An American airline has launched new bag checking rules that are set to make international travel easier.
United Airlines carries millions of passengers a year across its domestic and international routes.
The company recently introduced the International Remote Baggage Screening (IRBS) process on September 23.
It means passengers on connecting flights do not need to check their bags in again on some international journeys.
Travellers jetting from Australia’s Sydney Airport to San Francisco International Airport, a daily route by the airline, on a connecting flight can take advantage of the new process.
The new procedure comes alongside a new scheme by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Since its launch, more than 160 passengers on each flight have used the process and managed to save up to 45 minutes during their connection.
The airline said this relieves ‘the stress of making their connecting flights to their final destinations’.
United Airlines carries millions of passengers a year across its domestic and international routes
United’s Vice President of Customer Operations Strategy and Execution Jennifer Schwierzke said: ‘We’re streamlining the international arrival process by eliminating extra steps for travellers to pick-up and re-check their bags on connecting flights.
‘Together with CBP, we’re testing this new process on routes between Sydney and San Francisco and plan to expand to additional international routes in the months ahead.’
The airline outlined how passengers can drop off their luggage at Sydney Airport like usual.
Holidaymakers with connecting flights to another destination, and who stop off at San Francisco, then head through customs, immigration and agriculture inspections.
They then go to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for security screening.
At this point, under the new process, passengers typically do not need to pick-up checked bags at baggage claim and re-check them to their final destinations.
However, they do if they have been specifically referred by CBP for further inspection.
The company recently introduced the International Remote Baggage Screening (IRBS) process on September 23
Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton praised the new procedure and noted how helpful it will be for passengers.
He said: ‘It’s great to see United Airlines trialing bag re-check elimination on the Sydney – San Francisco route, one of our busiest long-haul services.’
The airport boss described how ‘seamless’ the journey would be now.
Scott added: ‘It’s a win for passengers – saving valuable time, making connections easier, and showing how Sydney Airport and our airline partners are working together to deliver smoother, more seamless journeys.’
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US airline launches new bag checking rules that will make international travel MUCH easier
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