Through the International Remote Baggage Screening passengers can now directly proceed to a TSA checkpoint and continue to their connecting flight
American Airlines, the largest airline in the world has partnered with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on a programme to provide a more enhanced customer experience for passengers travelling internationally while maintaining the highest levels of security.
In a press statement, American Airlines says that starting this week American Airlines, CBP and the Sydney Airport Authority, in Australia, 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 Airlines and CBP expect the new process to expand to other cities.
Gary Tomasulo
“We are excited to collaborate with CBP on this innovative initiative. By leveraging advanced technology and working with Sydney Airport and our vendor partners BagCheck and Brock Solutions, we are enhancing safety and security while streamlining the CBP baggage inspection process to make global travel smoother and more convenient for our customers,” says Gary Tomasulo, Vice President, Global Corporate Security, American Airlines.
The statement adds that through the International Remote Baggage Screening (IRBS), passengers arriving in the United States 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.
Diane J Sabatino
“As part of our innovation efforts in air travel, CBP is leveraging technology to enhance baggage inspections to further secure and streamline travel. The International Remote Baggage Screening initiative is a significant step forward in modernising our processes and providing a secure and seamless experience for international travellers,” Diane J Sabatino, Acting Executive Assistant Commissioner Office of Field Operations, US Customs and Border Protection.
According to the statement, the initiative is part of CBP’s broader Airport Modernisation Plan, which aims to improve security and traveller experiences through technological advancements at US Federal Inspection Stations (FIS).
“It is 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 US 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 modernise and streamline customs and border processing,” says Graham White, Head of Security, Sydney Airport.
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