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My Son\u2019s Fianc\u00e9e Was Stopped at the Airport With \u201cSSSS\u201d on Her Ticket \u2014 What Does It Mean?<\/p>\n
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The message came in early in the morning, just as the day was starting.<\/p>\n
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\u201cMy son\u2019s fianc\u00e9e is visiting today and she\u2019s been stopped at the airport. There\u2019s \u2018SSSS\u2019 printed on her boarding pass. It\u2019s her first time flying, and we have no idea what\u2019s going on.\u201d<\/p>\n
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It was a simple question, but one that often carries a lot of anxiety for travelers who encounter it for the first time.<\/p>\n
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At first glance, seeing four letters printed on a boarding pass can feel alarming\u2014especially when it happens unexpectedly, and especially when it\u2019s someone\u2019s very first flight. But in most cases, it is not a sign of wrongdoing or danger. It is part of a routine airport security screening process used in the United States and a few other international travel systems.<\/p>\n
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To understand what is happening, it helps to slow down and break it into clear parts.<\/p>\n
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What \u201cSSSS\u201d Actually Means<\/p>\n
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\u201cSSSS\u201d stands for:<\/p>\n
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Secondary Security Screening Selection<\/p>\n
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It is a designation used by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the United States.<\/p>\n
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When a passenger is selected for SSSS, it means they will go through additional security screening before boarding their flight. This screening is more detailed than the standard process most travelers experience.<\/p>\n
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Importantly, it does not mean:<\/p>\n
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The person is suspected of a crime<\/p>\n
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The person is on a watchlist<\/p>\n
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The person is in legal trouble<\/p>\n
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The person is being detained<\/p>\n
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It simply means the system has flagged their ticket for extra screening.<\/p>\n
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Why Some Travelers Get Selected<\/p>\n
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Many people assume there must be a specific reason\u2014something they did wrong or something suspicious in their background. In reality, SSSS selection is often random or based on automated risk indicators.<\/p>\n
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Some common reasons a person might be selected include:<\/p>\n
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1. Random Security Checks<\/p>\n
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A portion of SSSS selections are completely random. This is intentional and helps maintain overall airport security integrity.<\/p>\n
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2. One-Way International Tickets<\/p>\n
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Certain travel patterns, such as last-minute international bookings or one-way flights, may trigger additional screening.<\/p>\n
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3. Payment or Booking Irregularities<\/p>\n
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Unusual booking methods, mismatched passenger information, or third-party ticket purchases can sometimes be flagged.<\/p>\n
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4. Name Similarities<\/p>\n
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If a traveler\u2019s name is similar to someone on a security watchlist, even partially, the system may automatically select them for extra screening.<\/p>\n
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5. Travel History Patterns<\/p>\n
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Frequent travel to certain destinations or unusual travel routes can occasionally increase the likelihood of selection.<\/p>\n
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However, it is important to emphasize again: most people selected for SSSS are not being targeted for any wrongdoing.<\/p>\n
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What Happens at the Airport<\/p>\n
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When a passenger with \u201cSSSS\u201d on their boarding pass arrives at the airport, they are directed into a slightly more detailed screening process.<\/p>\n
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This typically includes:<\/p>\n
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1. Additional Document Checks<\/p>\n
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Security officers may verify travel documents more carefully than usual.<\/p>\n
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2. Full Carry-On Inspection<\/p>\n
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Luggage is often opened and searched manually.<\/p>\n
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3. Enhanced Body Screening<\/p>\n
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This may include additional pat-down procedures or scanning equipment beyond the standard walkthrough metal detector.<\/p>\n
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4. Swab Testing<\/p>\n
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Security may swab hands, bags, or personal items to test for trace explosives or prohibited substances.<\/p>\n
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5. Separate Screening Area<\/p>\n
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Passengers may be guided to a designated area for secondary inspection.<\/p>\n
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This process can take longer than usual screening, which is why it often causes confusion or stress\u2014especially for first-time travelers.<\/p>\n
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Why It Feels Alarming (Especially for First-Time Flyers)<\/p>\n
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For someone who has never flown before, the airport experience is already unfamiliar:<\/p>\n
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Long lines<\/p>\n
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Security checkpoints<\/p>\n
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Rules about liquids and electronics<\/p>\n
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Boarding procedures<\/p>\n
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Constant announcements<\/p>\n
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Now add an unexpected \u201cSSSS\u201d marking, and it can feel like something has gone wrong.<\/p>\n
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The lack of explanation at the moment also adds to the anxiety. Airport security officers typically do not explain the reason for SSSS selection in detail, partly for security protocol reasons and partly because the system is automated.<\/p>\n
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So the traveler may feel singled out without understanding why.<\/p>\n
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That emotional reaction is completely normal.<\/p>\n
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What It Does NOT Mean<\/p>\n
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One of the most important things to understand is what SSSS is not.<\/p>\n
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It is not:<\/p>\n
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A criminal accusation<\/p>\n
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A sign of suspicion of terrorism<\/p>\n
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A punishment<\/p>\n
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A denial of boarding<\/p>\n
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A visa or immigration issue<\/p>\n
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Passengers who receive SSSS still board their flights normally after screening.<\/p>\n
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It is an inconvenience, not a penalty.<\/p>\n
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How Common Is It?<\/p>\n
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SSSS is more common than most travelers realize.<\/p>\n
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Thousands of passengers are selected for secondary screening every day in the United States alone. Many of them are ordinary travelers:<\/p>\n
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Families on vacation<\/p>\n
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Students traveling abroad<\/p>\n
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First-time flyers<\/p>\n
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Business travelers<\/p>\n
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Elderly passengers visiting relatives<\/p>\n
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In other words, it is not unusual\u2014and it is not limited to any specific type of person.<\/p>\n
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Why Airlines Don\u2019t Always Warn Passengers<\/p>\n
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One of the most confusing parts of the process is that passengers are not notified in advance.<\/p>\n
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Instead, the SSSS code appears:<\/p>\n
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On the printed boarding pass<\/p>\n
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Or on mobile check-in documents<\/p>\n
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Airlines themselves often do not have control over the selection process. It is determined by the TSA system, not the airline.<\/p>\n
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That is why customer service agents at the check-in desk may not be able to explain it in detail.<\/p>\n
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What Your Son\u2019s Fianc\u00e9e Should Do Right Now<\/p>\n
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If someone discovers SSSS on their boarding pass, the best approach is simple:<\/p>\n
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Stay Calm<\/p>\n
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It is not an emergency and not a sign of trouble.<\/p>\n
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Arrive Early<\/p>\n
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Secondary screening takes extra time, so arriving earlier than usual is helpful.<\/p>\n
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Follow Instructions<\/p>\n
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Security officers will guide the passenger through each step.<\/p>\n
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Be Cooperative and Patient<\/p>\n
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The process may feel repetitive, but cooperation ensures a smoother experience.<\/p>\n
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Keep Documents Ready<\/p>\n
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Passport, boarding pass, and ID should be easily accessible.<\/p>\n
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Most importantly, there is nothing the passenger needs to \u201cfix.\u201d The process will proceed automatically.<\/p>\n
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A First Flight Experience That Feels Overwhelming<\/p>\n
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For a first-time flyer, this situation can turn what should be an exciting milestone into a stressful experience.<\/p>\n
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The airport is already full of unfamiliar systems. Adding unexpected screening can make the experience feel intimidating.<\/p>\n
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However, many first-time travelers who go through SSSS report that:<\/p>\n
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The process was slower than expected, but manageable<\/p>\n
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Security officers were professional and routine in their approach<\/p>\n
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Once completed, boarding proceeded normally<\/p>\n
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The rest of the flight experience was unaffected<\/p>\n
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In other words, while it feels dramatic in the moment, it rarely impacts the actual journey.<\/p>\n
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Why Security Systems Use Processes Like This<\/p>\n
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Modern aviation security systems rely heavily on layered screening. Instead of treating every passenger identically, they use different levels of inspection to balance efficiency and safety.<\/p>\n
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SSSS is one of those layers.<\/p>\n
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It allows security agencies to:<\/p>\n
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Randomly sample passengers for additional checks<\/p>\n
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Maintain unpredictability in screening procedures<\/p>\n
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Apply enhanced inspection where risk indicators exist<\/p>\n
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This system is designed not to target individuals unfairly, but to strengthen overall airport security.<\/p>\n
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The Emotional Side of Travel Security<\/p>\n
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Even though the system is procedural, it can still feel personal.<\/p>\n
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Being selected for extra screening can create feelings like:<\/p>\n
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Embarrassment in public spaces<\/p>\n
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Confusion about what triggered it<\/p>\n
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Anxiety about delays<\/p>\n
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Fear of missing a flight<\/p>\n
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For families waiting at home, it can be equally stressful, especially when communication is limited during airport processing.<\/p>\n
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But in most cases, the situation resolves without incident, and the traveler continues their journey as planned.<\/p>\n
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When to Be Concerned (Rare Situations)<\/p>\n
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In rare cases, additional screening might take longer if:<\/p>\n
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Documents require further verification<\/p>\n
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There are discrepancies in travel information<\/p>\n
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Security systems require manual review<\/p>\n
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Even then, passengers are still allowed to board if everything is in order.<\/p>\n
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Actual travel denial due to SSSS alone is extremely uncommon.<\/p>\n
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Final Reassurance<\/p>\n
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For the situation described\u2014your son\u2019s fianc\u00e9e being selected for SSSS on her first flight\u2014the most important takeaway is simple:<\/p>\n
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Nothing is wrong in the sense most people fear when they first see it.<\/p>\n
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It is a routine security procedure that, while inconvenient, is widely used and generally harmless.<\/p>\n
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She will likely experience:<\/p>\n
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A slightly longer security check<\/p>\n
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Additional inspection of belongings<\/p>\n
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Extra screening steps<\/p>\n
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And then proceed to her gate like any other passenger.<\/p>\n
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Conclusion<\/p>\n
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Travel systems can feel intimidating when you encounter unfamiliar terms for the first time. \u201cSSSS\u201d is one of those terms that looks alarming but is actually part of a structured, standardized screening process used to enhance aviation security.<\/p>\n
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For first-time travelers especially, it can feel overwhelming in the moment. But once the process is understood, it becomes clear that it is simply an extra layer of checking\u2014not a sign of danger or wrongdoing.<\/p>\n
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And in most cases, after a bit of patience and cooperation, the journey continues exactly as planned.<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
My Son\u2019s Fianc\u00e9e Was Stopped at the Airport With \u201cSSSS\u201d on Her Ticket \u2014 What Does It Mean? The message came … <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":13074,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-13073","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/heightshowtime.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13073","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/heightshowtime.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/heightshowtime.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/heightshowtime.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/heightshowtime.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=13073"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/heightshowtime.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13073\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13075,"href":"https:\/\/heightshowtime.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13073\/revisions\/13075"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/heightshowtime.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/13074"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/heightshowtime.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=13073"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/heightshowtime.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=13073"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/heightshowtime.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=13073"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}