The airline has launched an International Remote Baggage Screening (IRBS) process, allowing customers on certain international journeys to skip the step of rechecking their bags after landing.
Travellers flying from Sydney to San Francisco, one of United’s busiest long-haul routes, are the first to benefit from the new system.
The procedure, which works in collaboration with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), aims to cut waiting times and ease stress for passengers on onward connections.
Since its launch last month, more than 160 travellers on each Sydney–San Francisco flight have used the new process, saving up to 45 minutes during their connection. United said the initiative relieves "the stress of making their connecting flights to their final destinations".
Jennifer Schwierzke, United’s Vice President of Customer Operations Strategy and Execution, 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."
Under the new rules, passengers drop off their checked luggage at Sydney Airport as usual. On arrival in San Francisco, travellers go through customs, immigration and agricultural inspections before passing through Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening.
Normally, they would need to collect their bags at baggage claim and check them in again for connecting flights, but under the IRBS process, this step is removed — unless CBP specifically refers them for further inspection.
Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton welcomed the change, calling it a major improvement for international 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. 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."
United said the system will continue to be refined before being rolled out on additional international routes later this year.
