• International Remote Baggage Screening (IRBS) Launch: United Airlines, in partnership with CBP, has launched a new IRBS initiative on select international flights, beginning with daily service from Sydney (SYD) to San Francisco (SFO).
• Elimination of Bag Re-check: The primary benefit of IRBS is streamlining the connection process by removing the need for connecting passengers to pick up and re-check their bags at the first US port of entry, saving up to 45 minutes for travelers.
• Process for Connecting Passengers: Bags are checked at the origin (SYD) and screened in transit. Upon arrival at SFO, passengers undergo immigration and security, while bags are automatically transferred to connecting flights, to be collected at the final destination.
• Broader Connection Enhancements: This initiative is part of United’s ongoing efforts to improve connecting experiences, which also include personalized mobile app features providing real-time updates, gate directions, and ConnectionSaver technology.

United Airlines has launched a new US Customs and Borders Protection (CBP) initiative called International Remote Baggage Screening (IRBS) for select international flights. This new system aims to simplify the travel experience for connecting passengers by eliminating the need to re-check bags. The process is currently active for United customers flying daily from Sydney, Australia, to San Francisco, California, with a connecting flight to a final destination. This initiative streamlines connections and may reduce instances of missed flights.

Since its implementation, over 160 passengers per flight have utilized the new process, saving up to 45 minutes during their connection journey. This reduction in time is intended to alleviate stress associated with tight connecting schedules. The procedure involves travelers checking their bags as usual in Sydney. Upon arrival in San Francisco, connecting passengers proceed directly to CBP for inspections and then to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for security screening. The step of retrieving and re-checking bags at baggage claim in San Francisco is removed, unless specific referral for further inspection by CBP occurs. Bags are screened collaboratively by United, CBP, and TSA while the flight is en route to the United States and are then loaded directly onto connecting flights, to be picked up at the final destination.

Jennifer Schwierzke, United’s Vice President of Customer Operations Strategy and Execution, noted that this initiative streamlines the international arrival process by removing extra steps for connecting travelers. United plans to expand this process to additional international routes in the coming months. The airline is collaborating with Sydney Airport, BagCheck, and Brock Solutions to facilitate this initiative, aiming to improve both the customer connection experience and the efficiency of bag inspection. Scott Charlton, Sydney Airport CEO, expressed that this trial is beneficial for passengers, saving time and making connections easier.

This IRBS program is part of United’s broader efforts to enhance the connecting experience for travelers. Earlier this summer, United introduced personalized mobile app features for customers with connecting flights at its US hub airports. These features include a countdown to connecting flights, turn-by-turn directions to connecting gates, real-time flight status updates, and notifications for ConnectionSaver technology. Over 3.5 million customers have used these app features, with a 95% success rate in making their connections.