American Airlines and CBP Pilots distant Baggage Screening at Los Angeles and Sydney

FORT WORTH- American Airlines (AA) and US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have launched a pilot program to streamline international remote baggage screening.

The initiative enhances passenger experience while upholding stringent security at airports like Sydney Kingsford Smith (SYD) and Los Angeles International (LAX).

This International Remote Baggage Screening (IRBS) program eliminates the need for passengers to recheck bags after customs, reducing connection times.

The collaboration leverages advanced technology to modernize travel processes, with plans to expand beyond the initial pilot.

Photo: Clément Alloing

American Airlines Remote Baggage Screening

The first route selected for this pilot is American Airlines (AA) Flight AA72, operating daily from Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

This collaborative effort involves American Airlines, CBP, the Sydney Airport Authority, and technology partners BagCheck and Brock Solutions.

This partnership marks a significant advancement in CBP’s Airport Modernization Plan, which focuses on integrating new technologies at US Federal Inspection Stations (FIS).

The goal is to strengthen national security protocols while easing bottlenecks in customs processing.

Graham White, Head of Security at Sydney Airport, noted that the initiative supports key operational goals: safety, efficiency, and service.

The move also sets a precedent for future cooperation between international airports and U.S. agencies in modernizing the traveler journey.

What is IRBS?

The International Remote Baggage Screening (IRBS) program redefines how baggage is processed for international arrivals.

Traditionally, passengers arriving in the US had to collect their checked bags at the CBP Customs Hall and recheck them for onward domestic connections. This process often led to delays and increased congestion.

Under IRBS, this step is eliminated. Checked baggage is now screened remotely, without compromising security.

After clearing CBP’s Passport Control, travelers are directed straight to a TSA checkpoint, bypassing the baggage claim and recheck process.

This system utilizes advanced screening technologies that meet existing security standards, ensuring safety is not compromised.

The IRBS model simplifies logistics while increasing throughput at major U.S. entry points. It also enhances the overall travel experience for passengers, particularly those on tight layovers or traveling with families.

Photo: By Grant Wickes from Plano, TX (Dallas), USA – American Airlines Boeing 777-200 N775AN Photo_251, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=33465811

Future Expansion

American Airlines and CBP are leveraging baggage inspection systems capable of identifying potential threats without manual handling.

These systems are operated in secure, remote locations, reducing the need for on-site customs inspections.

While IRBS is currently limited to flights from SYD to LAX, officials have expressed optimism about expanding it to other airports. The success of this pilot will be a critical factor in determining rollout to additional international locations.

According to CBP’s Acting Executive Assistant Commissioner Diane J. Sabatino, IRBS is part of a broader strategy to modernize border security using technology. The initiative also aligns with CBP’s goals of reducing traveler stress and improving operational flow at U.S. ports of entry.

Photo: Clément Alloing

Impact on Security Operations

Passengers benefit from a smoother transition between international and domestic flights, especially at high-traffic hubs like Los Angeles.

For CBP and airport authorities, IRBS reduces pressure on customs staff, baggage claim areas, and recheck counters.

Security remains a top priority. Despite the removal of manual baggage claim, all checked items undergo stringent inspection protocols, ensuring compliance with U.S. safety regulations.

American Airlines sees IRBS as a key step toward reimagining the international travel experience. It complements other innovations such as the airline’s One Stop Security initiative, launched earlier this year.

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