United Airlines has introduced a groundbreaking travel innovation with the support of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The airline’s new International Remote Baggage Screening (IRBS) system removes the need for passengers to collect and re-check bags when connecting through U.S. airports. First implemented on the Sydney to San Francisco route, this program marks a major step forward in creating faster, simpler, and less stressful international travel.
Eliminating a Long-Standing Passenger Pain Point
For decades, international travelers arriving in the United States faced a time-consuming requirement. Passengers needed to retrieve checked baggage upon arrival, clear customs, and re-check it for connecting flights. This extra step often created delays, long waits, and missed connections.
United’s IRBS initiative changes that. With the new system, luggage is screened before departure and seamlessly transferred onto connecting flights. Passengers can move directly from customs and immigration to security and their next departure gate.
The result is significant time savings. On average, more than 160 travelers per flight have saved up to 45 minutes on their connection. By eliminating baggage collection and re-check lines, passengers enjoy a smoother, more efficient experience.
How IRBS Works Step by Step
The IRBS process follows three clear stages:
- Check-in at Sydney Airport: Passengers drop off their bags at United’s counter. The bags are tagged for the final destination, just as in any regular check-in.
- Arrival in San Francisco: After landing, travelers proceed through CBP for customs, immigration, and agriculture checks. With IRBS, passengers no longer need to collect bags unless CBP specifically requests an inspection. United coordinates closely with CBP and TSA to ensure all luggage is securely screened.
- Final Destination Claim: Bags travel directly to the passenger’s arrival airport in the United States. Travelers claim their luggage only after reaching the final stop.
This new system simplifies connections, reduces stress, and minimizes the risk of delays or missed flights.
Partnerships Driving the Program
The launch of IRBS highlights the power of industry collaboration. United Airlines partnered with CBP, TSA, Sydney Airport, and baggage solution leaders BagCheck and Brock Solutions to bring the system to life.
Jennifer Schwierzke, United’s Vice President of Customer Operations Strategy and Execution, shared the airline’s vision. “We are eliminating extra steps for travelers who connect on international flights,” she said. “By testing this process with CBP on the Sydney–San Francisco route, we are setting the foundation for future expansion.”
Scott Charlton, CEO of Sydney Airport, also praised the program. “This trial is a win for passengers. The system saves time, simplifies connections, and proves how airports and airlines can cooperate to deliver seamless journeys.”
Benefits for Travelers and Airlines
Passengers are the clear winners. The program reduces hassle, speeds up transfers, and makes U.S. connections far more predictable. Travelers no longer need to stress about reclaiming bags or re-checking during tight layovers.
For United Airlines, the benefits include greater operational efficiency and less congestion at baggage claim areas. Smoother transfers also raise customer satisfaction, an increasingly important factor in today’s competitive aviation industry.
This streamlined approach also demonstrates how airlines and government agencies can collaborate to modernize air travel. With international demand climbing, programs like IRBS help make journeys more efficient and enjoyable.
A Broader Industry Shift
IRBS reflects a larger trend in aviation: the push to use technology and cooperation to simplify the passenger experience. As the program expands, other airlines and airports may look to replicate the model. If widely adopted, baggage-free connections could reshape how travelers experience international transfers worldwide.
Airports could reduce pressure on baggage facilities, while airlines could improve on-time performance. Passengers, in turn, would gain smoother journeys and fewer missed flights. This ripple effect may redefine global travel standards in the years ahead.
What Travelers Can Expect Next
United Airlines plans to expand IRBS beyond Sydney and San Francisco in the near future. The program is currently in a trial phase, but early results show strong passenger uptake and measurable time savings.
Future rollouts could target other major U.S. hubs, making international connections easier for millions more travelers. By prioritizing efficiency and cooperation, United signals its intent to remain at the forefront of customer-focused travel solutions.
Looking Toward the Future of Air Travel
The introduction of IRBS represents more than a single operational change. It is a step toward a future of stress-free, technology-driven travel. By eliminating unnecessary steps in baggage handling, United Airlines and CBP are creating a template for how global aviation can evolve.
Travelers now have a glimpse of what seamless air travel can look like: less time in lines, fewer frustrations, and greater confidence in making connections.
Conclusion
United Airlines’ partnership with CBP has transformed the travel experience on the Sydney–San Francisco route. By removing baggage re-checks, the IRBS program creates faster, simpler, and more reliable connections.
This initiative not only saves passengers valuable time but also signals the future of global air travel. With expansion on the horizon, United is setting a new standard for international journeys. For travelers worldwide, the promise is clear: smoother connections, greater convenience, and a more enjoyable way to fly.
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