Improved Control
A new passport control system at DFW International Airport is “significantly reducing” wait times for US and Canadian citizens who arrive from their international travel at the airport. The 30 Automated Passport Control (APC) kiosks that the airport has introduced have helped to alleviate lines by allowing returning travellers to enter their own passport information on touch-screens and register their return to the country electronically.
Sean Donohue, chief executive officer at DFW Airport, said: “The Automated Passport Control system is a simple and efficient way for U.S. and Canadian travellers to clear Customs when arriving at DFW. The collaboration with our partners at the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency has enabled us to deliver a better overall customer experience by nearly eliminating wait times in the arrivals hall.”
The system has been operating since late October, and more than 320,000 customers have used the kiosks in its first three months, representing 55% of DFW’s arriving passengers. The system also allows U.S. Customs and Border Protection to re-allocate more resources to greeting foreign passport holders, shortening those lines as well.
Judson W. Murdock II, CBP Houston director of field operations, said that “CBP is proud to partner with Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport to transform the international arrivals process here. As one of the world’s largest and busiest airports, DFW recognizes the importance of having the highest standards of excellence in both security and traveler facilitation and bringing APC technology is indicative of that commitment.”
DFW’s Automated Passport Control is just the latest in a number of initiatives being implemented at DFW Airport to reduce wait times and speed the entry for international travellers.
In 2014, the airport is celebrating its 40th Anniversary. Today, it is the world’s fourth busiest airport, hosting 1,850 flights a day and serving 60 million customers a year.
Go to http://www.dfwairport.com for more.
