Originally Posted by
jsloan
Agreed, but, also, the IAD pilot program could easily be introduced at any other airport without notice. They didn't warn travelers about the IAD program -- they just put a sign up saying "if you're connecting from A, B, or C to another international flight, your bags have been transferred automatically" or somesuch.
US airports seem to be moving more and more toward a combined immigration / customs check prior to baggage claim, where they will flag people who need additional screening once their bags have been unloaded. It's not a stretch to think that they will start to transfer bags automatically for all passengers except those who get flagged.
Someone considering HCT has to weigh many risks. This is one. It may not be a large one, but it's still a risk.
IAD is somewhat special due to the midfield terminal immigration. Was there a time where midfield immigration didn't exist, and it behaved like any other airport (everyone has to go thru normal customs/immigration, pick up bags, then either exit airport or recheck for next flight)
That saying, MIA has I-I transit without having to touch bags, they could extend I-I to more airports, or even for I-D, given your comments about the new customs/immigration workflow