American Airlines is changing the way people travel internationally. It has become the first airline in the United States to introduce a new program called One Stop Security (OSS) which is a system designed to make international connections faster, easier, and less stressful for travelers.
What Is One Stop Security?
Normally, when you fly into the U.S. from another country and then take another flight, you have to:
•Go through the U.S. Customs,
•Pick up your checked bags,
•Re-check them for your next flight, and
•Go through Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security screening again.
This takes a lot of time and can be stressful especially if your connecting flight is soon.
But with One Stop Security, all of that changes, here’s how it works:
•When you arrive at DFW from London, you clear the U.S. Customs right at the gate.
•You do not need to pick up your bags — they go directly to your next flight.
•You do not have to go through the TSA again.
•You simply walk to your connecting gate and board your next flight.
The airline has partnered with the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the U.K. Department for Transport (DfT) to launch the new process for travelers flying from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). This is a major step forward in improving the travel experience for passengers coming into the United States.
According to American Airlines, this change could cut connection times by more than half, and it’s all done while still following strict safety and security rules.
“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 to customers connecting from international flights,” said David Seymour, Chief Operating Officer at American Airlines.
The airline worked with technology companies BagCheck and Brock Solutions to help make the system run smoothly. These companies provided tools to help track bags and ensure they are safely moved from one plane to another, without the need for passengers to handle them during transit.
DFW Airport also played a key role by investing in the necessary infrastructure and systems to support this new process. This allowed the airport to handle international arrivals in a new way while still keeping security at the highest level.
Earlier this year, American tested the OSS program in London for flights connecting to non-U.K. destinations. That trial was successful, and now the airline has taken the next step by bringing the system to the United States making it the first airline to do so.
This move shows how government agencies and the airline industry can work together to improve the passenger journey without reducing safety. Both the TSA and CBP were closely involved in designing and approving the new process, and their support was critical in making the project a reality.
American Airlines plans to expand One Stop Security to more routes and airports in the future. If successful, this could become a new standard for international travel giving passengers more time to relax and less time waiting in lines or handling luggage.
Shahriena Shukri is a journalist covering business and economic news in Malaysia, providing insights on market trends, corporate developments, and financial policies. More about Shahriena Shukri.
