United trials new way to save time at the airport after a long flight

The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our

advertising policy and

product review methodology for more information.

Say goodbye to one of the biggest hassles of international travel — that is, if you're on the right flight.

United Airlines just became the latest U.S. carrier to launch a major time-saving program for travelers flying into the U.S. and then making a connection. As part of the new setup, passengers who fly United from Sydney Airport (SYD) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) won't have to recheck their bags before racing to their next gate.

It's a trial program that could save passengers as much as 45 minutes after a long flight.

Bag-transfer initiative for connecting flyers

In most cases, travelers arriving in the U.S. from abroad have to wait for their luggage at the international arrivals baggage claims after clearing passport control, and then recheck it before heading to their connecting flight. United's new setup would eliminate that often-lengthy step.

Instead, passengers starting their trip at SYD and then connecting through SFO would see their luggage transferred right to their next plane, just like on a domestic connection.

"We're streamlining the international arrival process by eliminating extra steps for travelers to pick up and re-check their bags on connecting flights," said Jennifer Schwierzke, United vice president of customer operations strategy and execution, in a statement announcing the news.

Related: 10 ways to get through airport security faster

From the outset, this program will be pretty limited, applying only to travelers whose trip starts with a SYD-SFO flight. But United hopes to expand this option to additional international routes "in the months ahead," the Chicago-based carrier said Monday.

New ways to save time at the airport

United is the third major U.S. airline to launch an innovative, time-saving initiative for flyers traveling back to the U.S. in 2025. American Airlines launched a similar bag-transfer initiative this spring for passengers flying from SYD through its Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) hub. Delta Air Lines recently did the same for passengers traveling from Incheon International Airport (ICN) in Seoul, South Korea, through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).

Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter

Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s experts

By signing up, you will receive newsletters and promotional content and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.

And this summer, American and Delta (and their partners) both began allowing passengers flying from London's Heathrow Airport (LHR) through both ATL and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) to skip the security recheck — another time-consuming process travelers face when making a connection after an international flight.

Related: 'Game-changer' Global Entry alternative now available at slew of airports

Airlines are partnering with the Transportation Security Administration and U.S. Customs and Border Protection on these new streamlined security programs.

These initiatives are made possible by technology that allows officers in the U.S. to remotely review baggage images first captured when passengers pass through security checkpoints at certain international airports with similar protocols as the U.S. — so far in Sydney, Seoul and London.

Here's a full rundown of the new "one-stop security" and "international remote baggage screening" programs now in place:

Related reading:

• When is the best time to book flights for the cheapest airfare?
• The best airline credit cards
• What exactly are airline miles, anyway?
• 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
• Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
• The best credit cards to reach elite status
• What are points and miles worth? TPG's monthly valuations