International travelers connecting through the United States often face an extra step after landing. They usually need to collect their checked bags at the first U.S. airport, clear customs, and recheck the bags before taking the next flight. A new system is changing this process for eligible passengers on selected routes. Known as International Remote Baggage Screening (IRBS), the program allows some connecting travelers to skip collecting and rechecking their checked luggage.

What Is International Remote Baggage Screening?

International Remote Baggage Screening is a program that makes U.S. international connections faster. It uses secure technology to share baggage-screening data with CBP while passengers are in the air. CBP officers can review computed tomography and X-ray images of checked luggage while the plane is still in the air. If the bag does not need additional screening, airport staff can transfer it to the connecting flight without the passenger collecting it.

This process removes the need to wait at the baggage carousel, collect luggage, carry it through customs, and hand it back to the airline.

What Has Not Changed for International Travelers?

The new baggage process does not allow travelers to skip U.S. immigration or customs procedures. Passengers must still complete CBP processing at their first U.S. airport unless they complete U.S. preclearance before departure. IRBS only changes how eligible checked bags are handled. CBP can still refer any bag for further examination. If CBP selects a bag for inspection, the passenger may need to retrieve it and follow the standard baggage process. The collect-and-recheck rule still applies when the airline, route, or connecting airport does not participate in the program.

U.S. Airports and Routes Using the New Baggage Transfer Program

The streamlined bag handling service is available only on selected international routes. Eligibility depends on the airline, arrival airport, departure airport, and specific flight. Delta started the Seamless Baggage Transfer service for Seoul Incheon passengers with connections in Atlanta in 2025. Later, the airline added Detroit and Minneapolis–St. Paul to this list. Seattle and Los Angeles airports joined the Seoul Incheon list in June 2026.

Earlier trials included an American Airlines service from Sydney to Los Angeles. Additional airports and airline routes may be added to the list as the program expands.

New U.S. Baggage Procedure

For an eligible connecting flight, the process is simple:

• Check your luggage at the international departure airport.
• CBP reviews baggage-screening information while the aircraft is in the air.
• Fly to your first U.S. airport and complete immigration and customs.
• If CBP clears the bag, airport staff transfer it to the next flight.
• Collect your checked luggage at your final destination.

Passengers do not need to take any special action to start the process. However, they should confirm eligibility with their airline before traveling.

Things to Do Before Connecting in the U.S.

Before traveling, check your airline’s baggage rules and connection instructions. Look for information about Seamless Baggage Transfer or International Remote Baggage Screening in your airline app, email, or booking details. After landing, listen to airline announcements and follow CBP instructions. Do not automatically go to the baggage carousel if your airline confirms that your checked bag will transfer directly to the next flight.

If your route does not qualify, follow the standard process: collect your luggage, complete customs procedures, and recheck it before your onward flight.

New U.S. Baggage Program Simplifies Connections

International Remote Baggage Screening is speeding up some U.S. airport connections. Eligible passengers can avoid the usual bag reclaim-and-recheck step.

The system does not replace immigration or customs checks, and it is not available on every international flight. Travelers should always verify their baggage instructions with the airline before they fly.

If you are planning a USA trip soon, explore Indian Eagle deals to book affordable international flights and choose an itinerary with enough time for a smooth connection.

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