US buffer zone

The US buffer zone refers to a designated airspace surrounding the United States, used primarily for security screening and air traffic control. Flights entering this zone are subject to specific procedures to allow US authorities to assess the aircraft’s identity, origin, route, and intent before it enters the country’s sovereign airspace.

When a flight crosses into the US buffer zone, its data is transmitted and monitored by US security and aviation agencies. Airlines are required to provide passenger information in advance to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

The US buffer zone affects both full-service carriers and low-cost carriers operating international routes to or from the U.S. It’s an important consideration in flight planning, airline scheduling, and interline agreements, especially when coordinating entry times and compliance with US security protocols. For passengers, this process is usually invisible but may contribute to delays or extended pre-clearance procedures during certain international trips.