Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) has become the first US airport to launch a new process that allows international passengers to clear customs and transfer their checked bags without re-entering security screening.
The initiative, known as OneStop Security (OSS), is being piloted with passengers arriving from London Heathrow on American Airlines flights. Upon arrival at DFW, eligible travellers clear US Customs at the gate and continue directly to their connecting flights. Checked baggage is automatically transferred, removing the need for passengers to claim and recheck their luggage or pass through Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening again.
The streamlined process is the result of a collaboration between DFW Airport, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the TSA, the UK Department for Transport, and American Airlines. The programme is designed to cut connection times in half, while maintaining the highest security standards.
DFW’s role in developing the infrastructure and systems to support OSS was key to enabling the new process.The airport’s investment allowed for a secure, efficient handoff between international arrivals and domestic connections, without the traditional bottlenecks faced by transiting passengers.
“This game-changing programme, and thanks to our federal partners at CBP and TSA, along with DFW Airport, our customers will spend significantly less time worrying about an onerous connection process and more time enjoying their travel journey,” said David Seymour, Chief Operating Officer at American Airlines.
The OSS launch at DFW follows a successful pilot earlier this year at London Heathrow, where the system was introduced for outbound passengers connecting to non-UK destinations. DFW is the first US airport to implement the process.
“One Stop Security is one of the most forward-thinking enhancements we can bring to international travel–and importantly, to our customers–as it delivers a level of convenience and time-savings that’s never been available before,” Seymour added.
The project also involves vendor partners BagCheck and Brock Solutions, who supported technology integration to ensure seamless baggage tracking and handoff.
Image: Eq Roy | Dreamstime.com
