When a couple spotted a four-letter stamp on their boarding pass, they were curious about what it might signify.

Jordyn Verzera was left puzzled after discovering the letters 'SSSS' on her ticket. While you might have presumed the S represents 'special' and indicates preferential treatment, you'd be mistaken.

SSSS stands for Secondary Security Screening Selection. It is a code employed primarily in the United States by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The code usually results in a comprehensive bag search, swabs and additional security procedures.

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This process can take considerably longer than routine security checks, potentially causing delays at the airport. And for Jordyn, it also resulted in an unexpected separation from her boyfriend before their flight.

Another video shared on the couple's account demonstrated how inconvenient it can be to be separated when you're the person carrying all the documents.

The brief clip attracted 45,000 likes and numerous comments from people who could identify with the frustrating code. One said: "This happened to me when I was 13... so it can happen to kids and teens not just adults."

Another commented: "It's really annoying when you are traveling internationally and have to go back through security after customs like I did this weekend."

A third remarked: "Oh the international flights that have been held up because of me and my SSSS". And a fourth added: "This happened to me today and it was awful."

Nevertheless, others noted that security measures are vital. While minor delays at the airport can be frustrating, the checks are essential for ensuring everyone's safety.

SSSS checks provide an extra layer of security to assist in detecting and preventing threats that might slip through during routine screening.

They are intended to identify prohibited items, explosives, or suspicious behaviour that could put the flight or its passengers at risk. The checks can also serve as a deterrent to potential criminals who may pose a danger.

To ensure you don't miss your flight due to security measures, it's always wise to arrive with ample time to spare. While the check itself may be brief, it can take considerably longer during peak travel periods.

Reflecting on their own experience of being stopped, one passenger offered reassurance: "It's not that bad." Another commented: "Takes literally two extra minutes."

While a third chimed in: "Got that coming from Italy, had no clue what it meant but it only added a few extra minutes."