Did TSA put 'SSSS' on your boarding pass? Here's what these four letters mean

Traveling doesn't come without its restrictions.

When you arrive at the airport, you have to make sure you have the appropriate identification (or REAL ID), your luggage packed, and you have your boarding pass on hand.

But sometimes, that's not enough. Transportation Security Administration could check you for something else before you're allowed to get through the gate.

Here's what you need to know if you get a certain four-letter acronym on your boarding pass.

"SSSS" stands for "Secondary Security Screening Selection," which means you'll have to take an extra few steps beyond regular security protocols, according to Travel+Leisure.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, if there is an "SSSS" on your boarding pass, the TSA will conduct additional screenings for you.

This applies to more than just standard pass holders. Travelers enrolled in programs like Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or those with CLEAR access may still be selected for extra screening if their boarding pass includes those four letters.

If you have these four letters on your boarding pass, it means you got flagged for the following:

• Purchasing a last-minute ticket
• Booking a direct one-way flight and paying in cash
• Flying to or from a country flagged by the U.S. State Department
• Raising suspicions at the airport
• Selected at random