International air travel gets a makeover with the US introducing 'One Stop Security', a new initiative aimed at simplifying and expediting the airport security process.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has initiated a new pilot program called 'One Stop Security' (OSS), aiming to make the journey for international travellers faster and more efficient. The program, which began with two flights departing from London Heathrow International Airport in July 2021, is a significant step towards smarter, connected processes for all U.S. airports and airlines.
The OSS program enables passengers from select foreign airports, including London, to bypass a second security screening and luggage recheck upon arrival in the U.S. This is made possible through additional screening at foreign airports, thereby removing the need for it to be repeated in the U.S. Checked baggage is transferred straight to the final destination under the OSS program.
The program allows passengers to go directly to the sterile area after CBP inspection. This is a welcome development for all travellers, including business passengers and tourists. David Seymour, American Airlines' Chief Operating Officer, considers OSS as one of the most forward-thinking enhancements for international travel.
Adam Stahl, the TSA's acting deputy administrator, stated that OSS is intended to "streamline the passenger journey while bolstering aviation security". Only airports that meet certain standards will qualify to participate in the OSS program. The TSA conducts rigorous threat screening and monitoring at the final point of departure airport to ensure a commensurate level of security.
The U.S. airports participating in the OSS pilot program are Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (American Airlines) and Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (Delta Air Lines). One flight was operated by American Airlines flying to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, and the other by Delta Air Lines to Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
The collaboration between the TSA, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the United Kingdom made the program possible. APEX Group CEO Dr Joe Leader characterizes the OSS collaboration as a benchmark moment for U.S. aviation, highlighting the convergence of policy and technology.
It's worth noting that the OSS program is not the first initiative by the TSA to make traveling easier. Programs such as "Serve with Honour, Travel with Ease" and "Families on the Fly" focus on veterans and their families, and ensuring priority lanes for families at security checkpoints and offering discounted TSA PreCheck, respectively.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem considered the OSS program a top priority. TSA lists several benefits of the OSS program, including no second screening upon arrival in the U.S., which should cut costs and advance "President Trump's vision for a new golden age of American travel".
In underscoring the importance of OSS, Dr Leader emphasized that the program lays the groundwork for all U.S. airports and airlines seeking smarter, connected processes. The OSS program is a significant step towards modernizing air travel and improving the overall experience for international travellers.
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