Travelers connecting through U.S. airports on American Airlines in July 2025 are seeing big changes. The airline, in partnership with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), has launched new programs that let some passengers skip or speed up the usual customs line and security checks. These pilots, starting with select routes like London Heathrow to Dallas–Fort Worth and Sydney to Los Angeles, aim to make international travel faster and less stressful for eligible flyers.
American Airlines’ Gate-Side Immigration and Customs: A New Approach
The most talked-about change is the gate-side immigration and customs process for connecting passengers. This pilot began the week of July 18, 2025, on American Airlines flight 51 from London Heathrow to Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW). Instead of walking through the airport to find the customs line, passengers connecting to another flight stay at the arrival gate. Here, CBP officers set up a temporary processing area. Passengers are checked right at the Gate and, once cleared, can walk straight into the terminal to catch their next flight.
Key Features of the Gate-Side Pilot:
– No need to walk to the main customs hall or re-clear security at DFW.
– Checked baggage is automatically transferred to the connecting flight—passengers don’t have to claim or recheck their bags.
– Security screening done at London Heathrow is accepted; there’s no need to go through TSA security again at DFW.
– Currently for connecting passengers only—those ending their journey at DFW still follow the traditional process.
This approach is expected to cut connection times by more than half for eligible travelers. As reported by VisaVerge.com, these changes could greatly improve the experience for international passengers, especially those worried about missing tight connections.
International Remote Baggage Screening (IRBS): Making Bags Move Faster
Another major update is the International Remote Baggage Screening (IRBS) program, which started as a pilot on April 8, 2025, for flights from Sydney to Los Angeles (LAX). In the past, passengers arriving from overseas had to collect their checked bags in the customs hall, carry them through customs, and then recheck them for their next flight. This process often led to long waits and missed connections.
With IRBS, things are much simpler:
– Passengers clear CBP passport control after landing at LAX.
– No need to claim checked baggage in the customs hall or recheck it.
– Baggage screening is done remotely using advanced technology, so bags are automatically transferred to the next flight.
– Passengers go straight to the TSA checkpoint and then to their connecting flight.
This program is expected to expand to more cities and routes soon. The goal is to keep the process safe while making it much faster and easier for travelers.
TSA PreCheck Touchless ID: Faster, Contact-Free Security
For those who are members of American Airlines’ AAdvantage® program, there’s another new option: TSA PreCheck Touchless ID. Launched on May 29, 2025, at airports like Ronald Reagan Washington National, LaGuardia, Atlanta, and Salt Lake City, this program uses biometrics to verify a traveler’s identity.
Here’s how it works:
– Eligible AAdvantage® members opt in through their profile on the American Airlines website.
– At participating airports, travelers use a special TSA PreCheck lane.
– Biometric verification (matching a photo to passport, Global Entry, or visa records) replaces the need to show ID or boarding passes.
– The process is touchless and quick, helping travelers move through security faster.
Members must opt in each year and can leave the program at any time. This system is expected to expand to more airports soon.
Why These Changes Matter: The Old Way vs. The New Way
For years, international travelers connecting in the United States 🇺🇸 have faced a tough process. After landing, they had to:
– Stand in long immigration and customs lines.
– Collect checked bags, carry them through customs, and recheck them for the next flight.
– Go through TSA security again before heading to their connecting gate.
This often led to missed flights, stress, and confusion—especially for those with tight layovers or traveling with children or elderly family members.
The new pilots from American Airlines, CBP, and TSA aim to fix these problems. By cutting down on wait times, removing the need to handle checked bags, and offering touchless security, these programs make international travel smoother and less stressful.
Who Can Use These Programs?
It’s important to note that not all travelers are eligible for these new options. Here’s a breakdown:
- Gate-side immigration/customs skipping is only for connecting passengers on select flights, like London Heathrow to DFW.
- IRBS is currently available only on the Sydney to LAX route.
- TSA PreCheck Touchless ID is for AAdvantage® members who meet certain requirements and opt in.
Travelers ending their journey at DFW or LAX, or flying on other routes, still follow the traditional process. As these pilots expand, more passengers may become eligible.
How the New Processes Work: Step-by-Step
To help travelers understand what to expect, here’s a simple guide for each program:
Gate-Side Immigration/Customs (DFW Pilot)
1. Land at DFW on an eligible international flight (like from London Heathrow).
2. Stay in the gate area—don’t go to the main customs hall.
3. CBP officers process you at the gate.
4. Once cleared, walk directly into the terminal for your next flight.
5. Your checked bags are automatically moved to your connecting flight.
IRBS (SYD–LAX Pilot)
1. Arrive at LAX from Sydney.
2. Go through CBP passport control.
3. Skip baggage claim—your checked bags are handled remotely.
4. Proceed to the TSA checkpoint and then to your connecting flight.
TSA PreCheck Touchless ID
1. Opt in through your AAdvantage® profile on aa.com.
2. At participating airports, use the TSA PreCheck Touchless ID lane.
3. Biometric verification is done—no need to show ID or boarding pass.
4. Move quickly through security.
What Do Experts and Stakeholders Say?
Travel industry analysts see these pilots as a big step forward. They believe that making it easier to connect through U.S. airports will help American Airlines and other U.S. carriers compete with international hubs. As one analyst put it, “Cutting connection times and reducing stress for travelers is a win for everyone—airlines, airports, and passengers.”
Security experts, however, stress the need to keep strong screening in place. They point out that while new technology can speed things up, it’s important to protect travelers’ personal data and privacy, especially as biometric checks become more common.
Traveler advocacy groups are mostly supportive but want more information about who qualifies, how data is used, and when these programs will expand. They urge American Airlines and government agencies to be clear and open about the rules.
What Does This Mean for Travelers?
For those who qualify, these changes can make a huge difference:
– Shorter connection times mean less worry about missing flights.
– No need to handle checked bags between flights saves time and effort.
– Touchless security is faster and feels safer, especially in a post-pandemic world.
– Less stress overall, making international travel more appealing.
However, travelers should remember that these programs are still in the testing phase. Not every flight or airport is included, and rules may change as the pilots continue.
What’s Next? The Future of International Travel in the U.S.
If these pilots are successful, American Airlines and its partners plan to expand them to more routes and airports in late 2025 and 2026. This could mean that, in the near future, many more international travelers will be able to skip the customs line and breeze through security when connecting in the United States 🇺🇸.
The industry is also investing in more advanced technology, like better biometrics and smarter baggage handling. Airlines, CBP, and TSA are working together to make the process even smoother, while keeping security strong.
What Should Travelers Do Now?
If you’re planning to travel internationally on American Airlines and connect through the United States 🇺🇸, here are some steps to take:
– Check your eligibility for these new programs before you fly. Not all flights or passengers qualify.
– Visit the American Airlines website or contact their customer service for the latest updates.
– If you’re an AAdvantage® member, consider opting in to TSA PreCheck Touchless ID for faster security.
– Stay informed about changes, as these pilots may expand or change at any time.
For more details about trusted traveler programs and eligibility, you can visit the official CBP Trusted Traveler Programs page.
Official Resources and Contact Information
- American Airlines Newsroom: news.aa.com
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP): cbp.gov
- TSA PreCheck and Trusted Traveler Programs: tsa.gov | cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs
- AAdvantage® Program Information: aa.com/aadvantage
- Customer Service: American Airlines: 1-800-433-7300 | CBP INFO Center: 1-877-227-5511
Important Reminders and Caveats
- Eligibility is limited—not all travelers or flights are included in these pilots.
- Programs are in testing and may change or end based on results or security needs.
- Always check the latest information before you travel, as expansion is ongoing.
Background: Why Change Was Needed
The traditional customs and security process for international connectors in the United States 🇺🇸 has long been a source of frustration. Passengers often faced:
– Long lines at immigration and customs.
– The hassle of collecting and rechecking bags.
– The risk of missing connecting flights due to delays.
Airlines and airports have pushed for years to make things easier, especially as international travel picks up after the pandemic. The new pilots from American Airlines, CBP, and TSA are the latest step in this effort.
Industry Trends and Global Competition
Other countries have already made connecting easier for international travelers. For example, many European and Asian airports allow passengers to stay “airside” and skip customs when connecting. By adopting similar practices, American Airlines and U.S. airports hope to attract more international travelers and compete with major hubs like London Heathrow.
Security and Privacy: Balancing Speed and Safety
While these new programs are designed to speed up the process, security remains a top priority. All changes are made in close partnership with CBP and TSA, with no reduction in screening standards. The use of biometrics and remote baggage screening is carefully monitored to protect travelers’ privacy.
Traveler Stories: Real-Life Impact
Frequent international travelers have already noticed the difference. One passenger connecting from London Heathrow to Miami via DFW said, “I used to worry about missing my flight because of the customs line. This time, I was through in minutes and didn’t have to touch my bags. It made my trip so much easier.”
Another traveler using the Sydney to LAX route shared, “Not having to wait for my bags or recheck them was a huge relief. I made my connection with time to spare.”
Looking Ahead: What to Watch For
As these pilots continue, travelers should watch for:
– Announcements about new routes and airports joining the programs.
– Updates on eligibility and how to opt in.
– Feedback from travelers and advocacy groups about the experience and any concerns.
Conclusion: A New Era for International Connectors
The changes led by American Airlines, in partnership with CBP and TSA, mark a big shift in how international travelers move through U.S. airports. By letting some passengers skip the customs line and making security faster and touchless, these programs promise a smoother journey for many. While still in the early stages, the pilots have already shown that it’s possible to make international travel less stressful and more efficient—without giving up safety.
Travelers should stay informed, check their eligibility, and take advantage of these new options when available. As the pilots expand, even more people will be able to enjoy a faster, easier connection experience—whether flying from London Heathrow, Sydney, or beyond.
For the latest updates and official information, visit the CBP Trusted Traveler Programs page or the American Airlines website.
Learn Today
Gate-Side Immigration and Customs → A pilot allowing customs processing at the arrival gate, skipping main customs areas for connecting passengers.
International Remote Baggage Screening (IRBS) → A program enabling remote screening and transfer of checked bags without passenger claims during connections.
TSA PreCheck Touchless ID → Biometric security lane for AAdvantage® members using facial recognition to expedite airport security without showing ID.
AAdvantage® Program → American Airlines’ frequent flyer program offering benefits, including eligibility for TSA PreCheck Touchless ID.
CBP (Customs and Border Protection) → U.S. federal agency managing customs and border security, responsible for immigration and baggage screening.
This Article in a Nutshell
American Airlines, CBP, and TSA launched pilots in 2025 to reduce connection times by enabling gate-side customs and remote baggage screening, easing international travel stress with faster, touchless security processes for eligible passengers on selected U.S. airport routes.
— By VisaVerge.com
