CUSS software 2

securityfor airportfor aeronautics

Overview SITA CUSS 2 is the next‑generation IATA Common Use Self‑Service (CUSS) standard for airport self‑service touchpoints. It provides a modern, web‑based foundation for passenger processing across check‑in kiosks, self‑drop bag machines, mobile journeys, agent tablets, biometrics and contactless systems. Built with security‑by‑design, CUSS 2 is positioned by SITA as a scalable, production‑ready standard with guidance and migration support for airports and airlines.

Key benefits

• Enhanced security: security expectations are designed into CUSS 2 to support stronger protection, payment handling and passenger data privacy.
• Modern technology stack: a shift to web technologies that simplifies development, iteration and integration across vendors.
• Greater flexibility: unified support for kiosks, tablets and mobile touchpoints enabling contactless and end‑to‑end passenger journeys.
• Speed and cost efficiency: shorter release cycles and improved compatibility that can reduce maintenance and deployment costs at scale.

Migration and deployment SITA advocates a phased, non‑disruptive migration path:

• No forced migration: CUSS 1 remains supported in production during migration to protect existing commitments.
• Parallel operation: CUSS 1 and CUSS 2 can run side‑by‑side on the same hardware to avoid duplicate kiosks or parallel environments.
• Phased timeline: a soft transition begins 1 January 2026 with milestones through 2026; pilot and full deployments expected from Q1 2027.
• Accelerators: SITA is developing a brandable, ready‑to‑use CUSS 2 check‑in application to shorten implementation time.

Platform features

• Designed for scale and real‑world airport operations, aligned with IATA CUSS 2 guidance.
• Supports multiple device types and touchpoints to deliver consistent passenger experiences across channels.
• Security‑by‑design approach with support for payment flows and passenger privacy requirements.
• Faster update cadence and easier evolution, reducing dependence on kiosk‑only vendor models.
• Standards and certification focus shifts toward CUSS 2 as platforms mature; SITA supports interpretation and vendor ecosystem impacts.

Videos and resources on this page Expert videos featured include "What is CUSS 2 and where do you start?" and "Why choose SITA for CUSS 2?", plus SITA brochures introducing CUSS 2 and the campaign.

Technical specifications

• Denomination: IATA CUSS 2 (next‑generation Common Use Self‑Service standard).
• Supported touchpoints: check‑in kiosks, self‑drop bag machines, mobile apps, agent tablets; integrates with biometrics and contactless systems.
• Security: built‑in security model supporting payment requirements and passenger data privacy.
• Technology: modern web technologies and contemporary stacks enabling faster development and integration.
• Migration model: phased approach; soft transition from 1 Jan 2026; pilot/full deployments expected from Q1 2027; CUSS 1 and CUSS 2 can operate in parallel on the same hardware.
• Deployment options: SITA provides guidance, documentation and a brandable, ready‑to‑use CUSS 2 check‑in application (in development).
• Footprint: SITA experience across 400+ airports, offering operational guidance and migration milestones.