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This was posted a few weeks back on HfP – https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/08/14/aa-and-delta-introduce-one-stop-security/ but I’d just missed a chance to experience it by heading out LHR->DFW->BTR a couple of weeks to early. So today I got another shot at it and was able to try out this new streamlined process.
Technically I’ve not completed the process yet as I’m sat in the DFW AA Flagship Lounge waiting for my BTR flight (weirdly my luggage is on an earlier flight and will get there a couple of hours before me), I normally build in a fair stop at DFW doing this trip as I’ve seen a 3hr layover vanish in the past with a combination of both immigration and then customs (~90mins to get out of the baggage hall on one occasion!). If this new process sticks around I’ll feel more comfortable with a much shorter layover.
It was very smooth and saved me a lot of time. After leaving the plane (which I think has to be AA51 and has to come in at one of two gates at the moment, we arrived at D23) we made our way up the jet bridge just like before and headed to the immigration hall. Just before you cross the bridge into the immigration hall they divide into two lanes, one for terminating passengers and one for connecting passengers. This is done with a bunch of tensa-barriers and a _lot_ of people. There seem to be a lot of spectators to this process, perhaps checking in on how it is working out. There are also a lot of helpers in high-vis bibs making sure you’re in the right lane and have your passport to hand.
I followed the right lane into the connecting passengers route which still goes into the immigration hall, but to specific kiosks immediately on the right as you enter. A couple for international passports and one for US passports.. As I was deplaning from near the pointy end (12A) there was a queue of about 2 or 3 and I hardly had to wait – I guess it’ll depend on how many pax are connecting too. Very quickly I was though and confusingly had to double back almost the way I’d came and into a stairwell area. There were lots of helpers pointing out where to go and offering to hit the elevator button, but I took there stairs. There were helpers on the stairs too. Then I emerged on the terminal D concourse. I think I was in the lounge before my luggage was offloaded. The AA app is now showing my luggage has been loaded onto a BTR flight, so is apparently checked all the way through without my involvement.
I’d say this process is very smooth, but seems quite temporary at the moment in terms of routing through the airport and the sheer number of incredibly friendly helpers. Fingers crossed it sticks around as I’ve got a few more trips to Baton Rouge coming up.
Interesting read, thanks for posting.
I’m intrigued they allowed bags to fly ahead of you. That’s a security no-no in most scenarios.
Given bags get re screened it isn’t the issue it once was.
As to the large amount of staff it may just be an abundance of caution to make sure people don’t end up in the wrong queue or part of the airport
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