The Dreaded SSSS

I sympathize with your wife. We go to Zihuatanejo twice a year. Several years ago leaving Zihuatanejo, I was pulled aside for a secondary search. I took it in stride. The next time we came, same thing. By then we recognized the SSSS in the corner where Pre-Check ought to be (we have Global Entry). So I asked the ticket agent when I saw it.

Agent said it was random. I pointed out it was twice in a row. She said I would have to speak with the airline. I did. They said it wasn't them. It was probably Zihuatanejo.

Third time (in a row), I considered it NOT random and again asked why. This time I was told I probably had the same name as someone on a Watch List. I asked him to look at my name. Anyone who knows my full name knows no one else in the entire universe has the same name as I do.

Let me point out that we are not brand loyal flyers. This happened on United, American and Aeromexico. And getting the dreaded SSSS in Zihuatanejo also means no Pre-Check on connecting flights. Also, SSSS did not come up on any other domestic or trans Atlantic flights we took.

After, as I recall, the fifth time, I filed Redress application with TSA. They investigated my request. After a few weeks, I got a note back from TSA telling me they investigated. They are not allowed to tell me what they found (or did not find) when they investigated. But they gave me a Redress Number to use. I used it the next time and didn't get pulled out. I have not used it again.

What if anything my contact with TSA did to resolve whatever the issue was, I'll never know but it seems done.

As an aside. On our last go-round with SSSS, my carry-on was a very fragile Katrina we bought in Calupa and I carried very carefully on the bus to Zihuatanejo. The Katrina was wrapped in about two rolls of toilet paper and taped into a makeshift box. I saw the SSSS andI was very upset about the prospect of having the whole thing unwrapped. Then it occurred to us: Just switch carry-ons. So we did. I took his carry-on, he took the Katrina and got on the plane. My bag was on the plane. His bag was searched. So much for security.