"Fully Automated from Curb to Gate" TSA Is Planning Sweeping Airport Security Changes

Airport security changes have been happening at a rapid pace, and they don’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon.

TSA lines at MCO

Air travel inherently has some complicated or taxing procedures that can turn folks off from flying. Often, a major deterrent can be the invasive and time-consuming security process. However, according to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), some big security changes are on the horizon that will make the airport experience much smoother.

Per the TSA, a new One Stop Security (OSS) program is being implemented to minimize the need for security screening and reduce connecting times/hassle.

London Heathrow Security

The OSS program allows passengers arriving in the U.S. from international airports to bypass an additional TSA screening if they are trying to catch connecting flights. In July, American Airlines and Delta Air Lines already partnered with TSA to get the ball rolling at London’s Heathrow International Airport.

As the United States prepares for a significant boost from international travel due to the upcoming Olympics and FIFA World Cup events, it makes sense that the TSA is reevaluating security processes.

London Heathrow Airport

Per several reports, eligible passengers can bypass the standard TSA checkpoint and customs screening upon arrival in the U.S. and proceed directly to their connecting flights. Your checked baggage will automatically be transferred to the connecting flight. Eligibility varies, but Delta, for example, is limiting OSS benefits to passengers with Global Entry or Mobile Passport Control.

We’ve seen the effects already take place domestically at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, and more international airports are expected to be included in the program fairly soon.

Always check the rules before you get to security!

When asked by Fox News, TSA Deputy Administrator Adam Stahl elaborated that he expects the airline checkpoint process “to be fully automated from curb to gate” for Americans over the next three years. Stahl anticipated the process to be “fully frictionless”, “fully automated”, and “tech-enabled.”