A New Way To Spend Your Layover
Anyone who has experienced a long international layover knows just how exhausting and frustrating it can get. Waiting in those crowded terminals, tired from long flights, really seems to stretch the journey even further. But now American Airlines has come out with a new program that makes these long waits a little less painful and very much more comfortable and fun.
American Airlines simplifies international travel
A new pilot program, International Remote Baggage Screening, announced on Tuesday, will allow select passengers connecting from international to domestic flights to bypass the process of collecting and re-checking their bags, in collaboration with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
In February, American Airlines also introduced a trial program aimed at making connections smoother for passengers transiting through London’s Heathrow Airport. Passengers flying from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport to Heathrow’s Terminal 3 or 5 will no longer need to go through an additional security screening when connecting to other flights.
Lounge Access and Comfort
Access to the lounges in the airport is among the biggest changes. For longer layovers, American Airlines is providing such passengers with free entry to the lounges of American Airlines. This lounge access provides a peaceful retreat with comfortable seating, free snacks, drinks, and Wi-Fi. Passengers lounge there, recharge devices, and enjoy some snacks while waiting for the next flight.
“We are excited to collaborate with CBP on this innovative initiative,” said Gary Tomasulo, Vice President of Global Corporate Security at American Airlines.
Perks of Staying in Hotels Made Easy
This is one area where the airline has partnered with hotels located near airports. If you plan for a longer layover, you may want to spend some time away from the airport, catching up on lost time sleeping and taking a refreshing shower before the journey continues. There are some rates you can access at selected hotels, allowing you to catch a break from the long layover with a few hours of rest.
Discover the City During Your Layover
For many travelers, the most exciting aspect of the new program is the opportunity to leave the airport and explore what the city has to offer between flights. American Airlines has teamed up with several local tour companies to provide short, guided city tours for travelers with longer layovers. Now, passengers can make the most of their waiting time by taking in a bit of the local culture.
Transform Layovers into Opportunities
With this latest move, American Airlines is really changing international travel. Instead of flying into a panic over a long layover, passengers can lounge, enjoy some rest, or even leisurely explore the airport before moving on. Instead of a frustrating experience, passengers can now relax and even have a mini adventure before continuing their journey.
