TSA Announces Gold+ Program: Expanding Private Security Screeners at US Airports

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced a new initiative, TSA Gold+, designed to expand the role of private security contractors at U.S. airports. The program is an update to the existing Screening Partnership Program (SPP), which currently allows select airports to use private screeners instead of federal TSA officers.

What the Program Entails

Under TSA Gold+, airports that choose to participate would have the ability to customize their security systems and potentially avoid staffing shortages that have occurred under the federal system.

According to the TSA, the program aims to introduce "the latest technology," including artificial intelligence tools, to increase capacity and reduce wait times. No specific methods for achieving these gains were provided.

A key change from the current SPP system is that private contractors would be responsible for procuring and maintaining security equipment.

Under the existing program, the TSA controls the equipment and oversees the security contract. The TSA would retain its oversight role under the new program.

The agency will host an "industry day" at its headquarters in Springfield, Virginia, to discuss the program with airport officials and security contractors.

Background: The Existing SPP System

The SPP has been in place since airport security was federalized following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Currently, 20 U.S. airports participate in the program, including locations in:

• San Francisco
• Kansas City
• Sarasota (Florida)
• Atlantic City (New Jersey)
• Several smaller facilities in Montana, Wyoming, and other states

Under the SPP, contractor employees perform screening duties while the TSA maintains auditing and oversight authority.

Reactions: Divided Opinions

A TSA spokesperson said the program "marks a significant evolution in the agency's approach to aviation security."

Support for Expansion

• Representative Andrew Garbarino (R-New York), Chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security, noted bipartisan interest in private screening, citing Atlanta's recent vote to explore joining the SPP.
• Chris McLaughlin, CEO of Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, stated that airports should have options, adding that both federal and private systems have maintained safety standards for 25 years.

Opposition to Expansion

• Everett Kelley, President of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), which represents TSA officers, opposed further privatization, stating that contract workers would earn less than TSA officers and that the government would lose direct operational control over sensitive technology.

Financial Context

The White House budget released in March projects saving approximately $52 million by privatizing airport screeners and requiring small airports to enroll in the SPP.

Public Awareness

According to reports, passenger awareness of the existing SPP program remains low.