The Transportation Security Administration launched a new public-private initiative called TSA Gold+ on May 14, 2026, aiming to significantly expand the role of private contractors in domestic airport security checkpoints.
The program serves as an extension of the existing Screening Partnership Program, which currently utilizes private screening companies at 20 U.
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S. airports.
Under the new framework, private firms will manage both the screening workforce and the technology infrastructure, while the federal government retains oversight and maintains security standards.
The agency scheduled an industry day at its Springfield, Virginia, headquarters on Thursday to host airport officials and security contractors.
According to internal documents obtained by Gate Access, the initiative addresses long-standing budgetary constraints, rising equipment maintenance costs, and staffing challenges exacerbated by a 109-day partial government shutdown.
"TSA Gold+ marks a significant evolution in the agency's approach to aviation security," a TSA spokesperson told NPR via an emailed statement.
The agency stated that participating airports could customize their systems to avoid staffing shortages seen during recent federal funding lapses.
TSA officials indicated that private partners would introduce advanced technology to manage capacity and reduce wait times.
"Industry partners can manage equipment and introduce innovations, while travelers enjoy a smooth, predictable, and bespoke experience," the TSA said as it unveiled TSA Gold+.
The administration's fiscal year 2027 budget proposal projects $52 million in savings by requiring smaller category III and IV airports to transition to private screening.
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Former federal security officials noted that private screeners must comply with identical federal training standards and regulations as federal officers.
"Expanding SPP is one of the many avenues the Trump administration is pursuing to help protect our screening workforce from lapses in congressional appropriations," said Acting TSA Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill in April testimony to Congress.
The administrator reported that federal transportation security workers missed nearly $1 billion in paychecks during the fiscal year.
McNeill argued that privatization insulates airport operations from congressional budget disputes, noting that private contract screeners did not miss paychecks.
"We've had federalized screening for 25 years, almost," said Chris McLaughlin, CEO of Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, during a House Committee on Homeland Security hearing on Wednesday.
The airport executive emphasized the success of the dual federal and private options established after the 2001 terrorist attacks.
McLaughlin urged lawmakers to maintain flexibility for local airport authorities.
"Large airports like San Francisco have had an SPP program for 25 years," McLaughlin said.
He noted that both setups operate safely and efficiently. "The system has been safe for 25 years," he said.
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The executive concluded his testimony by emphasizing the necessity of operational choices. "It's important that airports have options," he said.
