TSA Considers Expansion of Private Airport Security Screeners

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) may soon increase the role of private companies in airport security. After its creation in 2001, following the Sept. 11 attacks, the TSA has primarily relied on federal officers for screening at airports. A small number of airports, however, have employed private screeners under the Screening Partnership Program (SPP).

The Trump administration proposes a new initiative named TSA Gold+. This program will expand the involvement of private contractors in airport security. The TSA is organizing an “industry day” at its Springfield, Virginia, headquarters to discuss the program with airport officials and security contractors.

A TSA spokesperson described TSA Gold+ as a major change in aviation security strategy. The program would allow airports to choose tailored security systems, potentially reducing staffing shortages that affected travel during recent government shutdowns. It promises to incorporate advanced technology, like AI tools, to speed up screening processes, although specific plans are yet unknown.

Currently, TSA controls the equipment and manages security contracts for the 20 airports in the SPP. TSA Gold+ aims to give contractors responsibility for equipment while TSA maintains oversight.

The idea of privatizing airport security is supported by President Trump and some Republicans, as highlighted in the Project 2025 handbook. There is some bipartisan interest, as seen in Atlanta’s decision to consider joining the SPP. Rep. Andrew Garbarino highlighted this interest in a recent Homeland Security Committee meeting.

Opposition exists as well. Everett Kelley of the American Federation of Government Employees union opposes further privatization, citing concerns over accountability, transparency, and security officers’ pay. Kelley emphasized the potential risks of ceding control over sensitive technology to vendors.

The White House budget suggests savings of $52 million by privatizing screeners and mandating SPP participation for small airports. Lawmakers, however, emphasize the importance of allowing airports to choose their security arrangements.

Chris McLaughlin, CEO of Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, praised federalized screening’s long-standing safety record. “It’s important that airports have options,” he stated, noting that both federalized and SPP arrangements have proven successful.

The TSA Gold+ program aligns with promises of enhanced travel experiences. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy recently announced $970 million in funding to improve airport amenities, sourced from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.