What does SSSS mean on a boarding pass?

SSSS stands for ‘Secondary Security Screening Selection’. This means you have been selected for additional security checks, which typically involve a body search, a check of your hand luggage and an explosives test. This is a US security measure (TSA) and does not imply any suspicion of illegal activity.

What does STBY mean on a boarding pass?

STBY is an abbreviation for ‘Standby’ and means that you have not yet been confirmed a seat on the flight. This may be because, for example, the flight is overbooked or the airline has not yet allocated you a seat. If your boarding pass shows ‘STBY’, you should speak to the staff at the gate, who will be able to tell you whether you will be given a seat on the flight. Are you entitled to compensation if you are on standby? If you are denied boarding due to overbooking, even though you have a valid ticket, arrived on time and did not voluntarily give up your seat, you may be entitled to compensation of up to 600 euros under EU Regulation 261/2004. However, it is important to emphasise that ‘STBY’ on your boarding pass does not automatically mean you are entitled to compensation. It depends on whether you are actually denied boarding.

Can I board the flight without a boarding pass?

No. A valid boarding pass – digital or on paper – is your ticket through security and onto the flight. Without it, you cannot pass through security or board the flight.

Should I keep my boarding pass after the flight?

Yes, keep it until after your trip. It can be used as proof of your journey if you later claim compensation for a delay, cancellation or denied boarding.

Ida Haas

Litigation Department Employee

Table of contents

What you need to be aware of regarding your boarding pass
Have you been denied boarding because of your boarding pass?
Frequently asked questions about boarding passes

Claim refund or compensation

Cancelled flight Delayed flight Other

Boarding pass

A boarding pass is your personal ticket to board the aeroplane. It shows your name, flight number, departure time, gate and seat number. You receive it at check-in, either digitally, via an app or on paper. Without a valid boarding pass, you cannot pass through security or board the aeroplane.

Meaning: Proof of access to the aircraft
Relevant for: Check-in, delays, denied boarding
Regulation: EU 261

What you need to be aware of regarding your boarding pass

Your boarding pass serves as proof that you arrived on time and were ready for departure. It can be crucial evidence if you are claiming compensation for a delay or cancellation, and is often required as evidence in cases of denied boarding.

Example: If you are denied boarding at the gate despite having a valid boarding pass and having arrived on time, you may be entitled to compensation for denied boarding.

Have you been denied boarding because of your boarding pass?

Check here to see if you’re entitled to compensation ->

Claim compensation

Frequently asked questions about boarding passes

STBY is an abbreviation for ‘Standby’ and means that you have not yet been confirmed a seat on the flight. This may be because, for example, the flight is overbooked or the airline has not yet allocated you a seat.
If your boarding pass shows ‘STBY’, you should speak to the staff at the gate, who will be able to tell you whether you will be given a seat on the flight.
Are you entitled to compensation if you are on standby?
If you are denied boarding due to overbooking, even though you have a valid ticket, arrived on time and did not voluntarily give up your seat, you may be entitled to compensation of up to 600 euros under EU Regulation 261/2004.
However, it is important to emphasise that ‘STBY’ on your boarding pass does not automatically mean you are entitled to compensation. It depends on whether you are actually denied boarding.