I got the dreaded “SSSS” code on my boarding pass leaving SXM this summer and got my incredibly thorough secondary screening at the gate. I had hoped that with the new departure hall and new screening equipment that would be done away with… but I guess not.

Here’s a tip if you do see SSSS on your boarding pass at SXM. Give all of your stuff to someone else traveling with you if you can. They searched me up and down but didn’t check my wife and two kids at all.