One-Stop Security Takes Off: American Launches Next-Gen Travel Experience at DFW
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American Airlines has launched its One-Stop Security (OSS) program in partnership with the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA), US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the UK Department for Transport (DfT).
The program enables eligible passengers that have flown from London Heathrow Airport and are connecting through Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) to bypass TSA re-screening, meaning their checked bags are automatically transferred to the connecting flight.
Best Practice Shapes US Implementation
Integrated passenger screening across connecting flights is commonplace in Europe, where airports and government agencies coordinate identity validation and risk assessments to eliminate redundant checkpoints. US aviation stakeholders, including the TSA and US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), studied these models and adapted elements to fit the U.S. regulatory environment.
Future Travel Experience (FTE) contributed to the industry dialogue around these concepts. According to FTE Chief Operating Officer Ryan Ghee, OSS reflects the outcome of sustained collaboration and cross-border knowledge exchange.
“This advancement implements best practices discussed and shared at FTE Global between the TSA, CBP, and key industry stakeholders,” he explained. “Seeing those insights transition into real-world operations led by American Airlines at DFW demonstrates the power of cross-industry collaboration.”
DFW Serves as Launchpad
In July, the pilot program launched at gate D40 in DFW’s Terminal D. Passengers arriving on select American Airlines flights receive prior notification of eligibility. After disembarking, those travelers pass through a dedicated biometric verification lane that confirms completion of TSA screening at their origin airport. Once authenticated, they continue into the sterile terminal area without further checkpoint interaction.
American Airlines Chief Operating Officer David Seymour emphasized that while the airline currently leads the implementation, the program holds significance for the broader industry.
“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,” said David Seymour, Chief Operating Officer at American.
“With this game-changing program and thanks to our federal partners at CBP and TSA, along with DFW Airport, our customers will spend significantly less time worrying about an onerous connection process and more time enjoying their travel journey.”
Where Policy and Technology Converge
Biometric identity confirmation, encrypted screening validation, and interagency data coordination underpin the One-Stop Security process. TSA’s risk-based screening philosophy provided the policy structure, while American Airlines and technology partners built operational systems to meet those federal standards.
Implementing this process involved aligning diverse systems across government agencies, airlines, and airport operators. The integration enables a traveler’s screening status to securely transfer from their origin airport to their connection point without requiring a second physical checkpoint.
APEX Group CEO Dr. Joe Leader characterized the collaboration as a benchmark moment for U.S. aviation.
“U.S. CBP, TSA, and American Airlines have demonstrated how a thoughtful blend of policy and technology can elevate both security and traveler ease,” Dr. Leader stated. “One-Stop Security lays the groundwork for all U.S. airports and airlines seeking smarter, connected processes.”
FTE Global 2025 Will Spotlight Key Learnings
These early results and operational insights from the pilot will be discussed at FTE Global 2025, scheduled for September 9 to 11 in Los Angeles, California. The global forum convenes senior airline executives, government leaders, and technology partners to evaluate the latest advancements in passenger experience and airport operations.
Efficiency Across the Ecosystem
By eliminating redundant screening procedures for low-risk travelers, One-Stop Security improves passenger flow, reduces TSA checkpoint volumes, and unlocks efficiencies for all stakeholders. TSA officers can focus resources on higher-risk passengers. Airports manage throughput more effectively. Airlines gain greater control over flight connectivity and schedule adherence.
For travelers, the benefits extend beyond speed. Clearer wayfinding, shorter queues, and fewer stress points collectively improve journey satisfaction. A smoother transfer process creates a more seamless end-to-end experience.
Positioning for Single-Token Travel
One-Stop Security complements the broader movement toward single-token travel. This emerging model leverages a verified digital identity to enable a traveler’s progression through every checkpoint, from check-in and bag drop to boarding and arrival, without additional document validation.
Dr. Leader highlighted this strategic importance at previous APEX Future Travel Experience events. “Identity verification should be a connected thread across the entire passenger journey,” he explained. “By linking systems and removing repetitive checkpoints, we advance a smarter, more efficient model for modern air travel.”
Scalability on the Horizon
Though the pilot remains focused on DFW, TSA and American Airlines have begun analyzing pathways to expand the program to additional domestic hubs. Key criteria include biometric match accuracy, passenger comprehension, process timing, and operational consistency.
Future candidates for deployment include American Airlines hub airports such as Miami International Airport, Charlotte Douglas International Airport, and Chicago O’Hare International Airport. Each location presents unique terminal layouts and passenger flows that will inform system adaptability.
Maintaining privacy, interoperability, and agency coordination will remain top priorities. Ensuring each airport can uphold the security trust transferred from another airport represents a central challenge for scaling the model nationally.
A Blueprint for U.S. Aviation Innovation
One-Stop Security introduces more than procedural change. It reflects a recalibration of how agencies, airlines, and airports can collaboratively design and implement secure, passenger-centric solutions. Built best practices and adapted for infrastructure, the initiative demonstrates the benefits of global benchmarking, technology alignment, and regulatory agility.
FTE Global 2025 will deliver a deep dive into these efforts. With momentum building and industry support growing, the program stands poised to influence not only U.S. domestic travel but also future models of global transit facilitation.
Redefining the Connection Experience
American Airlines, TSA, and CBP, along with industry technology providers featured at FTE, have produced a working model for a smoother, smarter travel experience. One-Stop Security shows that when public and private sectors unite behind a common vision, passenger experience and security need not stand in opposition.
As insights emerge from the DFW pilot and the program evolves, One-Stop Security may become the template for secure, streamlined domestic connections. And with global aviation leaders gathering at FTE Global as the “CES of Aviation” in Los Angeles this year, the innovation born at gate D40 will take its place at the center of the next chapter in U.S. airport transformation.