The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has good news for travelers passing through airports in the United States. The One Stop Security program has been implemented, which eliminates double security checks for connecting flights, enhancing the travel experience. It started at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, in collaboration with the authorities of the United States and the United Kingdom. The first approval consisted of travelers arriving from Heathrow Airport going directly from U.S. customs to the boarding gate of their connecting flight without having to go through TSA checks again and without having to recheck their luggage.
This new program has been made possible thanks to the collaboration between the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Department of Transportation of the United Kingdom. Currently, the program only covers flights between London and Dallas, but it is expected that soon Atlanta International Airport will join along with Delta Airlines. For its part, American Airlines has proposed another connection between Sydney and Los Angeles International Airport.
Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is the agency belonging to the United States government that is responsible for protecting the transportation systems across the country. This Department of Homeland Security mainly aims to ensure the safety of travelers and the infrastructures related to the various means of transport. It focuses on air security but also has jurisdiction over transportation such as trains, buses, or ports.
One Stop Security
On July 22, a program called One Stop Security was launched, resulting from the partnership between the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the UK Department of Transport. What does this new program entail? With this new measure, the aim is to reduce the waiting time for travelers who have layovers between flights, eliminating double security checks and the need to re-check luggage.
As mentioned, the pilot test commenced on July 22 at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. With the collaboration of American Airlines and the authorities from the United States and the UK, the first flight came from Heathrow Airport. Upon arriving in the United States, passengers did not have to go through TSA security again or re-check their luggage. Instead, they went directly to the boarding gate of their connecting flight.
Improvement of the traveler experience
The Chief Operating Officer of American Airlines, David Seymour, declared that it is “one of the most innovative improvements that can be offered to customers.” With this new program, it is expected to reduce waiting times by 50%, generating greater comfort, satisfaction, and improving the user experience. It is hoped that this will streamline times within airports, both for travelers and for internal operations.
Expansion of the project
At the moment, One Stop Security is limited to covering the flight between London and Dallas. However, its expansion to more airports and flights in the country is already expected. This is the case for Delta Air Lines, which wants to join the initiative this summer, offering the same service for flights coming from London but at Atlanta International Airport. For its part, American Airlines has already put forward its intention to launch another pilot project. They intend to cover flights connecting Sydney and Los Angeles International Airport, where travelers will not have to check their luggage again or go through TSA screening a second time.
Undoubtedly, it is an innovative measure never before seen at any airport in the United States. It would not only reduce waiting time and speed up queues for connecting flight travelers but for everyone at the airport.