American Airlines has become the first U.S. airline to fully launch the One Stop Security (OSS) process for international arrivals, starting July 17, 2025, at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. This move, made in partnership with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the UK Department for Transport (DfT), and DFW Airport, marks a major change in how international travelers connect to domestic flights in the United States 🇺🇸. The OSS process is currently available only for passengers arriving from London Heathrow on American Airlines flight AA51 and connecting onward at DFW, but plans for expansion are already underway.
A New Era for International Connections at DFW
For decades, international travelers arriving in the United States 🇺🇸 faced a time-consuming process when connecting to another domestic flight. After landing, passengers had to:
- Go through CBP passport control
- Collect their checked baggage
- Recheck their bags for the next flight
- Go through TSA security screening again before reaching their connecting gate
This process often led to long lines, missed connections, and frustration, especially at busy airports like Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. With the launch of OSS, American Airlines and its partners aim to change this experience for the better.
How the One Stop Security Process Works
The OSS process at DFW is designed to make international-to-domestic connections much easier and faster for eligible passengers. Here’s how it works for those arriving on American Airlines flight AA51 from London Heathrow:
- Passport Control at the Gate: Passengers clear U.S. passport control right at the arrival gate, instead of joining long lines at the main immigration hall.
- No Baggage Claim or Recheck: Checked bags are automatically transferred to the connecting domestic flight. Passengers do not need to collect or recheck their luggage.
- No TSA Security Re-Screening: Travelers do not have to go through TSA security again before boarding their next flight.
This streamlined process is currently limited to passengers connecting onward at DFW. Those whose final destination is Dallas-Fort Worth still follow the standard arrival procedures.
Why This Matters: Impact on Passengers and Airlines
The OSS process is a game changer for international travelers. According to American Airlines, connection times for eligible passengers are cut by more than 50%. This means less waiting, fewer missed flights, and a much smoother journey. David Seymour, Chief Operating Officer of American Airlines, called OSS a “game-changing program” that brings “unprecedented convenience and time savings for international travelers.”
For Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, OSS positions the hub as a leader in international transit efficiency. The airport can now attract more connecting passengers, boosting its status as a major gateway to the United States 🇺🇸. American Airlines also gains a competitive edge, especially for transatlantic routes, by offering a faster and easier connection experience than any other U.S. carrier.
Security Remains a Top Priority
Some travelers may wonder if skipping baggage claim and TSA security could weaken safety standards. Both CBP and TSA have made it clear that the OSS process meets all U.S. security requirements. The program uses advanced technology for baggage tracking and identity verification, provided by partners BagCheck and Brock Solutions. These systems ensure that all checked bags are screened and matched to the correct passenger, and that only eligible travelers use the OSS process.
TSA and CBP have both stated that security standards remain uncompromised. The OSS pilot at DFW is seen as a model for future international travel, balancing passenger convenience with strict safety protocols.
Technology Behind the Scenes
The success of OSS depends on reliable technology. BagCheck and Brock Solutions have developed systems that automate baggage transfers and track each bag’s journey from London to the final U.S. destination. This technology ensures that bags are screened, transferred, and delivered without the passenger needing to handle them during the connection.
Identity verification at the gate uses secure digital systems to confirm each passenger’s eligibility for OSS. This step is crucial to prevent unauthorized access and maintain the integrity of the process.
Industry Response and Other Airlines’ Plans
As of July 22, 2025, American Airlines is the only U.S. carrier offering the full OSS process. However, other airlines are watching closely and preparing their own versions:
- Delta Air Lines: Delta is working with federal agencies to develop a similar OSS protocol at its Atlanta hub for passengers arriving from London and connecting onward. No official launch date or detailed plans have been announced yet.
- International Precedents: The UK Department for Transport began allowing passengers arriving at Heathrow from Dallas-Fort Worth and Atlanta to skip security re-checks before connecting in London as of winter 2024–2025. This change saves travelers up to 45 minutes per connection.
- Other Collaborations: American Airlines is also working with Australia 🇦🇺 for a limited setup on the Sydney–LAX route, where checked bags are automatically transferred. However, passengers on this route must still clear TSA security in Los Angeles.
TSA and CBP are in ongoing talks with other countries to expand OSS-style protocols, but as of July 2025, no additional countries or airlines have officially joined the program.
What This Means for Travelers
For eligible passengers, the benefits of OSS are clear:
- Faster Connections: With no need to collect bags or go through security again, travelers can make tight connections with less stress.
- Reduced Missed Flights: Shorter connection times mean fewer missed flights, which is especially important for families, business travelers, and those with tight schedules.
- Better Experience: The simplified process leads to higher satisfaction and a more pleasant journey.
However, it’s important to note that OSS is currently limited to a specific flight and connection scenario. Travelers should check with American Airlines and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport for the latest updates and eligibility requirements.
Implications for Airports and the Industry
The launch of OSS at DFW sets a new standard for international-to-domestic connections in the United States 🇺🇸. Other airports and airlines are likely to follow suit, especially as technology and international agreements evolve. Airlines for America (A4A), the industry trade group, has welcomed these changes as a major step toward seamless and secure travel.
For airports, OSS offers a way to improve efficiency, attract more connecting passengers, and compete with major hubs in Europe and Asia. For airlines, it provides a selling point for international travelers choosing where to connect in the United States 🇺🇸.
Stakeholder Perspectives
- American Airlines: David Seymour, COO, highlights the convenience and time savings for travelers, calling OSS a “game-changing program.”
- TSA and CBP: Both agencies stress that security standards are fully maintained, and the OSS pilot serves as a model for future travel facilitation.
- Airlines for America (A4A): The trade group supports OSS as a step toward more seamless and secure travel experiences.
Looking Ahead: Expansion and Future Developments
American Airlines plans to expand OSS to more flights and hubs, but no specific routes or dates have been announced. Delta’s OSS trial at Atlanta is still in development, with more details expected later in 2025. TSA and CBP are negotiating with other countries to create similar agreements, and announcements are expected in late 2025.
Technology will continue to play a key role in the evolution of OSS. TSA is testing new features, such as facial recognition and possible changes to liquid restrictions, which could make the process even faster and easier in the future.
What Passengers Should Know
If you’re planning to travel internationally and connect through Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport on American Airlines, here’s what you need to know:
- Check Eligibility: OSS is currently available only for passengers arriving from London Heathrow on flight AA51 and connecting onward at DFW.
- Follow Instructions: Eligible passengers will clear passport control at the gate and do not need to collect or recheck their bags.
- No Extra Security Screening: You will not need to go through TSA security again before your connecting flight.
- Stay Informed: Check the latest updates from American Airlines and DFW Airport, as the program may expand to more flights and routes in the future.
For official information about airport security and travel requirements, visit the TSA’s official website.
Challenges and Considerations
While OSS offers many benefits, there are still challenges to address:
- Limited Scope: The program is currently limited to one flight and connection scenario. Expanding to more routes will require new agreements and technology upgrades.
- International Cooperation: Successful OSS expansion depends on cooperation between airlines, airports, and government agencies in multiple countries.
- Security Assurance: Maintaining high security standards is essential to gain public trust and meet regulatory requirements.
Expert Analysis and Industry Trends
Analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests that the OSS process could reshape the way international travel works in the United States 🇺🇸. By reducing friction for connecting passengers, U.S. airports can compete more effectively with major hubs in Europe and Asia. The move also aligns with global trends toward seamless, technology-driven travel experiences.
Other countries are watching the U.S. OSS pilot closely. If successful, similar models could be adopted worldwide, making international travel faster and less stressful for millions of people.
Practical Tips for Travelers
- Arrive Prepared: Make sure you have all required travel documents and check your eligibility for OSS before your trip.
- Monitor Flight Information: Stay updated on any changes to your flight or connection process by checking with American Airlines and DFW Airport.
- Ask for Help: If you’re unsure about the OSS process, ask airline staff or airport personnel for guidance.
Conclusion: A Step Toward Seamless International Travel
The launch of the One Stop Security process at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport marks a major step forward in making international travel easier and more efficient. American Airlines, working with U.S. and UK authorities, has set a new standard for connecting passengers. While the program is still in its early stages, the potential for expansion is clear.
Travelers can look forward to shorter connection times, less hassle, and a better overall experience. As more airlines and airports adopt OSS-style processes, the future of international travel looks brighter and more convenient for everyone.
For the latest updates and official information, travelers should visit the TSA’s website and check with American Airlines and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. As the OSS program grows, it promises to bring even greater benefits to international travelers, airlines, and airports across the United States 🇺🇸 and beyond.
Learn Today
One Stop Security (OSS) → A streamlined international-to-domestic security process allowing faster connections by skipping baggage claim and TSA rescreening.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) → U.S. government agency responsible for border security and immigration enforcement at airports and borders.
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) → Federal agency that manages security screening for all transportation modes, including airports, in the U.S.
Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) → Major U.S. airport implementing OSS to improve international flight connections and passenger processing.
Identity Verification → Technology-based process confirming passenger identity to ensure security and eligibility for one-stop security programs.
This Article in a Nutshell
American Airlines introduces One Stop Security at Dallas-Fort Worth Airport for flight AA51 from London. This process streamlines international to domestic connections, reducing wait times and avoiding baggage claim and TSA rescreening. The technology-driven system enhances passenger convenience and security, setting a new benchmark for U.S. airports and airlines.
— By VisaVerge.com
