Travellers can rejoice, as international travel becomes easier!
In order to modernize the international travel experience, American Airlines has partnered with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to test a new system that is designed to decrease waiting times and mitigate security checks which are repetitive, especially for passengers arriving from overseas.
This pilot program is known as One Stop Security (OSS). The program is currently being tested at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) which is the airlines largest ports of entry and is available for selected flights which are arriving from London Heathrow Airport. Instead of passengers repeatedly going through security, it allows passengers to move straight to their connecting flight while their luggage is automatically sent to the specific connecting flight.
Normally, international passengers will go through the usual checks, such as collecting their checked baggage, then going through Customs and Border Protection (CBP), check their bags again, and then go through TSA security checks again before boarding a domestic flight. This new program removes those steps by consolidating new technology, so that passengers go straight to their flight.
How It Works
In essence, the OSS pilot will allow passengers arriving from London Heathrow and connecting through DFW to move straight to their next flight, as customs clearance will occur right at the arrival gate.
This system is reliant on the improved coordination between the TSA, CBP, and the airline. It also includes improved screening processes that meet security standards.
The process not only mitigates the repeated screenings but also improves airport efficiency and cuts down on the time it takes to catch a connecting flight.
According to David Seymour, American Airlines’ Chief Operating Officer, this change could significantly cut down connection times and reduce the stress typically associated with layovers after international flights.
Industry Response and What’s Next
American Airlines is the first airline to implement OSS at a US airport and they plan to identify other opportunities to expand the program to more flights and different airports.
“One Stop Security is a smart, long-overdue step toward modernizing the travel experience, eliminating redundant screening, cutting connection times and unlocking more international air service,” US Travel President and CEO Geoff Freeman said in a separate statement.
This is the perfect timing for airports, as airlines prepare for an increase in travel. As the COVID-19 pandemic is in the past, more passengers are feeling comfortable to return to travel. The holiday season is also approaching, and now more than ever, is the perfect time to pilot the program before the December rush.
There are other airlines who are also monitoring the OSS program. By Wednesday 30th July, Delta Airlines anticipated to implement the program for flights from London Heathrow to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
A Glimpse Into the Future of Air Travel
It can be noted that in almost every country, the aviation industry has struggled to find a balance between convenience and making things easier for passengers and following strict security measures. The new OSS program offers a significant guideline on how to manage both. This program uses data from departments, pre-screening and agency cooperation to enhance the passengers travel experience.
After the piloting, and if this program is successful, this could be a major game changer for the airport industry. This was allow processes to be streamlined and passengers will no longer have to dread layovers, but rather move swiftly to their next boarding gate.
During this phase, OSS is only limited to a minor number of flights and passengers but the aim and objectives of this project is made clear. For now, passengers can be hopeful that this program will be successful and can be implemented in airports which experience large number of travellers.