The LHR clubhouse is really empty..

Howdy folks,

Heading stateside to referee the drinking contest between blacky1 and ultreen1 and it really has been a quiet jaunt thus far. The DTCI was abandoned and they had to call someone from downstairs to check me in, which meant a slight wait at the gate before entry.

Breezed through security after conversing with the check in people about the SSSS markings that some inconsiderate elf had scratched on my boarding pass. For those that don't know, that means my bags will be searched at the gate!! Second time in as many months for those keeping score This time though i am travelling hand baggage only so the pax at the gate will be given quite the fashion show from the contents of my two, very packed, bags.

A Clubhouse burger has been demolished and I may even have another after my haircut to soak up however many glasses of whiskey that have found themselves pushed in my direction.

In the meantime, I've asked the concierge team to check with their operations people as to why I have been selected for secondary search again - I refuse to believe this is random.

Watch this space

Well sounds like an interesting morning MrC , clear blue skies in the city this morn , see you in the old castle later

In the meantime, I've asked the concierge team to check with their operations people as to why I have been selected for secondary search again - I refuse to believe this is random.

Watch this space

Don't expect much of an answer - as it all falls under the umbrella of "security" which the airlines won't discuss in any detail for obvious reasons.

Airlines flying to the USA have to SSSS a certain percentage (they won't say what) of passengers on each flight to the USA. It could be completely random - i.e. the computer just decides which SEQ numbers get the SSSS - get one of those SEQ numbers and you've hit the jackpot.

Or they could profile passengers (as this is legal in the UK - unlike the USA). So factors such as those below could highlight a potential enhanced risk;
Single traveller
One-way ticket (especially if in Business / First class, i.e. near the flight deck)
Last minute booking
Hand baggage only
etc...

My Dad used to get SSSS'd all the time on transatlantic flights when he was working - as he frequently travelled at last minute at the front of the plane. This was despite the fact that the airlines could clearly see from his frequent flyer accounts who he worked for (a company very involved in aviation - so he had a very vested interest for flights to be 100% safe and secure).

Hope the sssssshhhh search doesn't take too long or reveal too much.

Have a great flight & enjoy NY.

The SSSS for me was at the request of the Americans... I'm on a list apparently. Not sure whether to be happy or sad about that, but my GE reinterview is on Tuesday so hopefully will clear it all up then.

Just boarded and the search was quite jovially done, lots of jokes shared between myself and the security officers as they looked through the entirety of my cases... Pants and all were paraded and swabbed but luckily it is a light load so the massive privacy invasion was kept to a minimum.

Seated calmly in 9a now and most of the cabin is suprisingly vacant. A very light load today and the crew have been great so far. Long may it continue

SYOTOS V-Flyers

Have a great time.

safe flight, see you later...

Cheers guys and dolls, the flight was amazing. The FSM was visible, really on the ball and his crew followed suit. The load was incredibly light - 129 pax on an A346 - and as y'all know the service could have gone either way. Luckily service was great

We landed more or less on schedule after a few bumps across the atlantic, immigration and customs was quick and I made it into Manhattan in time to meet up with Blacky1 and Ultreen1 (found out how that name came about too... ha ha ha ha ha, oh Darren..)

I'll add the promise of a TR to the ever growing list of those that I now owe the site.... have I reached 25 yet?

Hope all have a great weekend.

Could you be getting SSSSearched because you have requested GE?