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One Stop Security: US TSA Pilots Streamlined Terminal Security for Air Passengers

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The United States Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is set to introduce a pilot program, One Stop Security (OSS), which will significantly reduce the time spent by air passengers on connecting flights in the US. Starting this month, travellers flying from London Heathrow airport to Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW) with connecting journeys will be able to clear US Customs at the arrival gate, directly boarding their next flight without the need to reclaim and recheck their hold luggage or clear security again. This innovative approach is a partnership between the TSA, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the UK Department for Transport (DfT).

Key Takeaways:

  • The One Stop Security (OSS) pilot program aims to streamline terminal security steps for air passengers on connecting flights in the US.
  • Passengers flying from London Heathrow to Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW) with connecting journeys will clear US Customs at the arrival gate, directly boarding their next flight.
  • American Airlines is the first US airline to pilot the scheme on select routes at DFW, with Delta passengers also trialling OSS on routes from Heathrow to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
  • Travellers in Global Entry or with the Mobile Passport Control app will be able to bypass TSA screening.
  • Registration in Global Entry requires a background check by the UK government (£42) and the US government (£90), followed by an in-person interview, with a validity period of five years.
  • The introduction of OSS in the US follows a successful pilot in February for travellers connecting to international destinations from London Heathrow.
  • TSA deputy administrator Adam Stahl stated that OSS could be expanded to other airports in the next month.

Statistics:

  • The new process is expected to cut airport connection times by "more than half" (according to American Airlines).
  • Travellers transferred to the connecting flight are not required to clear US Customs again.
  • Registration in Global Entry costs a total of £132 for British passengers (£42 for the UK background check and £90 for the US background check).

Sources:

  • The Independent: "New security line introduced at airports to ease travel for families travelling with children"
  • The New York Times: "US Airlines Test New Security System to Make International Travel Easier"
  • Fox News Digital: "New security system for air travel: What you need to know"

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