TSA Gold+ expands the agency's Screening Partnership Program to let airports hire private contractors for passenger screening while maintaining federal oversight. Tampa International and Charleston International have moved toward participation, and Des Moines is exploring the option as it plans a 2027 terminal opening. Airports say current TSA officers can transition to contractors with equivalent pay and access to updated screening technology; the AFGE union strongly opposes the change, warning it could threaten security gains and TSA jobs.
TSA Gold+ Advances: Tampa and Charleston Opt In, Des Moines Considers Privatized Screening
Two Airports Move to Privatize Security
At least two U.S. airports have moved to shift passenger screening to private contractors under the Transportation Security Administration's new Gold+ initiative, while a third is actively considering participation.
What Gold+ Is: TSA Gold+ expands the agency's existing Screening Partnership Program by allowing airports to partner with private screening firms whose employees would perform the passenger screening duties normally handled by TSA officers. The TSA retains federal oversight, requires that screening personnel meet TSA qualifications, and mandates use of approved equipment. The agency is still finalizing program requirements.
Recent Moves
Tampa International Airport (Florida) confirmed it "has opted in" to TSA Gold+. The airport said the move reflects a commitment to modernization, innovation, and operational resilience, and highlighted that privatization could reduce the risk of disruptions tied to federal funding lapses or government shutdowns while enabling investments in new checkpoint layouts and technology to improve the passenger experience.
Charleston International Airport (South Carolina) said it is "formally pursuing" a transition to Gold+. Charleston added that any current TSA officer who wishes to remain on staff would be offered the opportunity to transition to a screening contractor with equivalent pay and benefits, and that the change would provide access to next‑generation screening equipment.
Des Moines International Airport (Iowa) is "exploring participation" in Gold+ as it prepares to open a new terminal in 2027. Des Moines officials emphasized that passenger safety and security remain the top priority and noted that current TSA officers would have the first opportunity to join any future contractor, with contractors required by federal law to offer compensation and benefits commensurate with the federal workforce.
Context And Concerns
The Gold+ push gained momentum after a partial government shutdown in May temporarily halted pay for TSA and other Department of Homeland Security employees. The funding impasse reportedly led some TSA officers to call in sick, resign, or take second jobs, reducing checkpoint staffing and, at several large airports, producing wait times of three to four hours on busy travel days.
"Make no mistake, this is a major departure and step backwards from the aviation screening security system that Congress created in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks," said AFGE National President Everett Kelley. The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), which represents roughly 47,000 TSA officers, condemned Gold+ and warned that privatization could undermine decades of security improvements.
AFGE also pointed to a White House budget proposal for 2027 that it says would eliminate about 8,400 TSA positions and replace roughly 4,500 of them with private contractors. The union called for broader public and congressional input before making significant changes to how aviation screening is managed.
Background
The TSA was established in November 2001 in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. Before the agency's formation, airport screening duties were carried out by a patchwork of private companies. Gold+ represents a partial return to private contracting for screening functions, but with federal oversight and personnel standards maintained by the TSA.
Airports pursuing Gold+ say the program can offer greater operational stability and access to newer screening technologies. Union leaders and some lawmakers caution that privatization raises questions about long-term security, accountability, and the future of federal screening roles.
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