Airport Travel & Boarding Pass Guide

Boarding Pass & Flight Symbols Meaning

Did you find “SSSS” printed on your airline ticket, or wonder what Boarding Group 4 and SBY mean? Decode all airline boarding pass codes below.

Got “SSSS” on Your Ticket?

Don't panic! It stands for Secondary Security Screening Selection. You will be pulled aside at the security gate for a 10-minute baggage swab and physical check. Head to your gate 30 minutes earlier than usual.

SSSSsecurity

Secondary Security Screening Selection

"SSSS" printed on your boarding pass indicates that you have been selected for mandatory secondary, in-depth security screening by airport TSA agents.

Triggered randomly or by last-minute one-way bookings, international travel patterns, or cash ticket purchases. You cannot print your boarding pass at home or mobile app if selected for SSSS.

What You Should Do:Arrive at the gate 30-45 minutes earlier. Security officers will swab your electronics for explosives, inspect carry-ons thoroughly, and conduct a physical pat-down.

TSA PREsecurity

TSA PreCheck Approved

Confirms that you are enrolled in TSA PreCheck and can use the expedited security lane.

You do not need to remove shoes, belts, light jackets, 3-1-1 liquids, or laptops from your bag when passing through the dedicated lane.

What You Should Do:Head directly to the green TSA PreCheck checkpoint line with your boarding pass.

GRP 1 / GRP 4boarding

Boarding Group / Zone

Determines the exact order in which passengers walk down the jet bridge and board the aircraft.

Airlines board by groups (e.g. Group 1: First Class & military; Group 2: Business/Elite status; Group 3: Window seats; Group 4+: Economy aisle seats) to minimize aisle congestion.

What You Should Do:Wait in the gate seating area until your specific group number is announced by gate staff.

SBY / STANDBYboarding

Standby Passenger

Indicates that you do not have a confirmed seat assignment yet and are waiting for an open seat if someone misses the flight or cancels.

Common for airline staff, passengers attempting to catch an earlier flight, or travelers bumped from an overbooked flight.

What You Should Do:Remain close to the gate desk. Gate agents will announce your name if a seat opens up 15 minutes before departure.

GATE CLOSEDflight-status

Gate Closed Status

The jet bridge door has been physically locked and the flight manifest has been finalized. No more passengers will be permitted to board under any circumstances.

Airlines strictly close gate doors 10 to 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time to secure runway takeoff slots.

What You Should Do:If you arrive after the gate has closed, proceed immediately to the airline customer service counter to be rebooked onto the next available flight.

ETD / ETAflight-status

Estimated Time of Departure / Arrival

ETD is the expected time wheels will lift off or push back. ETA is the expected local time the aircraft will touch down at the destination airport.

These timestamps update dynamically based on tailwinds, headwind weather, and runway air traffic control holding patterns.

What You Should Do:Monitor airport flight monitor screens for real-time adjustments.