American Airlines announced today that it is partnering with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on a ground breaking program to provide a more seamless and enhanced customer experience for passengers traveling internationally while maintaining the highest levels of security.
This new program, along with One Stop Security which launched for the airline in February, is part of American’s ongoing effort to reimagine the international travel experience for its customers.
Through International Remote Baggage Screening (IRBS), passengers arriving in the U.S. from select international airports will no longer have to claim their checked baggage in the CBP Customs Hall and recheck it with American for their connecting flight. Instead, after clearing CBP Passport Control, passengers will proceed directly to a TSA checkpoint and then will continue to their connecting flight. 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.
Starting this week, American Airlines, CBP and the Sydney Airport Authority will begin piloting this new initiative on the airline’s daily flight from Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Both American and CBP expect the new process to expand to other cities.
“As part of our innovation efforts in air travel, CBP is leveraging technology to enhance baggage inspections to further secure and streamline travel,” said Acting Executive Assistant Commissioner Office of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection 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 travellers.”
Graham White, Head of Security at Sydney Airport, said, “It’s fantastic to support American Airlines and CBP on this initiative, which represents a significant, positive shift in terms of the experience for passengers transiting through U.S. ports. Our top priorities are safety, efficiency and service, and through this collaboration we can achieve all three. We look forward to successfully launching this pilot which is a great example of how technology can modernize and streamline customs and border processing.”
The initiative is part of CBP’s broader Airport Modernization Plan, which aims to improve security and traveller experiences through technological advancements at U.S. Federal Inspection Stations (FIS). This collaboration represents a significant milestone in CBP’s efforts to safeguard national security while facilitating efficient travel for U.S. citizens, trusted travellers and international visitors alike.