Rechecking bags for connecting flights is over as American Airlines extends One Stop Security to Dallas/Fort Worth Airport
July 23, 2025
American Airlines is the first carrier to launch One Stop Security (OSS) at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). This new security process enables international passengers on qualifying flights to expedite their connections.
One Stop Security (OSS) is made possible through a collaboration with the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA), US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the UK Department for Transport (DfT). The program aims to reduce connection times and simplify the arrival process for travellers continuing to another US destination.
Instead of claiming their checked baggage and rechecking it after US Customs, eligible travellers arriving from Heathrow can proceed directly to their connecting flight. Checked bags transfer to the next flight automatically, and passengers do not need to undergo TSA security screening again at DFW.
“This is a significant change in the arrival experience for international travellers connecting through DFW,” said David Seymour, Chief Operating Officer at American Airlines. “By integrating customs clearance at the gate and eliminating the need for rechecking bags or going through TSA again, we are reducing the number of steps in the connection process.”
American Airlines One Stop Security trial at London Heathrow
Before its launch in the US, American Airlines tested the One Stop Security program in the UK. In February, American Airlines began a pilot program in partnership with the TSA and DfT that allowed travellers flying from DFW to connect through LHR to other international destinations without undergoing a second round of security screening.
Passengers connecting in Terminals 3 or 5 at Heathrow were eligible, provided their flights met the screening standards outlined in the program. For example, passengers connecting on flights to other UK destinations and Ireland were ineligible to participate.
This pilot helped the airline and airport assess the operational requirements and regulatory approvals needed for future expansion.
One Stop Security technology and infrastructure requirements
The success of OSS depends on the participating parties’ mutual trust of security practices. Technology systems must maintain a secure chain of custody for passengers and luggage.
American Airlines uses platforms developed by two technology partners:
- BagCheck, a baggage-handling system that uses artificial intelligence and secure integrations to track checked bags across customs and border checkpoints.
- Brock Solutions, whose SmartSuite system provides real-time operational oversight of passenger and baggage flows. It is currently used at several major international airports and by other global airlines.
These systems ensure bags are correctly routed to connecting flights and passenger transfers meet regulatory requirements.
Implementing OSS also requires coordination between airport operators and government agencies to meet infrastructure, process, and legal standards.
Global One Stop Security initiatives
According to Airports Council International (ACI), which has been promoting OSS adoption for many years, OSS offers potential benefits such as shorter connection times and reduced costs associated with duplicative screening.
“With increased global traffic numbers expecting to reach 9.4 billion by the end of 2024, the consideration for airports wishing to implement One-Stop Security measures can provide more pleasant passenger experiences while improving security operations,” ACI states.
However, adopting OSS also presents challenges for airports:
- Infrastructure: Airports may have to redesign arrival areas to keep passengers with OSS separate from those who require screening.
- Operational Costs: Adjustments may include physical modifications, updated signage, and adjustments to staffing levels.
- Regulatory Compliance: In the US, all passengers must clear customs and immigration, which adds complexity to OSS arrangements. Passengers must still be formally admitted to the country, even if their baggage remains within a controlled environment.
OSS is currently only available in a few countries. The EU has implemented OSS across its airports over the past few years.
The US and Canada have implemented One Stop Security measures between airports. This year, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will test the One-Stop Security program at six international airports.
Japan and Singapore have implemented One-Stop Security measures, but OSS implementation in the Asia-Pacific region is still limited.
American Airlines says it will monitor performance and explore expansion of OSS to additional international gateways and other US airports.
Internationally, OSS’s future expansion will depend on continued collaboration between airlines, airport operators, and national authorities.
