TSA Announces 'Gold+' Program to Expand Private Airport Screening
The Transportation Security Administration has unveiled a new initiative, TSA Gold+, designed to significantly expand the role of private companies in airport security screening.
Washington, D.C. — The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced a new program, TSA Gold+, aimed at expanding the role of private companies in airport security screening. The program is billed as an update to the existing Screening Partnership Program (SPP), which currently allows 20 U.S. airports to use private security screeners instead of federal TSA officers.
TSA will host an "industry day" at its Springfield, Va., headquarters on Thursday to discuss the program with airport officials and security contractors.
Key Details
- Under TSA Gold+, airports that opt in would be able to tailor security systems for their facilities and avoid TSA staffing shortages, which became a public issue during the recent government shutdown.
- The program aims to introduce "the latest technology," including AI tools, to increase capacity and reduce wait times. The specific methods for achieving these gains were not detailed.
- A major change from the current SPP system: Contractors will be responsible for equipment, whereas TSA currently controls the equipment and oversees the security contract. TSA would retain its oversight role.
Background
The SPP has been in place since airport security was overhauled after the September 11, 2001 attacks. Currently, airports participating in SPP include San Francisco, Kansas City, Sarasota (Fla.), Atlantic City (N.J.), and smaller facilities in Montana, Wyoming, and other states.
Statements from Key Figures
"TSA Gold+ marks a significant evolution in the agency's approach to aviation security."
— TSA spokesperson
Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-N.Y.), Chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security, noted bipartisan interest in private security screening, referencing Atlanta's recent vote to explore joining the SPP.
"Contract workers would earn less than TSA officers... the government would lose direct operational control over sensitive technology."
— Everett Kelley, President of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE)
Everett Kelley, President of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), which represents TSA officers, opposed further privatization, warning it would hamper accountability and transparency. He stated that contract workers would earn less than TSA officers and that the government would lose direct operational control over sensitive technology.
Chris McLaughlin, CEO of Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, emphasized that airports should have options, noting that both federal and private systems have been safe for 25 years.
Additional Context
- The White House budget released last month projects saving about $52 million by privatizing airport screeners and requiring small airports to enroll in the SPP.
- The Gold+ program aligns with the Trump administration's promise of a "golden age of travel."