US connections after some international flights to get a lot easier—The Points Guy
Traveling internationally can be exciting, but let’s be honest—navigating layovers and security checks can be a hassle. If you’ve ever missed a connecting flight because of a lengthy security screening after customs, you’re not alone. But here’s some good news: a new pilot program called One-Stop Security is set to make international flight connections smoother and faster. Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to understand and might just make your next trip a lot less stressful.
What’s the Problem with Current International Connections?
Imagine this: You’ve just landed in the U.S. after an international flight. You clear customs, grab your luggage, recheck it, and then—yep, you guessed it—you have to go through security again before catching your connecting flight. This process can eat up precious time, especially if you have a tight layover.
Lauryn Brittney, a traveler from Pittsburgh, experienced this firsthand. On her way back from Los Cabos, Mexico, she missed her connecting flight in Atlanta because of the lengthy security process after customs. “I didn’t think a 90-minute layover would be an issue,” she said. But the extra screening made all the difference.
This isn’t just an inconvenience for travelers; it’s also a headache for airports and airlines. Geoff Freeman, CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, calls the current system “ridiculously inefficient.”
Enter One-Stop Security: A Game-Changer for Travelers
The One-Stop Security program aims to simplify this process. Here’s how it works:
- Screening at Departure Airports: Instead of going through security again after customs, passengers will be screened just once—at their initial departure airport.
- No More Baggage Rechecks: Travelers won’t have to collect and recheck their luggage during layovers.
- Faster Connections: By cutting out these extra steps, passengers can save up to 30–40 minutes, making it easier to catch connecting flights.
This program is already being tested at select airports, including Dallas-Fort Worth International and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, for flights to and from the United Kingdom. The goal is to expand it to more airports and routes soon.
Why This Matters for Travelers
- Less Stress, More Time: With One-Stop Security, you won’t have to rush through customs and security during layovers. This means more time to relax, grab a coffee, or even explore the airport.
- Fewer Missed Flights: By streamlining the process, the program reduces the risk of missing connecting flights due to delays.
- A Better Travel Experience: As aviation analyst Henry Harteveldt puts it, “Passengers should be able to spend less time between flights, have a smoother connection, and experience less hassle.”
How Does One-Stop Security Compare to Preclearance?
You might be wondering how this differs from the preclearance program already in place at some airports in Canada, the Caribbean, Ireland, and the UAE. In preclearance, passengers go through U.S. customs and security before boarding their flight, allowing them to skip these steps upon arrival.
One-Stop Security takes a similar approach but focuses on streamlining connections within the U.S. It’s designed to make the process smoother for travelers who are catching domestic flights after arriving from an international destination.
What’s Next for One-Stop Security?
While the program is still in its pilot phase, the results so far are promising. Airlines like American Airlines, British Airways, Delta, and Virgin Atlantic are already participating. Delta has reported that One-Stop Security has cut connection times at London’s Heathrow Airport by 30–40 minutes.
However, there are challenges to expanding the program. U.S. airports aren’t currently designed to separate international arrivals and connecting passengers before they reach customs. Additionally, implementing the program nationwide would require more staffing and resources.
Despite these hurdles, the U.S. Travel Association is optimistic. “It’s incredibly good news for travelers,” said Tori Emerson Barnes, a spokesperson for the group.
Tips for Travelers in the Meantime
While we wait for One-Stop Security to roll out more widely, here are a few tips to make your international connections smoother:
- Allow Plenty of Time: Even with streamlined processes, it’s always better to have a buffer. Aim for layovers of at least 2 hours.
- Check Your Airport: If you’re flying through Dallas-Fort Worth or Atlanta, you might already benefit from the pilot program.
- Stay Informed: Keep an eye on updates from your airline and the TSA to see if One-Stop Security is available on your route.
Final Thoughts
One-Stop Security is a step in the right direction for making international travel more efficient and less stressful. While it’s still in the early stages, the potential benefits for travelers are clear: fewer delays, less hassle, and more time to enjoy your journey.
So, the next time you’re planning an international trip, keep an eye out for this program. It might just make your layover a whole lot easier. Safe travels!
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