The Fort Worth-based airline will test the new baggage screening process for some international flights this week and expects to expand it.
The Fort Worth-based airline will test the new baggage screening process for some international flights this week and expects to expand it.
The Fort Worth-based airline will test the new baggage screening process for some international flights this week and expects to expand it.
FORT WORTH, Texas — Tired of re-checking bags for connecting flights on international trips? A new baggage screening process being piloted by Fort Worth-based American Airlines could change that.
The airline is partnering with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on the new baggage screening process using International Remote Baggage Screening.
The new process being piloted allows for passengers arriving in the U.S. from certain international airports to go straight to a TSA checkpoint after clearing CBP passport control and continue to their connecting flight, rather than having to claim their checked bags in the CBP Customs Hall and re-check them with American for their connecting flight, according to a press release.
“Designed to reduce connection times and improve the overall travel experience, IRBS leverages advanced technology to modernize the baggage screening process so it can be done remotely. The initiative does not change any existing screening requirements,” American Airlines says.
It’s not available at DFW Airport – at least not yet.
The program is being piloted on American’s daily flight from the Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport in Australia to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) this week. American says they expect to expand the new process to other cities.
“We are excited to collaborate with CBP on this innovative initiative,” said Gary Tomasulo, Vice President of Global Corporate Security at American. “By leveraging advanced technology and working with Sydney Airport and our vendor partners BagCheck and Brock Solutions, we are enhancing safety and security while streamlining the CBP baggage inspection process to make global travel smoother and more convenient for our customers.”
The initiative is part of CBP’s airport modernization plan, which aims to improve security and traveler experiences via technological advancements at U.S. Federal Inspection Stations (FIS).
“As part of our innovation efforts in air travel, CBP is leveraging technology to enhance baggage inspections to further secure and streamline travel,” said CBP Acting Executive Assistant Commissioner, Office of Field Operations Diane J. Sabatino. “The International Remote Baggage Screening initiative is a significant step forward in modernizing our processes and providing a secure and seamless experience for international travelers.”