The Miami International Airport has been included in a new federal program that transforms the baggage screening process for international transit passengers. If you are traveling soon, you should keep this detail in mind.
It is the International Baggage Remote Inspection System (IRBS, for its acronym in English), and it has been operational since April 9, 2025.
The United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in a statement noted that it is an initiative in coordination with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) aimed at improving operational efficiency in high-traffic airport terminals.
Thanks to this system, travelers entering the country who need to catch a connecting flight will no longer have to collect their luggage to recheck it, as was the case until now. Instead, the process is automated, unless any irregularities are detected that require additional inspection.
How does the new IRBS system work?
The IRBS is based on the advance review of checked baggage. X-ray images taken at the origin airport are electronically sent to CBP agents in the United States before the plane lands. With that information, border officials can conduct a remote analysis of the contents and decide whether any suitcase requires a physical inspection.
This procedure prevents the passenger from having to interact with their luggage during transit, which represents an advancement, especially in cases of immediate domestic connections.
In addition, the system helps reduce wait times, facilitates connections, and decreases the risk of missing flights due to prolonged customs procedures.
The system was initially tested on flights from Sydney to Los Angeles International Airport, in collaboration with American Airlines. Following successful results, it expanded to other key terminals such as Miami, where it is now fully operational.
Warning for those entering the U.S.
Despite technological advancements, travelers' obligations remain in effect. CBP reminded that: "All travelers entering the United States are REQUIRED to declare meats, fruits, vegetables, plants, seeds, soil, animals, as well as plant and animal products they may be carrying."
Non-compliance with this regulation may lead to penalties, confiscations, and even denial of entry into the country in severe cases.
It is important to emphasize that the IRBS does not alter the TSA's security controls for checked baggage or for the security screenings prior to boarding. These inspections remain the sole responsibility of that agency and continue to be applied with the same standards.
Changes in luggage inspection at Miami International Airport
What is the International Remote Baggage Inspection System (IRBS)?
The IRBS is a new pre-screening system for baggage of international transit passengers at Miami International Airport, which allows for the remote analysis of suitcase contents through X-ray images sent from the departure airport. This speeds up the connection process and reduces waiting time for travelers.
How does the IRBS benefit passengers in transit at Miami Airport?
The IRBS allows transit passengers to avoid retrieving and re-checking their luggage when arriving in the United States, unless any irregularities are detected that require additional inspection. This facilitates connections and reduces the risk of missing flights due to prolonged customs procedures.
What must travelers declare upon entering the United States?
All travelers entering the United States are required to declare meats, fruits, vegetables, plants, seeds, soil, animals, as well as plant and animal products. Failure to comply with this regulation may result in penalties, confiscation, or even denial of entry to the country in serious cases.
Does the new IRBS system affect TSA security controls?
The IRBS does not change the TSA's security controls for checked baggage or the security screenings prior to boarding. These inspections remain the responsibility of the TSA and are applied with the same standards as always.
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