An innovative pilot project, supported by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA
), could revolutionise travel in the U.S. by maximising security while minimising inconveniences imposed on travelers.
The voluntary program would allow travelers to check their bags and receive their airline boarding pass at the hotel up to twelve hours before their flight. Once checked, passenger bags are kept under lock and key, taken to the airport, and subjected to security screening before being loaded onto the plane, where they are matched with passengers to ensure that no unaccompanied bags are on the flight. It is expected that this system will result in greater convenience and security for travelers.

The program was recently given the go-ahead by the Transportation Security Administration at the urging of U.S. House Aviation Subcommittee Chairman John Mica (R-Fla.) and with the support of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, the Florida Hotel & Motel Association (FH&MA), and AH&LA. Initially, remote passenger check-in will be available only to passengers departing from the Orlando International Airport and staying in select hotels in the area, with plans to expand to hotels and airports nationwide if the program proves successful in Orlando.

AH&LA will continue working with federal, state, and local security officials to help find a balance that will ensure our nation’s safety while minimizing the negative impact on business and security hassles imposed on travellers.
——-