Travelers connecting from London Heathrow to the United States ?? will see connection times drop by more than half starting July 28, 2025, thanks to the new One Stop Security (OSS) program. This major change removes the need for passengers to reclaim and recheck baggage or pass through a second security screening, making international travel much faster and easier.
The OSS pilot began in February 2025, focusing on select flights between London Heathrow and major U.S. hubs. Right now, OSS covers all five daily American Airlines flights from Heathrow to Dallas Fort Worth and all three daily Delta flights to Atlanta. According to American Airlines and the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA), OSS is expected to cut connection times by over 50%, with some connections now possible in under an hour.
How One Stop Security Works
- Pre-screening: Passengers and their checked bags are fully screened at London Heathrow to meet U.S. TSA standards.
- Arrival in the U.S.:
- American Airlines (DFW): Passengers clear U.S. Customs at the arrival gate and go straight to their next flight—no baggage claim or TSA recheck. Bags are automatically transferred.
- Delta (ATL): Passengers skip baggage claim, but only those with Global Entry or the Mobile Passport Control app can bypass TSA screening. Others must still go through a TSA checkpoint.
- Baggage: Checked bags are routed directly to the final destination, so travelers don’t handle them during connections.
Who Is Eligible?
- OSS currently applies to American Airlines (LHR–DFW) and Delta Air Lines (LHR–ATL) flights departing from Heathrow Terminal 3.
- For Delta, only travelers with Global Entry or Mobile Passport Control can fully skip TSA screening in Atlanta.
- All travelers to the United Kingdom ?? must have an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), which costs £10 (about $13) and is required before travel. Apply for the ETA on the official UK government site.
Industry and Government Support
TSA Deputy Administrator Adam Stahl called OSS “a common sense security approach,” and American Airlines COO David Seymour described it as “one of the most forward-thinking enhancements” for international travel. The U.S. Travel Association’s president, Geoff Freeman, praised OSS as a “long-overdue step” that will help modernize travel ahead of big events like the 2026 World Cup.
What This Means for Travelers
- Faster Connections: Most travelers can now make tight connections in less than an hour.
- Less Stress: No more waiting for bags or standing in long security lines.
- Sustainability: Fewer people in security lines means less congestion and lower airport emissions.
- Trusted Traveler Programs: For full OSS benefits on Delta, enroll in Global Entry or use the Mobile Passport Control app.
Limitations and Next Steps
OSS is currently limited to select routes and airlines, but expansion is planned. Delta passengers without Global Entry or Mobile Passport Control must still clear TSA security in Atlanta. Policy details may change, so travelers should check with their airline before flying.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, OSS is set to become a new standard for transatlantic travel, making journeys between London Heathrow and the United States ?? smoother and faster for many passengers.
Learn Today
One Stop Security (OSS) → A program that allows passengers to clear all security and customs requirements at the origin airport.
Global Entry → A U.S. government program allowing expedited clearance for pre-approved travelers entering the U.S.
Mobile Passport Control → A U.S. app enabling quicker customs processing for eligible passengers at select airports.
TSA → Transportation Security Administration, U.S. agency responsible for airport security screening procedures.
Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) → A mandatory pre-travel electronic authorization for entry into the United Kingdom.
This Article in a Nutshell
From July 2025, One Stop Security cuts connection times over 50% at Heathrow. American Airlines passengers avoid rechecking bags, passing customs at the gate for quicker US connections. Delta flight travelers benefit if enrolled in Global Entry or Mobile Passport. OSS enhances airport flow, easing travel stress and shortening layovers.
— By VisaVerge.com
