American and Delta introduce ‘One Stop Security’ on some Heathrow flights

Anyone who has ever taken a connecting international flight to or from the US will know that the experience is woeful.

Unlike the UK, the US insists that all passengers – no matter whether you are staying in the US or not – get off the plane, clear immigration, re-check your bags and go through security again.

It’s a painful experience and one you’re unlikely to try again once you’ve had the misfortune of experiencing it.

Fortunately, they are starting to do something about it.

Under the ‘One Stop Security’ program, the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are introducing seamless connections for some travellers.

For now, the new streamlined service is only available on flights from Heathrow to Dallas Fort Worth (on American Airlines) and Atlanta (on Delta Air Lines flights).

Instead of going through the palaver I described above, any connecting passengers will now clear US customs at the gate and be able to head straight to their connecting flight. You won’t need to recheck your baggage or clear security again.

According to American, this will cut connection times in half.

Rollout of One Stop Security is likely to be a long process. With just two routes offered for now, it will clearly be of limited benefit to most travellers – but if you’re lucky enough to be on one of those flights, your life just got easier.