TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin strange travel day for me

I went off island today on AA's 8:00 flight to MIA, then connecting to flight to Raleigh. Check in was easy, but instead of the usual "precheck" on my boarding passes, I had SSS...(I don't pay for precheck, but usually get it on my boarding pass) I go through the scanner, but then also have to be body checked...fine...then to my gate and right before the final passport check before boarding, there was a table to the left with 2 security personel. When I handed in my boarding pass, I was told to go over there, where I was searched again...and on the table was a paper with 4 names(mine included) on it to be body patted/checked - some how we were hopefully randomly selected at check in for this.
THEN in MIA before even getting to the immigration areap, everyone had to show their passport before continuing/sort of like a roadblock set up...they were looking for someone for sure...I have the mobile passport app and getting through was a breeze...but then again going through security before my MIA to raleigh flight, I was body checked again...I thought it was something on my pants (little silver ends) but the woman said it was something on my back that showed up in the photo...very very strange day and the funniest thing happened while waiting for my suitcase in MIA, got talking to another woman also waiting and she asked me if I was on TTOL and was I Sungoddess!!!

I've had that SSS on my boarding pass in SXM, and it does signify the extra screening. I'm surprised that you don't have Global Entry, as much as you travel internationally!

Interesting that the woman recognized you, as you don't have a profile picture posted here.

Interesting, Patty. We also traveled yesterday, but we only fly usually 2-3 times a year, if that. We have FF numbers with AA but no Globel Entry, KTN or any other trusted traveler status.

Generally speaking we almost always get TSA pre-check with AA and often with JB but with all the talk of recent changes I wasn't expecting it this trip but we all had it at JFK. I'm guessing it was connected to our up front seats somehow since even the granddaughter got it and this was only her second time flying and on a brand new adult passport.

It was nice yet again to go through the speed lane without having to remove any clothes, shoes etc., but alas, every so often the metal detector bells and lights go off for no reason and lo and behold - it means you've been selected for a random pre-check, and of course - I was the lucky one!! No big deal - step into the tube, place your feet on the yellow feet on the floor and raise your arms over your head - stand there for fifteen seconds and your done. No pat downs, though, and EZ PZ you're done! By the time John and Sarah got our carry-ons off the scanning conveyor it was over and done with and we were all good to go. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

I have no way to interview...and she recognized the sxm/spain life

Who wouldn't want to pat down a Goddess? Unfortunately I missed my one opportunity.

A few years ago I had that bunch of S's on my boarding pass leaving SXM. Not much fun. When I grumbled after the table check they made me do it again just because they could.

Guess I have something to look forward to, the possibility of getting the deadly SSS on my boarding pass!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Laugh.gif" alt="" />

But, by the way, Patty, I don't think there is such a thing as pre-check leaving SXM??

Correct. Your boarding pass might be stamped PRE but there is no PRE in SXM. Just great to have for your connecting flights in the States.

A thrilling way to begin your trip! Perhaps more pat downs to look forward to on your flight to Spain! You definitely have the right name to get the PAT down! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

That makes sense about her figuring out who you are. I wonder if you could get an interview in Charlotte while you're here? It might be worth a phone call.

We had the dreaded "SSS" on our boarding passes once...going and returning...when a group from our church got together and booked a week cruise leaving from and returning to Miami. I did a little research and found that the travel agent who set up the trip had booked the entire group with one-way tickets on ONE airline from BWI-MIA and one-way tickets on a DIFFERENT airline returning MIA - BWI. Apparently one-way tickets automaticly trigger Special Security Screening (SSS) because the 9-11 had hijackers traveled as a group and only bought one-way tickets.

To this day we still joke about "Not being able to trust us fanatical Episcopalians..." <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

Okay, so let me blow that theory, since for the past 4-5 trips we've booked one ways each way and we have yet to get the sss being discussed. This trip on AA we had pre check clearance on all three tickets and were it not for a random check we would have been home free but no biggy that we weren't. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

The SSS code has been in operation for years. I got it once and asked why me. I was told by a TSA agent that it is randomly done by the computer and has no meaning otherwise. It is just the luck of the draw.

Hi Patty. I am the "other woman" waiting for baggage in Miami. Hope your flight to Raleigh was uneventful. Hope your new grandchild arrives soon. It was nice chatting with you. Btw, did you hear how your friend that was hav ing the cardiac event fared? Hope all was well.

I'm in Raleigh, then driving 3 hours the other direction to the coast...and it hasn't been a problem at all since I've been using mobile passport. (except Newark doesn't have it yet)