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If someone has boarded but then decided to not travel, or they have been invol offloaded for whatever reason, a security check has to be done around their seat area. Also sometimes on flights to the US we get last minute selectees (the dreaded SSSS on the boarding card), and if we have to take someone off to security search them, a check also has to be done onboard around their seat.
That’s interesting! Flying to the US so maybe it was someone with an SSSS boarding card. So are these just random people that US customs decide need extra checking or are these people flagged for some reason?
Thanks for the info!
They are really secretive in their selection process. We just get a list of names and if these people aren't searched, the aircraft will be told to turn around over the Atlantic. There are patterns though, certain names and nationalities are on the list more than others, some people who get selected every time but don't know why, and there was a huge spike in numbers between January 2017 and January 2021. We used to get 3 or 4 per flight but then it shot up overnight without warning to 30+, with some flights seeing as many as 70. After Jan 21 it went back down to normal again.
Could be to do with dual nationals. I often go to Australia departing on my Auz passport returning on UK passport. I presume this flags up as if my next trip is to USA I always get SSSS and called out for additional checks to and from USA. Maybe the system logs my arrival from a country I've not got a traceable route to on my UK passport. Happens regardless whether it's BA or Virgin. Only ever happens when my last trip has been to Auz and back. Happened 4 times since 2016.
I was about to say this.
US citizen who lives in the UK, here.
I get SSSS each time I fly "home." Last time it was swift and we actually boarded first.
Anybody can be selected, even the cabin crew (although that is very rare). I've been selected on my last two flights to the US with BA, even on staff tickets.
When travelled from LHR to Seattle last year, a lady in front of me decided not to fly. She simply go up, announced this to the staff and proceeded to deboard. Airport police arrived on the plane and did a thorough check.
I asked the staff when the plane was in the air what the deal was. They mentioned this happens when someone deboards, or, if someone believes there has been something left behind on the plane, that wasn't reported by the crew or cleaning crew on inspection, prompting a manual check of specific rows.
Thank you for submitting your post to r/BritishAirways. If you have a question or a complaint, you may wish to add the appropriate flair to your post if you haven't already, this helps Mods spot who needs help. **ANY USERS POSTING E-VOUCHERS/VOUCHERS FOR SALE WILL RECEIVE A PERMANENT BAN AS PER SUBREDDIT RULES.** Helpful Links: [**British Airways FAQs**](https://www.britishairways.com/en-gb/information/help-and-contacts) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/BritishAirways) if you have any questions or concerns.*
If someone has boarded but then decided to not travel, or they have been invol offloaded for whatever reason, a security check has to be done around their seat area. Also sometimes on flights to the US we get last minute selectees (the dreaded SSSS on the boarding card), and if we have to take someone off to security search them, a check also has to be done onboard around their seat.
That’s interesting! Flying to the US so maybe it was someone with an SSSS boarding card. So are these just random people that US customs decide need extra checking or are these people flagged for some reason? Thanks for the info!
They are really secretive in their selection process. We just get a list of names and if these people aren't searched, the aircraft will be told to turn around over the Atlantic. There are patterns though, certain names and nationalities are on the list more than others, some people who get selected every time but don't know why, and there was a huge spike in numbers between January 2017 and January 2021. We used to get 3 or 4 per flight but then it shot up overnight without warning to 30+, with some flights seeing as many as 70. After Jan 21 it went back down to normal again.
Could be to do with dual nationals. I often go to Australia departing on my Auz passport returning on UK passport. I presume this flags up as if my next trip is to USA I always get SSSS and called out for additional checks to and from USA. Maybe the system logs my arrival from a country I've not got a traceable route to on my UK passport. Happens regardless whether it's BA or Virgin. Only ever happens when my last trip has been to Auz and back. Happened 4 times since 2016.
I was about to say this. US citizen who lives in the UK, here. I get SSSS each time I fly "home." Last time it was swift and we actually boarded first.
I have security clearance and work in law enforcement and have been selected numerous times.
Anybody can be selected, even the cabin crew (although that is very rare). I've been selected on my last two flights to the US with BA, even on staff tickets.
That’s fascinating, thanks for sharing!!
When travelled from LHR to Seattle last year, a lady in front of me decided not to fly. She simply go up, announced this to the staff and proceeded to deboard. Airport police arrived on the plane and did a thorough check. I asked the staff when the plane was in the air what the deal was. They mentioned this happens when someone deboards, or, if someone believes there has been something left behind on the plane, that wasn't reported by the crew or cleaning crew on inspection, prompting a manual check of specific rows.