American Airlines has started a new program called One Stop Security (OSS) at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. This program, which began in July 2025, is changing how international passengers connect to other flights in the United States 🇺🇸. For now, OSS is only available for travelers arriving from London Heathrow on American Airlines flights, but it could soon expand to other routes and airports. The main goal is to make connecting flights much faster and easier for international passengers.
What Is One Stop Security and Why Does It Matter?

One Stop Security is a new way for international travelers to move through Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) when connecting to another flight. Before OSS, passengers arriving from another country had to:
- Go through immigration and customs in a large hall
- Collect their checked bags
- Recheck their bags for the next flight
- Go through TSA security again before heading to their next gate
This process often took more than 90 minutes and caused many people to miss their connecting flights. Now, with OSS, passengers from London Heathrow land at a special gate at DFW, clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) right at the gate, and do not have to pick up or recheck their luggage. They also skip the extra TSA security check. This means they can go straight to their next flight, saving a lot of time and stress.
How Does OSS Work Step by Step?
Here’s what happens for passengers using One Stop Security at DFW:
- Arrival at DFW: Passengers from London Heathrow land at a designated OSS gate.
- Gate-Side Customs Clearance: U.S. CBP officers meet passengers at the gate. Travelers show their passports and answer any questions right there, instead of walking to the main immigration hall.
- No Baggage Claim or Recheck: Checked bags are automatically moved to the connecting flight. Passengers do not need to pick up or recheck their luggage.
- No Additional TSA Security: Since passengers already went through security at London Heathrow, they do not need to go through TSA screening again at DFW.
- Proceed to Next Flight: Passengers walk directly to their connecting gate, cutting connection times by more than half.
Why Is This Important for International Travelers?
For years, international passengers connecting in the United States 🇺🇸 have faced long lines, confusing steps, and missed flights. The old process was especially hard for families, elderly travelers, and people with tight schedules. OSS changes this by making the process much faster and easier. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, connection times that used to take 90 minutes or more can now be as short as 45 minutes.
Who Is Behind OSS?
The One Stop Security program is a team effort. American Airlines, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the U.K. Department for Transport (DfT) all work together to make OSS possible. Dallas Fort Worth International Airport has also invested in new infrastructure and systems to support the program.
David Seymour, Chief Operating Officer at American Airlines, said, “One Stop Security is one of the most forward-thinking enhancements we can bring to international travel — and importantly, to our customers — as it delivers a level of convenience and time-savings that’s never been available before to customers connecting from international flights.”
How Does OSS Keep Passengers Safe?
Some travelers may worry that skipping extra security checks could make flying less safe. However, security experts say OSS still meets all U.S. security standards. The program uses advanced technology and close cooperation between agencies to make sure every passenger is checked properly. The TSA and CBP have both approved the process, and the U.K. Department for Transport ensures that security checks at London Heathrow meet strict requirements.
What Makes OSS Different from Other Programs?
While some airports in Europe and Asia have similar “one-stop” transit programs, OSS is the first of its kind in the United States 🇺🇸. The program is specially designed to fit U.S. customs and security rules. For example, passengers still have to clear customs, but they do it right at the gate instead of in a crowded hall. Their bags are tracked and moved automatically, so there is no risk of lost luggage or missed connections due to baggage delays.
What Are the Benefits for Passengers?
The main benefits of OSS for travelers include:
- Faster Connections: Passengers can make tight connections that would have been impossible before.
- Less Stress: No need to wait in long lines for customs, baggage claim, or security.
- No Baggage Hassle: Checked bags are moved automatically to the next flight.
- More Reliable Travel: Fewer missed flights mean fewer delays and less time spent rebooking.
Passenger advocates say OSS could make U.S. airports more attractive for international travelers, especially compared to major hubs in Europe and Asia. Travel industry analysts have called OSS a “game-changer” for international-to-domestic connections.
How Does OSS Affect Dallas Fort Worth International Airport?
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, handling over 75 million passengers in 2024. By being the first to offer OSS, DFW positions itself as a leader in international travel innovation. The airport has invested in new technology and staff training to make OSS work smoothly. If the program is successful, DFW could become the top choice for international travelers connecting in the United States 🇺🇸.
What Does This Mean for American Airlines?
American Airlines operates more than 715,000 flights during the summer 2025 season. With OSS, the airline can offer faster and more reliable connections for thousands of passengers every day. This could help American Airlines compete with other major airlines and attract more international customers.
What About Other Airports and Routes?
Right now, OSS is only available for passengers arriving from London Heathrow to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport on American Airlines flights. However, American Airlines has said it plans to expand OSS to other routes and airports if the pilot program is successful. Possible future locations include other major U.S. hubs like Charlotte, Miami, and Chicago O’Hare, as well as more international origin points.
What Are the Challenges and Next Steps?
Expanding OSS to more airports and routes will require:
- More investment in airport infrastructure
- Approval from U.S. and foreign government agencies
- Training for staff and coordination between different organizations
American Airlines and its partners will review the results of the DFW pilot and decide on next steps later in 2025. If OSS proves successful, it could become the new standard for international connections in the United States 🇺🇸.
How Does OSS Impact Different Groups?
- International Travelers: OSS makes connecting flights in the United States 🇺🇸 much easier and faster, reducing missed flights and stress.
- Families and Elderly Passengers: The simpler process is especially helpful for those who may have trouble with long walks, heavy bags, or complicated airport procedures.
- Business Travelers: Faster connections mean less time wasted and more reliable schedules.
- Airlines: More efficient connections can lead to happier customers and fewer missed flights.
- Airports: Airports that offer OSS could attract more international travelers and become more competitive.
What Do Experts Say About OSS?
Travel industry experts believe OSS could change how people view U.S. airports. In the past, many travelers avoided connecting in the United States 🇺🇸 because of long lines and complicated procedures. With OSS, U.S. airports could become more popular for international connections, competing with major hubs in Europe and Asia.
Security experts also support OSS, saying that the program uses the latest technology and strict procedures to keep passengers safe. The close partnership between American Airlines, TSA, CBP, and the U.K. Department for Transport ensures that all rules are followed.
What Should Passengers Know Before Traveling?
If you are flying from London Heathrow to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport on American Airlines, you may be able to use OSS. Here are some tips:
- Check Your Eligibility: OSS is only available for certain flights. Check with American Airlines before you travel.
- Follow Instructions: When you land at DFW, follow signs and staff directions to the OSS gate.
- Have Your Documents Ready: You will still need to show your passport and answer questions from CBP officers.
- Enjoy a Faster Connection: After clearing customs at the gate, go straight to your next flight without picking up your bags or going through security again.
For the latest updates, visit the American Airlines Newsroom or contact American Airlines customer service.
How Can Other Travelers Benefit in the Future?
If OSS expands to more airports and routes, many more international travelers will benefit. Airports and airlines across the United States 🇺🇸 are watching the DFW pilot closely. If it works well, similar programs could appear at other major hubs, making travel easier for millions of people every year.
What Are the Official Resources for More Information?
- American Airlines Newsroom: news.aa.com
- Dallas Fort Worth International Airport: dfwairport.com
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection: cbp.gov
- TSA: tsa.gov
- For passenger questions:
- American Airlines Customer Service: 1-800-433-7300
- DFW Airport Customer Service: 972-973-3112
For official information about U.S. Customs and Border Protection procedures, visit the CBP website.
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
- One Stop Security is a major step forward for international travel in the United States 🇺🇸.
- The program is currently only for London Heathrow to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport on American Airlines flights.
- OSS cuts connection times by more than half, removes the need for baggage recheck, and skips extra security screening.
- The program keeps all security and customs standards in place through strong partnerships between agencies.
- If successful, OSS could expand to more airports and routes, making travel easier for millions.
- Travelers should check with American Airlines for the latest updates and eligibility.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the launch of OSS at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport could set a new standard for international connections in the United States 🇺🇸. With strong support from airlines, government agencies, and airports, OSS has the potential to make air travel faster, safer, and less stressful for everyone.
Travelers, airlines, and airports alike will be watching closely as the program develops. For now, those flying from London Heathrow to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport can enjoy a smoother, quicker connection thanks to One Stop Security. If the pilot succeeds, the future of international travel in the United States 🇺🇸 could look very different—and much easier—for everyone.
Learn Today
One Stop Security (OSS) → A program allowing international passengers to clear customs at arrival gate, skipping baggage claim and TSA recheck.
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) → A major U.S. airport serving as OSS pilot location for international passenger connections.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) → Federal agency responsible for customs and immigration inspection of international travelers at U.S. borders.
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) → U.S. agency overseeing security screening of passengers and baggage at airports.
London Heathrow (LHR) → Major UK international airport; origin for OSS passengers flying to Dallas Fort Worth.
This Article in a Nutshell
American Airlines launched One Stop Security at Dallas Fort Worth in 2025, cutting connection times for London Heathrow flights over 50%. Passengers skip baggage claim and extra TSA, clearing customs at the gate. This innovation simplifies travel, reduces missed flights, and could expand to more U.S. airports, reshaping international connections.
— By VisaVerge.com