The programme represents a major evolution of the existing Screening Partnership Program, under which a limited number of US airports already use private security screeners instead of federal TSA officers.
TSA Gold+ Would Expand Private Sector Role
The TSA is expected to present the new TSA Gold+ initiative to airport officials and security contractors during an industry event at its headquarters in Springfield, Virginia.
According to the agency, airports joining the programme would gain greater flexibility to tailor security operations to their own facilities while potentially reducing staffing shortages and improving the passenger experience.
The TSA also said the programme could introduce new technologies, including artificial intelligence tools designed to increase screening capacity and reduce wait times.
Private Contractors Could Control Equipment
One of the most significant proposed changes involves private contractors managing screening equipment directly.
Under the current Screening Partnership Program, TSA continues controlling equipment and overseeing contractors. Under TSA Gold+, contractors could assume greater operational responsibility while TSA maintains oversight functions.
Privatization Debate Intensifies
Calls for greater privatization of airport security have gained support among some Republican lawmakers and were also referenced within Project 2025 policy recommendations.
However, the proposal has sparked opposition from labour unions representing TSA officers.
Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees, warned that expanding privatized screening could reduce accountability, transparency and federal control over sensitive aviation security systems.
He also argued that private contract workers would likely receive lower pay than federal TSA employees.
Existing Private Screening Airports Already Operating
Twenty US airports currently participate in the Screening Partnership Program, including major airports such as San Francisco International Airport and Kansas City International Airport.
Several smaller airports in states including Montana and Wyoming also operate under private screening arrangements.
Supporters of the system argue that both federalized and privatized screening models have operated safely for decades.
Cost Savings And Staffing Concerns Driving Changes
The White House budget proposal released last month projected approximately $52 million in savings through expanded use of private screening contractors and mandatory enrolment of smaller airports into the existing Screening Partnership Program.
The TSA has additionally argued that airports participating in TSA Gold+ could avoid staffing shortages that previously caused disruption during federal government shutdowns.
Airport Infrastructure Modernization Continues
The announcement comes amid wider US airport modernization efforts, including nearly $1 billion in federal funding recently announced for airport passenger experience improvements.
Projects include upgraded family security lanes, restroom renovations and expanded passenger amenities funded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
