in Chicago which caused me to miss flight home. Spent a strange night at O'HARE.

[@907T]

Megan, you have my sympathy. I’ve been swabbed, been patted down and had TSA paw through my bags a number of times-normal if you’ve flown enough. With prosthetic knees, I routinely get scanned. My worst experience (though not horrible) was being detained by Canadian immigration in Toronto. The worst part was the 45 minute wait for me to explain I was not there to take a job from a Canadian

[@madiantin]

I've also had experiences with Canadian immigration in Toronto. Despite our absolutely legal visas we were detained and hassled. Placed a call to our company's attorney and they were absolutely flabbergasted as everything was completely in order. We got the evil glare stare down too: an agent just stood there staring at us menacingly. We had literally done nothing wrong and were being treated like criminals. Eventually they just let us go because...well...they didn't have a leg to stand on. Everything was literally in "stamp and go" order. Not the best introduction to Canada.

[@907T]

The incident prompted me to get a Nexus pass figuring I’d be going to Canada a lot. The following year I was transferred to Europe and haven’t been to Canada since.

[@madiantin]

@@907T Oh gosh that reminds me, I need to update my nexus/tsa precheck. =D. Thank you for the reminder!

[@recentisland1513]

I am Canadian and do my best not to have to fly to , from or through Pearson Airport , Toronto .. never good through there .. Pearson and LAX and New Delhi , India I will avoid if all possible

[@lh7545]

Nice to know nail polish and hand cream can set off alarms... I won't be painting my nails before a trip now and me and my dusty dry hands will wait to put hand cream on AFTER the TSA screening! Holy cow! This was a great video, and good information for if/when you get selected for the dreaded SSSS.

[@amandak5233]

I always get flagged for additional screening at AMS. It's the reason I don't go and test products in duty free before my flights anymore. I've also set off an alarm because I washed my hands before being tested. 🤷🏻‍♀️ such a PITA

[@charliemullins7496]

Don't work in the garden for a few days before, fertilizer will cause it to set off the alarm. Fueling a diesel car, truck, or farm equipment will also set it off.

[@pixalu]

I get the 4S all the time. I asked the agent "why me?" They said folks who often travel alone and book close to the travel date get flagged more often. As well as your mention of other places traveled.

[@letter203ify]

I can relate as I got this multiple times, now I just come early and it's just a routine. If you are chill about it, it goes pretty smooth.

[@007cheburashka]

Interesting. I do travel alone for business a lot and get “randomly selected” often. Must be something to that!

[@truepeacenik]

Parents walking their solo fly kids to their gate will almost always have the search code.

[@MrRSKC]

@@truepeacenik they will never get the ssss, dont try to b.s. people

[@truepeacenik]

@@MrRSKC whatever. Eight holiday flights where I needed to walk kiddo to the gate, eight extra searches.

[@williamsekely1476]

Around 18 months ago, my family and I were visiting Munich and I got the random SSSS on my return boarding pass. I got the extra check and had to go through a whole additional process since we were an international flight. It was very annoying but luckily we gave ourselves plenty of time and left without further ado.

[@PortableProfessional]

Glad to hear the delay didn't cause you problems! Happy travels, William!

[@jimglenn6972]

I got the ssss code when I transited in a middle eastern airport. I went to the baggage screening area and expected to be directed to an interview room as had happened in the United States. Surprisingly, the agent swabbed the inside of my luggage and said “Thank you. You are finished.” I think it is less likely that you will have trouble overseas. I think the TSA is much more difficult.

[@nautifella]

I used to travel a lot as part of my business. As a result, I was searched frequently. I need to mention, One of my income streams involved carrying and qualifying with a firearm. I set off sniffers all the time. The nicest people were the TSA in New Orleans. Seattle was the worst. The local PD had to intervene and oversee the search. Mainly because the said I was going to get violent. They weren't exactly wrong. TSA phoenix is _prize winning stupid._ They were about to search a lady in a bikini. Several people started to intervene and a couple were lawyers. That ended in a shouting match between the PD and TSA supervisor. I don't miss traveling.

[@paulspratt362]

Yes I have been "Swabbed" a couple of times. I am a solo traveler, a, widower, in my 70s. I also have a few health problems so I assume I have been picked out because I was probably looking rather distressed going through security. So now I ask for assisted boarding so the reason for me looking "distressed" is more obvious.

[@charliemullins7496]

Living in an agricultural community in Northern California, I myself, and a large number of people I've seen. have gotten delayed at security because of exposure to fertilizers and diesel fuel.

[@donwilson3449]

I have global entry. I live in Panama. A couple of years ago I got the dreaded x on my entry card. I was escorted into the back room in Miami. My connection was in1:10. After waiting 40 minutes, I was finally seen. Questioned, and finally cleared. I still had to get my bag, recheck it and left the immigration area. My flight was gate D60. If you don't know, international arrivals is at gate D23, and most gates in the D concourse are only on one side. I ran through the airport like OJ Simpson did in the old Hertz commercials). I made the flight but was the last to board. Not a fun experience.

[@edfurbee7118]

Around 2005 I was working as a consultant for a company out of Chicago and many times my flight to the next potential client would be told to me on the way to the airport. Literally every flight to a potential client had the SSSS on it. I will start this by saying I have a low opinion of the TSA I find them to be security theater as opposed to real security and it amazes me how many of them have criminal records yet they're checking me out. It was an annoyance every time I changed cities, I knew why it was being done but there was nothing I could do about it the problem is in my mind is that most agents of the TSA are unprofessional. One day in disgust with the way I was being treated I did ask a TSA agent how they felt working for the only federal law enforcement agency that didn't trust them with weapons. I believe if there weren't so many cameras around this individual would have punched me.

[@mybinationallife9707]

When my wife was still living in Nicaragua, I would make several short trips to visit her. Once I got the “quad-S” on my boarding pass in Miami. The TSA agents questioned why since I’m an airline employee. It wasn’t a pleasant experience but, I survived. After writing DHS with the reasons for my frequent trips to Nicaragua (including my wife’s immigration case number), I was issued a “Redress” number which I now add to all my reservations along with my Trusted Traveler Number. After that, any additional screening at Pre-Check is truly random.

[@markrant1460]

When I used to make trips from Canada to the US it became routine for the security to pull me out of line. The reason for this inconvenience was that my father was born in Aden Arabia back in the 1920s and my grandfather managed an oil plant in Aden. Both my father and grandfather were British subjects. At that time I travelled with a British Passport. I learned very quickly that trips to the US always required an extra 45 minutes at least.

[@robinps52]

Thanks Megan , this is a VERY timely video! I have an international flight next month & a Mani-Pedi scheduled for the morning of departure-I’m changing that NOW! Fortunately I haven’t experienced the dreaded 4S’s but never say “never.” I am usually the annoying traveler who gets to the airport very early to mitigate any unknown situations. Thanks for all of your great travel tips!

[@MsMorganGirls]

You can't go through security too early, though. We just returned from Europe and security wouldn't let us go through more than 3 hours before our flights departure time. Of course, there must have been 300+ people in every security line when ee were finally allowed through.

[@FrankP846]

May of 2023, my wife, my son and I went on vacation in Punta Cana. While there, my son, who is severely Autistic, got sick and was hospitalized. We needed to stay an additional three days, canceling our original flight. After my son was discharged from the hospital, we booked another flight home. When we got to the airport, my son was chosen for the SSSS screening. All of the security agents at the Punta Cana airport couldn’t be more courteous and apologetic with my son and his Autism. We had plenty of time before our flight, but the security got us through as quickly as possible. For us, it was a good experience. One security agent told us aside that my som may have been picked because it was a one way ticket due to our cancellation on another airline.

[@charlab.7838]

That has happened to me twice, both times returning back to the USA from Europe...once coming back from Spain and another time coming back from London. I had the SSSS on my boarding pass and the first time had no idea what it was. Both times I was allowed through security and my screening occurred at the gate! In Spain they had a table and dumped everything from my bag on it and rifled through it. They stamped my boarding pass and I was on my way. The second time at London Heathrow I was at the gate and they had a little room adjoining the jetway. She swabbed my carry on bag and my purse, searched through both and made me wait outside the room for a few minutes. Then I was told to board the plane, without my family! I was the first person on the plane. It was all OK but a huge inconvenience and you can't help but be nervous throughout the procedure. It's not fun when you feel you are being treated like a criminal. The European security said it's the USA that flags these passengers coming back into the country.

[@luisbperez368]

For years, when traveling from Puerto Rico to the mainland, upon checking in at the counter, my name always had a hit in the system; there was a fugitive with my name on the system. Most of my travels were for business (I was a Deputy US Marshal), moving inmates back and forth. I travel at least once a week. Granted, I had my credentials on me at that time. Nowadays, since my retirement in late 2017, I still hit the system, but I always carry my retirement credentials, which are the same as my old creds but with the red Retire in red. Still, I get stopped by TSA from time to time, although most of the agents know me. Just to be on the safe side, I always arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to my flight. Stay safe 🙏.

[@MilaN-lt2mq]

What an ordeal. I remember when I was selected for the random extra check. That was when I was traveling with my two young children. I had to deal with my kids being terrified and crying while I was been searched and scanned, etc. I was really mad. Still can't believe they would pick a mother with two children as a potential terrorist.

[@mindbodyhome102]

TSA checks are such a nervewracking process. I may have you beat as the first time I flew in 30 years the TSA process was new to me and not in a good way. I must have looked as nervous as I felt and set off the alarm in the Xray machine they use. A female TSA agent got physically rough with me and I ended up with bruises all up and down my arms. Completely unnecessary!

[@mademsoisellerhapsody]

I got bruised on my arms as well. they need to be more careful.

[@isabelcastillo2394]

I got an SSSS at the Dublin Ireland airport. I didn’t notice it until I was on my way to Reykjavik. Additional screening almost made me miss my connection to go home. I went through all the security screenings, pat downs, and bottom of my feet swabbed. When I got home I filed a complaint with DHS (Dept. Homeland Security). I received a Redress in less than a week. Now, I have to add the Redress Control number on all my airline bookings. I made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in March 2023, a hike in Spain in September then my husband and I traveled to Ireland in October. Who knows, maybe all that travel blew a fuse with TSA. What a pain!

[@rcorn7522]

I have been 'randomly' selected for additional screening in five of my last six flights in the past couple of years. The last two included swabbing, although they only swabbed my laptops and phones. In the last incident, the TSA agent at the scanner smiled as he instructed me to pass through; however, as soon as I stepped through (with no beeping), his expression changed as he studied my face and roughly announced I had been 'randomly' selected. The belief is on account of the ingrained dark circles under my eyes. One agent was courteous in admitting it on an occasion in the past.

[@lexa_power]

Why the heck do they think laptops are so suspicious? At this point i don’t travel with my laptop anymore simply due to the hate and discrimination and extra screening that security gives you for traveling with one They say “no one wants to work anymore” how about it’s not safe to travel with a laptop as a woman because it subjects us to extra security and extra assault by the tsa agents 🙄

[@TheVaughan5]

Wow, you were unlucky. I was chosen for a random swab check at AMS (Amsterdam) the 2 agents were polite, not at all aggressive. They even even guided me where to go for my transit flight. However this of course wasn’t in the U.S.A. where the personnel I’ve found to be increasingly aggressive at International airports such as JFK for instance. I used to love visiting the U.S. but not anymore, the country has lost its allure for me which is a shame as there are so many great things there

[@mindbodyhome102]

I 100% agree that the TSA in the USA tend to verge on abusive! I set off the screening alarm my first time flying in 30 years (back in the good ol' days of flying when it was fun) and they manhandled me so violently that I ended up with bruises all up my arms! At the time I was 62 year old woman. Horrific! I was in tears as I could not control my emotions at the treatment which caused them to get rougher. For context, 6 months previous I had been the victim of a violent crime so it was so triggering.

[@MrVenona]

I got the SSS in Germany. They were really very nice. Quite the opposite of those bastards in the TSA.

[@lizamorning5356]

Don’t wear lotion pre security. If you have GLYCERIN it will show as POSITIVE. I had that experience

[@WisGuy4]

Another thing to avoid for several days before flying: fertilizer. I was trying to catch up on some gardening before going on vacation, had fertilized my vegetable plants the day before, and got a positive reading on the swab test. A polite TSA guy asked the usual questions about explosives and chemicals, and then asked if I had been gardening with fertilizer.

[@billmurphy2676]

Flying late 2023. I have two metal knee replacements that are always detected when flying, concert venues, stadiums even with the had held wand. Going thru TSA big machine it did not detect the metal knees - when brought to the attention of the TSA agent his stupid remark was "How am I supposed to know I'm not a doctor". If I got tru "security" with undetected metal God knows who and with what are getting thru. Just something to think about next time you fly.

[@PortableProfessional]

That is a little concerning!

[@MrRSKC]

@@PortableProfessional The scanner detects abnormalities on the outside of the body, its not a xray or a metal detector

[@darlenemackamul7008]

Had SSSS in Spain. Was swabbed in TX on way to Costa Rica. In my 60s so guess they really check out us grandmas.

[@PortableProfessional]

Unfortunately age does not get you off the hook with this one! Happy travels, Darlene!

[@MrRSKC]

why did the "swab" you in Spain ?

[@ghostdetective5949]

I had SSSS on my boarding pass on my return flight from Keflavík to NY Stewart in August. First time I have had this happen in over 25 years of fairly regular international travel. They swabbed me; scanned me; patted me down; took me to a side room where I was swabbed again; removed shoes to be swabbed; had my personal item searched and swabbed - funny that asked for consent to do that, but I am sure that refusing to consent means more delays and potentially being denied boarding (fortunately I didn’t have a carry on); asked about any checked luggage (there was none); waited and then was told I could go and given my boarding pass back with additional sticker on my passport. My twin sons (20) were waiting and laughing at me (being a retired police sergeant and current elected judge). Then, at boarding time at the gate, the left hand didn’t know what the right hand was doing, and I had to go to a service desk to show them I had already been through the secondary screening. This took 15 mins as they waited around for someone to confirm it. Quite a pain. I understand the reasoning behind it, but the staff don’t make it easier by explaining how it is random, and work to get you through the process with as little stress and aggravation as possible. The lack of clear and concise communication is a big problem with this. Then of course, like every other time I have landed in the US after an international visit, I get grilled by Border and Customs about anything and everything at passport control. Happens every single time since 1998!) including being asked to show additional ID (as if I didn’t resemble the passport picture lol).

[@lindabushyager5402]

I have found it helps to go to the bathroom before TSA and wash your hands thoroughly, thus removing any possible urine or lotion, smells that might set off the tests. The fact that I am 76 and in a mobility scooter, seems to make it more likely that I'm going to be double checked, But since I started doing this, I set off the explosives test far less....

[@PortableProfessional]

Not a bad idea and it seems to work for you! Safe travels, Linda!

[@HR-wd6cw]

Having traveled quite a bit lately, I did set off a metal detector once with my gluecost monitoring system (which is skin mounted) but not telling TSA ahead of time before stepping through the metial detector. Nowadays, I just tell them I have it and show them before stepping through the metal detector or body scanner, although I think TSA is quite familiar with medical devices. This has made going through TSA quite easy since that one time I set off the alarm, and the only additional step is they swab your hands, which takes maybe 10 extra seconds while they validate your swabs, but is far less time wasted if you don't tell them, and you set off the machine's alarm .

[@glasslinger]

I regularly (every time I fly) get the full works. They NEVER have found any violations. Seems like if you ever get flagged, even for minor infractions, you are marked for life!

[@PortableProfessional]

Oh my! Not sure I would appreciate this every time I fly!

[@NoraDunn]

I traveled a few years ago with a friend who got the dreaded SSSS on his boarding pass. They took EVERYTHING out of his (meticulously packed) bags and inspected and swabbed it all. It took about 20 minutes (maybe 30? - dunno; felt like an eternity though LOL). We had arrived to the airport early so we had lots of time, and he just patiently allowed the process to happen, and was eventually allowed to go. Ever since that episode though, I always make sure to show up to the airport early! (And now, I know never to paint my nails the morning of a flight ;-) )

[@brunochambre]

As a dual passport holder and having traveled extensively in many parts of the world I would suggest trying to be at the airport 4 hours before an international flight and 3 hours before a US domestic flight if your flight time is over 2 hours. It's better to be sitting on the other side of security than sitting on your sofa at home or in the hotel room no matter what you feel.

[@yosefmacgruber1920]

I want to leave this has-been U.S. and not come back. How do I also get my dual citizenship/passport? Going through so-called security is far worse than being on the airplane. I feel much safer on the airplane. Possessions are most likely to disappear on the so-called security obstacle line.

[@justadbeer]

I received a swab test while on a hunting trip to Newfoundland. Needless to say, I was annoyed and told them "What do you think is going to happen swabbing my hunting/shooting gear?" The absurdity of it was mind boggling. The questions such as "Why did we find traces of explosives on your pack?", which was quickly answered with, "Oh, you mean the same pack that I lay my rifle across when I shoot, carry extra ammo in, or carry black powder in when hunting with a muzzleloader?" Geez, what do you think is in this gun case?

[@TheOriginalMarimoChan]

It's scary but I am glad that all of these things are being checked for safety. I usually show up 3-4 hours at the airport ahead of time because of TSA.

[@katebc9148]

I would rather drive across country than go through TSA. The last time I flew, the TSA agent was loudly screaming at some older folks for not following the rules. She made it much worse and scared those people. Yes, I know they have a hard job but in this case, she made it worse. It is becoming too intense trying to get though security and avoid the anxiety that comes with it. Ugh. Thanks for sharing your nightmare with us Megan.

[@juliegriffin1368]

Bless your heart. Thank you for making me laugh with that first statement. I just flew out of 2 small airports and they treated me like I was their long lost family coming home. Definitely not anything I had experienced before!

[@elouise5593]

No good reason to be screaming at people, especially the elderly! I don't like being screamed at and any person working with the public should be fired for screaming at people!

[@christinerandazzo6355]

you're anxiety is your problem - not everyone elses. you sound like a drama queen. i'm sure you weren't actually yelled at.

[@MrVenona]

Getting to yell at innocent people and get away with it is not "a hard job".

[@christinerandazzo6355]

@@MrVenona it's amusing what people consider being "yelled at" is. 99.9% no one is yelling, just butt-hurt, especially in this case,

[@carlpaladino427]

I have experienced both on separate occasions. 1- swab test, I was flying home from Wisconsin on a business trip, had purchased a 1 lb block of cheddar cheese and the shop in the airport. When it went through the scanner I guess it looked like block of explosives. When TSA asked what it was I told them just what the bag says, cheese. They it and me and my other luggage. 2-ssss, leaving Toronto I got to the airport and my flight was canceled and I was rebooked for the first flight out in the morning. Got to the airport 20 min before security opened and was like 100 in line, after 40 min I was 1/2 through the line when the agent handed me the card with ssss on it. Took another 1.5 hours to get through security, they took everything out of my bag and left it on the table for me to put back, like you I was the last person to board the plane.

[@MrRSKC]

They will not swab your hands for a block of cheese .... the cheese will get tested but not you.

[@creepingjennie]

I tend to get the random SSSS frequently. I have no idea why. TSA also almost always pats me down because my body is asymmetrical. They have commented things like, "you must have hurt your ankle or something" or "feeling a little swollen today?" No, this is just how I am. I also had a TSA agent question a bag of candy in my carry on. He wanted to swab every single piece of wrapped candy, but I talked him into only selecting a random candy. He advised me that next time I should ensure that candy is commercially prepared and packaged o "we don't have to do this again." I did commercially package it myself, in the candy shop I managed.

[@b.w.9244]

Me too. That ended when I got Global Entry.

[@marcielston3019]

FYI: If you are checking in with a group on an airline app, and one of the group - for some reason - can't get a boarding pass (it will say something like "for boarding pass, see agent") this is a clue that that person has been selected for some special treatment. Do what you need to do to make that person's carry on light and easy - and don't check any bags in their name if you can help it.

[@PortableProfessional]

Good to know! Thanks for sharing!

[@firebound12]

Can confirm this is true

[@yakarobed]

My first swab test was in the Frankfurt airport, heading home from visiting our son. I had purchased a coo coo clock and the agent told me that many times, people attempt to smuggle contraband inside the clocks so all of them get screened. Still scary when you're in a foreign airport. My only full TSA swab/wand/private room experience fortunately happened at a small, local airport. I can't remember what set off the alarm first, something in my bag, then the swab test on me and my carry-on was positive, then a pat down, then off to the private room. Fortunately, my agent was very nice. She just said we were going to get to know each other quite well. With only 50 feet between the scanning and my gate, everyone onboard knew what was going on and I was greeted by a round of applause when I finally boarded. We decided it was my hand cream that caused the problems.

[@christopherchi9230]

I got that swab test, even I was in the TSA Pre Check line. Also, I always get to the airport early enough and go through the security checkpoint with plenty of time to give myself enough time if I get pulled for additional screening. Last time I flew was back in November from LAX back to Tampa and my carry on got pulled and they realized it was my container of Lysol wipes and they cleared me almost immediately as soon as they opened my bag.

[@airbus7373]

Apparently Paris CDG security somehow found out that I forgot to take my belt off at IAD security on the outbound flight. That or it was random. But either way the gate agents made me walk across the terminal to get the screening which was completely empty. Then they took a while to get back to the gate my return flight was leaving from in an hour. All I could get for lunch at that point was a tiny meal from McDonald’s, as even though I arrived 3 hours early, my flight was now boarding. That’s how long it took. I get security on airplanes but at some point there are clearly rights being violated. TSA at least needs to compensate passengers for the missed flights they cause as a result of these screenings.

[@AbhishekBiswas-c4d]

This happened to me last week while transiting through Paris. We were a family of 3 with a toddler of 2.5yrs. we were flying from India on a Vistara-AirFrance-Delta Route entering US booked through AirFrance. The Air France delayed which made us miss our Delta flight. However Delta rebooked us with another AirFrance on a different route making me take 1 more stop before our destination. We were already exhausted after 14hrs journey and my daughter fell asleep in her mother's arm. Before boarding i asked an agent if we can get a Priority boarding with kid. Normally that happens on all flights and the agent agreed and told to board after the business class. So we didn't stand in the economy queue. While the business was boarding i was another gate agent who was handling the economy boarding if i can board now, the agent simply refused stating no priority boarding with kids. The agent simply said "I DON'T CARE". I was little pissed because of the different communication. If i was told earlier i would had stand in front of the economy queue. Now i am at last. Anyhow I asked my wife to sit with our sleeping daughter while I stand in the queue till our time came. When our time came the gate agent who earlier refused priority boarding asked me "who packed your bags". I was taken a little offgaurd, confused and asked 2nd time what did the agent said. I don't know might be because of stress i thought who booked our checkin luggage. As Vistara gave me initial boarding passes and checked in my luggages under AirFrance, i mistakenly told Air France and corrected on a later instance. This Started my SSSS journey,😢. The gate agent felt that i was rude and took my passport and left the scene to do something. After 5 minutes the agent came back handed me my passport and asked to board the flight. The flight was not on the turmac or Airbridge or whatever it is called. We had to take a bus and then board the flight. In the meantime while we are in the boarding line they told that the flight will be delayed for some technical reason with no ETA. that made us more nervous as we had another connecting flight to catch. My daughter was still sleeping on her mother's arm while standing for 10mins not knowing what to do. After some time we were told to take a sit. We sat for at least 1hr. Seeing how they harassed other passengers too. One even cried. Came to know AirFrance was being delayed in most airports around the world making many passengers missing their connecting flight. The stress levels was shooting up. Anyhow after 1 hr we were asked to board again. This time i directly went to the economy queue with no questions asked. Anyhow this time another agent took us to the priority boarding. Oh good!!. At the gate when they were scanning the tickets another agent took my ticket and found that there was some kind of issue with that. My kid was still sleeping in her mother's arm. She went through the computer telling last luggage issues and how they have added all luggage under my name. I didn't get that because i had already taken 2 flights by then and no where it was the issue. The agent handed me another boarding pass with SSSS in it and asked to step aside. I asked if my wife can take a sit in a empty chair there. Thy told no. Anyhow they didn't find anything in the Security check and was asked to board the flight.

[@PortableProfessional]

That is quite the story! Sorry to hear you had to go through that!

[@drvee1983]

If you're a guitarist, don't check expensive ones. Also don't have a famous name brand on the hard shell case. If you're going to try and carry it on, make sure it's a soft " gig bag" and the chief flight attendant has final say. Also, newer planes overhead storage may not be long enough unless you just want to wrap it in a blanket. Always loosen strings. A warped guitar neck upon arrival will ruin your trip and the guitar, not to mention repair fees. Insurance doesn't replace a prized instrument. I've watched them get thrown by luggage handlers on the tarmac. Broken guitar necks don't play well.

[@joniangelsrreal6262]

I get caught up with this every time …I must look like a criminal.. I never even gotten a speeding ticket …lol… I now get to the airport 3 hours in advance… expecting good “feel” prior to boarding

[@novice024]

In 2013 I failed a swab test. They took me into a room with my luggage. They checked my luggage, patted me down and treated me like a criminal. I was told I failed because the machine was too sensitive and that my lotion or hair product could have set it off. I was so angry after being told that the machine was sensitive enough to detect hair products and body lotion. I couldn’t say anything because TSA employees have a tremendous amount of power.

[@suecallen2160]

Yes, TSA and a domestic flight. The agent pulled the woman in front of me as well, taking us both aside. He funbled with the computer input, finally processed and released her, then continued to fumble entering my data. I panicked because my purse and carry-on were sitting unattended and I was afraid of theft. When I voiced my alarm, he just told be to go, that it was OK. Apparently my data was not correctly entered, but I got my belongings and left. It was really scary.

[@Stormbrise]

Glad you made it, this may be a hard procedure for a person with hidden disabilities to get through, since they will have problems with 1. Authority, 2. Understanding, 3. Overwhelm at missing their flight. This could lead them to even longer delay from lack of understanding of autism that we are routinely faced with. So I will refrain from hand lotions and nail polish before i fly,

[@Nathansmithphotography]

Wow! What a story. Sorry you had to go through that. But appreciate all the work you put into your videos.

[@edprior2821]

I've been flagged once for the dreaded Scary Secret Service Smooping, and I'm convinced it's because the airline agent at the check-in counter was bent out of shape that I'd mentioned that my flight had been changed with no advanced notification even though the airline had both my phone and email. I think she deliberately wanted to further incovenience us and if so much the better if the delay, which was lengthy, caused us to miss our flight. Fortunately I had lots of time and the inspectors were very apologetic and professional. Lesson learned: even if the airline messes you up, keep your mouth shut.

[@tedknapp6915]

Print your boarding pass at home before the flight, see if it has SSSS on it ahead of time.

[@hvfd5956]

I travel with a CPAP. I got tested a lot. I started carrying a "clean" CPAP on my travels - one that I don't use at home. This cut the number of screenings by more than half. I also signed up for TSA Pre-Check, which I can't help but think it helped because this basically gives them permission to do a full background check pm you. I also had the benefit of having a dad that was Secret Service in the early 1940's. My employer also does a full FBI background check with finger prints every 3 years, so they have pretty much all the data they could want on me. Also, I am old enough now, I just don't care any more.

[@marcielston3019]

Getting pre-check and global entry is a big help and a game changer if you have to travel with medical devices (like a CPAP) My spouse rarely gets the full screen anymore

[@MrRSKC]

cpap has nothing to do with getting extra screening, I use one also and have never had any problems with it.

[@Lw-1984]

My make up..specifically pressed concealer powder set off a positive swab!! Apparently it contains talcum powder…. super common in many cosmetics. Anyway I was being treated like a criminal and my boss was right behind me…super nerve racking and stressful experience and I felt extra stress because this was a business trip!!

[@georgesotiroff5080]

I’m a retired senior citizen who is definitely not as mobile as I once was. At Newark International outbound to Costa Rica I was informed by a young TSA employee that I was going to experience a pat down and would I prefer to go to a private area. My response was that if he wasn’t embarrassed then I wasn’t embarrassed. I noticed as he was progressing through his search that his level of frustration was increasing noticeably. Upon completion of his search I asked “Young man, what was that all about?” His response: “You’re wearing loose clothing.”

[@Xargo]

Unfortunately this TSO didn't give you a very good explanation of what happened. The machines you need to walk into that scan your body have an automated detection system. TSO's don't actually review any images, the machine will do it and alarm if it detects something abnormal. Typically wet, loose, or bulky clothing will all cause the machine to alarm due to how the algorithm on the scanner interprets things. This will then alert the TSO that they need to perform a pat-down of the alarmed region. TSO's experience this issue with the scanner so frequently that they tend to get a little irritated and don't realize the passenger probably genuinely doesn't know why they alarmed.

[@georgesotiroff5080]

@@Xargo Thank you for your explanation.

[@mademsoisellerhapsody]

@@georgesotiroff5080 got manhandled for wearing a knee compression brace - then the agent took the brace and threw it into another passengers bin for screening. Just stupid control freak behavior. Got a few bruises on my arms. TSA needs to be easy with the old folks ffs

[@therealrobinbullock]

Pumping gasoline can expose your hands and clothing to gasoline fumes, or even droplets of gas. Probably easy to do when filling up a rental car just prior to returning it.

[@edbeecher3193]

I was wearing a new set of boots as it was winter in Washington D.C. One of the eyelets on one boot broke and I fixed it with crazy glue. I am also very old and it is problematic for me getting these off and on again. They swabbed the boot, got the chem reaction, and pretty much everything you went through. good thing I get to airports 2-3 hrs early.

[@Pandora902]

OMG! I was "randomly" hit with the SSSS ticket when checking in! I had was aware I would have another search - but it was upon boarding and everyone walked by! So embarrassing but lived thru it; and complained as i boarded flight - as I fly same airline for over 6 years now. Once I got to my seat, of course someone was sitting in it! So I returned back to attendants and they helped out - then brought me a glass of champagne for the issues. Very nice of them in the end. Thanks for posting!

[@kristinwright6632]

I had my purse stolen three days before a business trip a few years ago. They got EVERYTHING including my passport. I literally had no valid ID. I went to the DMV for my replacement driver's license but was only given a piece of paper that said I would get my replacement in two weeks. I replaced my debit card. I called TSA and explained the situation. They said to take the expired passport I told them I had, just allow more time at the airport and tell the person at security what happened and that likely I would get a secondary screening. Which did happen. It was really no big deal. Coming back from Nashville I again asked for an agent and this time I was facing a big gruff Southern man. He kept asking if I had ANYTHING that would identify me. At first I shook my head kind of desperate. Then I remembered my work ID showing I contract with the State of Tennessee. I showed that. He turned it over and over and finally said solemnly "Anyone who works for the great state of Tennessee is okay with me." Whew.

[@ingegirl518]

I felt anxiety growing as you described your situation. I went through the scanner and a female agent started groping me not explaining why or what she was doing ~She got upset that I was upset and called a supervisor over. The supervisor stated they could pat me down in private~ now at least a 100 people had seen the initial TSA agent groping me in places she never should have touched, really now? The supervisor nastily asked me if I knew why they did this. My reply of course I do as I had two military sons(I was on my way to visit my son and newborn grandson on a military base overseas) They tested me for gun residue and I shut my mouth because I wanted to see my grandson. To this day, I get VERY anxious. Very Anxious (and my other son is a pilot)

[@PortableProfessional]

Sorry you had to experience that! Hope your future travels are smoother!

[@natewunderman4597]

I got the dreaded SSSS transiting through FRA on my way to LAX after having started at LIS. What made the experience somewhat stressful was a nearly perfect storm of suck: the long walk between terminals 1 & 2 to get to the FRA - LAX part of my trip, the staff gathering a critical mass of unfortunates, then having us go to the examination area, the LIS - FRA flight arriving late (and thus cutting down my transfer time safety margin), the deliberate pace of the examination by staff, and having to go back to the same checkpoint (where thankfully, a staffer saw I had passed the exam and told me to hold it up to the same staff member that prevented me going through). I then had to RUN 1.4 kilometers to catch my flight as it was just less than 10 minutes from closing the doors. Of course, I was told this was 'random,' as I had never been experienced this as I have TSA Pre-Check with Global Entry & Clear. My speculation: second time I had done this itinerary in a year & / or being a dual passport holder.

[@MrRSKC]

Sounds like a Frankfurt problem

[@patsiefe1]

I have a whole stack of old SSS airline tickets. I found it was from suing (and winning) Against an airline. They flagged me so virtually every time I flew I got flagged. I kept the stack of them because I thought of suing the Airline and TSA again but decided to drop it because the money isn't really worth the frustration of dealing with the airline.

[@itllbesuzanarchy]

I have a disease, lipedema, which is often accompanied by lymphedema. The scanners light up because it looks like I'm stashing liquids on my person. So then I get the pat-down and swab.

[@visaman]

I get that too, especially if my leg is swollen.

[@MrRSKC]

they only pat down the area that alarms

[@yuntotong275]

To avoid SSSS on your boarding pass, simple: do NOT book with Air Canada! Instead go with United, code share with AC for the same flight, it might even save you a few bucks. We are Retired couple, season traveler, with frequent travel from Toronto to west coast USA to visit our children. We travel extremely light, not even with a carry-on. Our profile: UK and Can born, with TSA Prev Check and Nexus. And yet my wife scored "SSSS" on most YYZ out bound flight with AC, the record stands 5 time in one year! Once we stop booking with AC, it all gone away! The SSSS is not random, just a broken AC process. As for the swab, make sure you wash your hands after you've gone to the washroom, the nitrate in the urine might give a false positive reading...lol.. safe travel!

[@donaldaustin1275]

Geesh, what a mess! Glad you posted this, and I'm glad everything turned out okay. (HI Ollie!)

[@randomllama7362]

Those with prosthetic joints make the metal detector at airports (and other places) beep really loud. Be prepared for a mandatory pat down when you fly. American TSA agents have not been to Massage Therapy School, so don’t have any expectations in that area.😂. Thank You Megan for all your valuable information!

[@PortableProfessional]

You are welcome! Glad you find it helpful!

[@MrRSKC]

You will be directed to the scanner and only get patted down if YOU Opt out of the scanner.

[@christinerandazzo6355]

there is randomness in the screening process for a reason - so people cannot predict a routine.

[@kevin19358]

1:00, Yes, 1st time in Barcelona last June and I was surprised and shocked that I have, but it's negative.

[@cami0076]

I get to secondary check every single time, missed many flights and i have Never paid for my next flight. They book it for me, all I do is wait and get on the next flight to my final destination

[@MicahMelnyk]

def had a slow swap agent at YOW recently... took several minutes while they faffed around sticking the swap in all the places of my bag. Tested negative, so luckily didn't go through the rest of that! Thanks!

[@dhango3792]

Happened to me a number of years ago. Golf trip to myrtle beach. Packed my shoes in my carry on, instead of my checked golf bag. Guess what they do to nice green golf courses.... you're right, they get fertilized (can you say... 'explosive'). So next thing you know, I'm going through everything that Megan went through because I played - essentially - on a fertilized lawn. Ugh...

[@NatsuMatto]

I got hit with a dreaded SSSS boarding pass when flying home from Madrid, but it wasn't anywhere near as bad as what you went through. Same annoyance of being pulled into another room and searched, but it was relatively quick and painless. A BIT scarier perhaps when the gate agents don't speak English as a first language.

[@davidhandley6747]

I don't recall if I ever had SSSS on my boarding pass, but I have had additional screening (pat down), swabs of my bag and hands and more than a few times, a seemingly complete emptying of my bag to check it. That bag was my work laptop bag, and I always carry many different cables, adapters, connectors, etc., since I never knew what I might need in different countries. Apparently all the cables, connectors and adapters in a small space cluster don't resolve well on X-ray machines, so they would often dump ½ of the contents out into a separate bin and run my stuff through again leaving me to try and re-stuff it all at the end of the scan line. Yeah, it's been fun.

[@MrRSKC]

Thats why your laptop needs to be out of the bag and in a separate bin

[@davidhandley6747]

The laptop WAS out and separate from the laptop bag. Still, they didn’t like the X-ray of my bag with adapters and cables, so it often gets ‘special’ attention..and dumping out. The chemical swabbing was never explained, but only jammed me up a few minutes…

[@MrRSKC]

@@davidhandley6747 chemical swab ?

[@davidhandley6747]

@@MrRSKC Swabbing bag sides and handle for, I assume, explosive chemical residue. I think they were bored.

[@MrRSKC]

@@davidhandley6747 Maybe instead of being "bored" as you said its part of the procedure after an extensive bag check because you had way too much stuff in your bag in the first place.

[@TravelwithNJSteveandSue]

Informative Video. Once coming back from Punta Cana to the US my wife had SSSS on her boarding pass. The American Airlines person, who could not speak English, took our passports and then took us all around the airport but did not tell us what was going on. It caused us a lot of anxiety. Finally, my wife and her bag were searched and then the person who we were following disappeared with our passports without saying anything, only to return a few minutes later. So yes....as you said...hope you don't see SSSS on your boarding pass!

[@anastasiia9511]

Thank you for the video! Good to know you still made it despite the delay at security.

[@KittyMama61]

Or like me, a granny who has had SSSS on her ticket for all of recorded history. Last time, I was also selected for a screening. They said I tested positive for explosives, which was a baldfaced lie. Of course, I had to go through the whole screening. And what did they find? Nothing, of course. They said I had gunpowder on me in three places. I almost laughed in their faces. I got a little petty revenge coming back, though. I vacuum-packed everything I possibly could in my luggage. And naturally, I got screened again, but I did get some amusement out of the whole farce.

[@JohnAlot]

Yes, in Jackson Hole Wyoming. I was negative. It happened to my friend who is a law enforcement officer. He was positive because he had qualified at the range that week. They pulled him into secondary where he had to undergo a security interview.

[@MrRSKC]

LOLOLOL ...... security interview ????? oh the stories .... so does you LEO friend never wash his hands ?

[@mesenteria]

If you're a gardener, and handle lawn or plant fertilizers with ammonium nitrate, you could set off an alarm later that day at the airport.

[@cltinturkey]

I had a similar experience. I was flying from Charleston, SC and they scanned me and said I had explosive residue on my shoes. LOTS of delays and checks, and we finally determined that I had likely picked it up at a local thrift shop I visited that morning that was held in a barn-type structure. Apparently I followed in the footsteps of someone who had been hunting recently, and the gunpowder residue from their hunting had gotten on my shoes. I made my flight after more than an hour of delays, but only because the flight had been delayed for other reasons. I was completely surprised (and annoyed) but kept my cool and patience. Your advice to stay calm and follow instructions is right on.

[@cltinturkey]

On a related note, I used to have a pair of hiking boots with a steel shaft down the center. After a ton of travel checks, rechecks, and suspicious looks, I donated the boots and got a simpler replacement.

[@wjhann4836]

Sadly you had no checked luggage - this could help you. - If you are flagged and they want everything of your belongings checked, they need THAT piece also. - you luggage is anywhere in the system. Eventually already in the plane. - if you are stuck in the TSA and the plane has your luggage it is prohibited to start until that piece is identified and removed. No luggage shall be on a plane without the owner. - so, the airline will be eager to have you on board. Otherwise the luggage has to be unloaded, your piece has to be identified and removed, all other stuff reloaded. Easily an hour.

[@MrRSKC]

Wrong, they wont have your checked bag pulled for SSSS

[@wjhann4836]

@@MrRSKC Sorry, didn't want to say that. - You check in your luggage - the luggage is transferred to the plane and loaded - If you are left behind, no matter why the flight would be significant delayed. So they perhaps wait for you.

[@nessbarnett9795]

I am so lucky my in-laws and I did a fun 21 stops in 24 countries round the world in 2006. We got the full SSSS treatment in every stop on the trip and boy did the staff get angry when we started asking where we were going for the additional screening before being told. This was before they admitted the boarding pass SSSS notification. We picked up on it at the second stop when our 12 year old didn't have it but the rest of the family did and was the only one not to be asked. Add to it that father in law has a cattle farm which we all stayed on the night before we left and therefore we all had traces of fertilizer on our suitcases and shoes ........ Needless to say we spent the rest of the trip getting to airports 2 hours early instead of one.

[@vickiglow2009]

My backpack was routed to the extra security line at Gatwick in June. They were very polite when asking me if they could pat me down. The supervisor asked me the same questions they asked you. That backpack has been all over the Caribbean, the UK, Ireland and France and under plane, train, bus and taxi seats. The supervisor told me the swab can’t tell the difference between explosive residue and lotion and household chemicals, so I ask you….what good is it?? When I got home, I put the JanSport into the washer on gentle and air dried it. I would assume I had the same thing on my coat, which I had worn during entire trip. I wonder if I would have been further delayed if I had become nervous or riled. I tried to stay calm and friendly. The funny thing was that had paid attention to your vlogs and was ready for their scrutiny over my liquids, which passed with flying colors, LOL. The take-away: because we had arrived very early to check in for the international flight, we made it to the gate in plenty of time, but that delay took at least 30 minutes. I’m hopeful this charade will end soon. I wonder how many bad characters make it through because they have the good fortune of not being selected for extra security???

[@operavin]

It’s a good test because it costs money, and the lobbyists for these companies cannot ever stop selling the TSA this equipment.

[@MrRSKC]

what does your "story" have anything to do with screening in the US ?

[@ClintHollingsworth]

Very helpful video, if for nothing else, maybe preventing panic.

[@jldisme]

I am wheel-chair bound and cannot walk through the scanner, so I (and my wheelchair) get swabbed and manually patted down by a TSA agent. It takes a long time. So if you've ever envied how the wheelchairs users skip the line, that's why. The process is not fun, btw.

[@cleofeapolonio5758]

I had that SSSS before boarding ASEANA airlines and went through the same process at Incheon Airport. They opened my carry on bag, my hands were swabbed, my purse searched....I'm a senior and was treated like a common criminal while my husband helplessly looked on by the door leading to the plane

[@PortableProfessional]

Sorry to hear you had to go through this! Although I know they are trying to keep everyone safe I also felt very uncomfortable! Safe travels!

[@MarylandMermaid]

I get frisked EVERY flight. 76 yrs with a leg with hardware which I tell them every time before I enter the scanner. Crotch is really invasive and I agree,I am not flying anymore unless it’s an emergency

[@foreignerescapestothephi-lj3ls]

Inchon South Korean airport is one of the world’s worst invasive security airports! I stop fly through Inchon because of it! They confiscated several of my Carry-on personal items saying that they were illegal and not allowed! Screw them!

[@MrVenona]

Has this experience changed your view about government power?

[@christinaconway4476]

Wow! I’m so sorry for your experience. Thank you for sharing it with us. Nail polish? That’s crazy!

[@PortableProfessional]

I know! It surprised me too! Safe travels, Christina!

[@ToddCotta]

Guanajuato International Airport coming back to USA. My buddy and I are over 6ft tall. We left the Priority Pass Lounge to go to our return home. As we approached the line back of the line at the gate, we were head and shoulders taller than the boarding passengers. The Mexico official at the gate looked up, pointed at us and told us to report for the desk for the swab. All of our stuff was swabbed and we were good, but it did feel quite weird that we were picked because we were not local and taller than everyone else. Great episode.

[@murrayburke7746]

Thanks for this video. It might be worth clarifying that you are Canadian and whether this occurred in the U.S. or Canada. I work at one of the busiest airports in the world in the U.S. It would be helpful to viewers to know the airport at which this occurred. Some airports have older screening equipment. Trace amount of hydrocarbons in nail polish that does not directly contact luggage seems unlikely in newer testing equipment. If the nail polish was in a carry-on bag, that would be worth disclosing to viewers. Context matters.

[@Rose28r]

That's where most of my anxiety lies. The airport 😅 getting to the gate on time, going through security ..finding where to go lol the flight itself isn't a big issue. I always get the pat down, but it hasn't ever been positive ...thankfully!

[@scvcebc]

I had SSSS on my board pass once, but I was escorting my spouse in a wheel chair and refused to leave them behind. We were very early and I told security I was in no hurry, but insisted that my disabled partner had to come along. They never had that situation before, so they called a supervisor who had the authority to waive my special screening!

[@flyer617]

Gotten the swab test several times. I work in the battery industry and frequently have contact with various chemicals in trace amounts so I always worry some random chemical will trigger the thing. So far so good. I would likely cancel a flight if I saw a SSSS on my ticket, who needs the hassle? Rarely is a flight a life or death need and I would just tell my company I was feeling ill.

[@PortableProfessional]

That is certainly one way to avoid it! If that is not an option just knowing the process and following instructions can make it less stressful!

[@flyer617]

@@PortableProfessional Agreed. And you don't always have a choice. When I need to go somewhere for more than a short visit I get my company to ship my luggage over and back so I can travel extremely light. For shorter trips (like halfway across the US) I fly my own plane and skip TSA completely, but that's a lot easier being in the aviation manufacturing industry.

[@roddneyfett444]

Thank you. I have had SSSS, on my ticket, and never realized I was singled out for screening. I just went through the process assuming everyone went through the same process.

[@victoriadelbando3283]

I’m done flying for now! I was among those having to leave Maui for the fires in Lahaina. Not fun very stressful you just never know! Good advice you gave! I’m ready for a road trip later.