SSSS on BP LGW-MCO - what can I expect?

Evening all. Completed twilight checkin for a flight to MCO tomorrow and saw that myself and eldest son (age 11) have the dreaded SSSS on our BPs.

Any idea what this will mean either at LGW tomorrow or on arrival? Should we get to the gate super early or will 1 hour before be enough?

Haven't travelled to the US in 10+ years so don't know what to expect...

TIA For advice.

Not sure if anything happens at "normal" security but I'm pretty sure when you enter the gate area and they scan your boarding pass you'll be directed off to the side for a hand baggage search and some questioning. Shouldn't take very long so no need to worry unduly or get to the gate extra early.

Wasn't aware that minors would be subject to this?
Don't worry too much, if you are delayed a few minutes look on it as one of the exciting new additions to the travelling experience these days!

Don't worry about it, only mildly irritating for you, they just put on a stern face and search everything as though it is a WMD.

Thank you all! Silver Fox, I particularly enjoyed your reply :-)

What is SSSS?

Hi SSSS
is Secondary Security Screening Selection.

Is that where they pull you aside before you board the flight to check bags, take shoes off etc. It's only happened to me once (and on first flight I took with VS).

This is marked on your boarding pass? Where abouts?

Yes; yes; on the bottom in the middle (unless it has moved, but you cannot miss it).

Is that where they pull you aside before you board the flight to check bags, take shoes off etc. It's only happened to me once (and on first flight I took with VS).

This is marked on your boarding pass? Where abouts?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secondary_ ... _Selection

Hmmmn. I've been unable to check in online a few times for heathrow flights.

The last time I flew to Vegas, they pulled me aside to do a second check. Also when I precleared for JFK in Shannon, I was pulled aside and sat for 20 minutes waiting for them to look at passport. I've a common name... And did wonder if this will keep happening...

Hmmmn. I've been unable to check in online a few times for heathrow flights.

The last time I flew to Vegas, they pulled me aside to do a second check. Also when I precleared for JFK in Shannon, I was pulled aside and sat for 20 minutes waiting for them to look at passport. I've a common name... And did wonder if this will keep happening...

Perhaps there is a naughty boy with a similar name as you?

If it is happening on a regular basis it might be worth applying for a redress number.

Perhaps there is a naughty boy with a similar name as you?

If it is happening on a regular basis it might be worth applying for a redress number.

It sounds like it to me. Or even a number of them.

Hmmmn, a redress number? Probably not worth it, given the amount I fly to the US. Now if it was do not fly list in the EU, that's another matter... I assume there isn't one.

Oh there are DNF lists in the EU.

Not sure if it is a single list or each nation has their own.

The former would cause all sorts of data protection issues. Plus there is the whole Schengen issue as well.

But it also appears that (again probably due to data protection) there is no coordination between nations on having a single list.

So someone could be on the US list but not the UK or French or Italian lists or on the UK list but the US will happily have them enter etc.