Two American air carriers are now offering a unique, streamlined approach to the international travel process, called One Stop Security (OSS), that doesn’t require travelers with connecting flights to grab their luggage and go through a second security screening upon landing in another country.
American Airlines and Delta Air Lines will both begin OSS for select international inbound flights from London Heathrow Airport. American Airlines already began the new process with an inbound flight heading to Dallas Fort Worth, while Delta’s first OSS flight will arrive in Atlanta by the end of July.
The program was originally trialed in February of this year at London Heathrow with American Airlines flights. The program was created with collaboration between the U.S. TSA and U.K. Department for Transport.
“OSS agreements enable the avoidance of unnecessary duplication of security controls and increase the global sustainability of the aviation security system, and provide for a more straightforward transfer process for passengers and their belongings resulting in shorter connections, fewer missed connections and fewer missing bags at destination,” said the International Civil Aviation Organization, which has advocated for countries with similar security methods to begin offering smoother security options for travelers.
What does this mean for travelers?
Travelers on select flights on American and Delta to and from London Heathrow won’t be required to grab their bags when they land in their connection airport, or go through security a second time. Instead, they’ll be able to land at their connection airport and go directly to their next gate.
U.S. Travel President and CEO Geoff Freeman supports the new OSS program, saying, “One Stop Security is a smart, long-overdue step toward modernizing the travel experience, eliminating redundant screening, cutting connection times and unlocking more international air service.”
“Paired with stronger airport staffing, long-awaited air traffic control upgrades and the end of the shoe removal rule, this is real progress toward a world-class travel system just in time for America 250, the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympics,” continued Freeman. “But this momentum is undercut by the proposed $250 visitor visa fee—a move that sends the wrong message to travelers and undermines our global competitiveness.”
U.S. Travel’s Commission on Seamless and Secure Travel advocates for the TSA to create at least five international agreements within the next five years for more OSS programs.
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