---
title: "What is Secondary security screening? | Benefit Systems"
description: "Secondary security screening is an enhanced additional check, flagged on the boarding pass, that takes extra time at the airport."
source: "aus dem gebauten HTML abgeleitet"
---
# What is Secondary security screening?

Secondary security screening is an enhanced additional check, flagged on the boarding pass, that takes extra time at the airport.

Also called: SSSS, Additional screening.

## How it works #

Selection is partly automated and partly driven by booking attributes such as a one-way ticket, a late purchase or payment in cash. Travellers notice it from a marking on the boarding pass and from online check-in refusing to work. The check covers bag search, swabs and questioning; there is no appeal against it, though a redress process exists for repeated matches.

## Not to be confused with #

Secondary screening is not the same as refusal of entry: it happens before departure and normally ends with the passenger boarding.

## In German #

The German term is Sekundäre Sicherheitskontrolle. [German version of this term](/de/glossar/sekundaere-sicherheitskontrolle)

## Related terms #

- [Trusted traveller programme](/en/glossary/trusted-traveller-programme): A trusted traveller programme vets passengers in advance and gives them an expedited lane at security or border control in return.
- [Document check](/en/glossary/document-check): A document check is the airline’s verification of passport, visa and travel authorisation before departure, based on an immigration requirements database.
- [Carry-on rules](/en/glossary/carry-on-rules): Carry-on rules are an airline’s limits on the size, weight and number of bags that may be taken into the cabin.

## Articles that use this term #

- [What can you take in your carry-on?](/en/knowledge/carry-on-rules)
- [How much passport validity do you need?](/en/knowledge/passport-validity)
- [What are the rules for power banks on planes?](/en/knowledge/power-bank-rules)
- [How much connection time do you actually need?](/en/knowledge/connection-time)