TSA launching TSA Gold+ program at US airports. What is it?
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) launched the TSA Gold+ program to allow private firms to handle security screenings at U.S. airports under federal standards, aiming to address rising travel demands and mitigate delays caused by federal budget cycles. Critics argue privatization risks compromising standardized training and accountability for security personnel compared to TSA officers.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has introduced the TSA Gold+ program, a public-private partnership that will enable private security firms to conduct passenger screenings at U.S. airports while adhering to federal security protocols. The initiative aims to improve efficiency and expand screening capacity amid increasing travel volumes and evolving security threats. TSA Gold+ will also reduce reliance on federal funding, potentially shielding airports from disruptions caused by government shutdowns or budget delays. Currently, 20 airports participate in the TSA’s existing Screening Partnership Program (SPP), including San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Kansas City International Airport (MCI). Private firms like VMD Corp., which operates at Atlantic City International Airport (ACY) and Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB), already handle screenings under strict TSA oversight, though past shutdowns have delayed payments to contractors. VMD has expressed interest in expanding its role through TSA Gold+, though details remain limited. Critics, including the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) union, warn that privatization could undermine security standards. AFGE president Everett Kelley argued that private contractors may prioritize cost-cutting over consistent training and accountability, a concern raised during a May hearing before the Committee on Homeland Security. The TSA maintains that Gold+ will maintain robust federal security measures while fostering innovation in airport operations. The program builds on the SPP model, where private firms must comply with all TSA screening procedures and face monitoring by the agency. However, past shutdowns have demonstrated vulnerabilities in the system, such as unpaid contractor invoices during the 2026 partial shutdown. TSA Gold+ seeks to address these gaps by streamlining partnerships and reducing federal dependency for airport security.
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