What is TSA Gold+ and why is it important for airport security?
Here’s what you need to know about TSA Gold+, a new partnership aimed at streamlining airport security at select U.S. airports.
The union representing Transportation Security Administration employees across the country is opposing efforts to expand privatized security screening at U.S. airports.
Approximately 20 airports in the United States already use privatized screening as part of TSA’s existing Screening Partnership Program (SPP).
Three more airports will do so as part of a new public-private partnership, TSA Gold+. TSA Gold+ is what the agency calls an evolution of SPP.
“TSA Gold+ provides a new way for airports to provide superior service to all travelers while improving security, efficiency and the overall airport experience,” a TSA spokesperson told USA TODAY in a statement. Airports that voluntarily opt in will be able to tailor screening to their specific needs and work with private vendors and the TSA to implement the latest technology and other security solutions without being bound by federal budget cycles, according to the program’s website.
But the American Federation of Public Employees, which represents more than 47,000 transportation security personnel at 400 airports across the country, views the measure as a threat to public safety and the job security of its members.
“Make no mistake: This is a significant departure and setback from the aviation inspection security system that Congress created in response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and the deadly bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Scotland in 1988,” AFGE National President Everett Kelly said in a news release. “Changes of this magnitude should not be made behind closed doors without the cooperation of Congress, airline passengers, local airport authorities, and TSA officials themselves.”
Under TSA Gold+, federal security standards will not change, and some TSA officers will remain on-site to provide oversight at airports adopting the new program. Additionally, TSA employees should have the right of first refusal to work with contractors, and contractors should be required to provide commensurate pay and benefits.
“We remain committed to operational stability and employee support during these airports’ transition period,” TSA told USA TODAY. “TSA looks forward to working closely with our airport partners to implement enhancements that will benefit everyone who uses TSA Gold+ airports.”
Which airports can implement TSA Gold+?
Charleston International Airport (CHS) is transitioning to TSA Gold+ and will continue to be supervised by the federal government. “The Gold+ program allows airports to partner with commercial screening contractors operating under TSA’s Inspection Partnership Program while maintaining TSA’s rigorous federal security standards,” South Carolina Airports said in a news release. “TSA will continue to establish all safety requirements, oversee inspection operations, conduct inspections, and ensure full compliance with federal aviation safety regulations.”
CHS said the program will also improve stability for TSA employees, pledging to offer current TSA employees at the airport the opportunity to transition to screening contractors with comparable pay and benefits.
Tampa International Airport (TPA) also cited stability as a reason for choosing TSA Gold+.
“TPA’s decision to join TSA Gold+ reflects the airport’s strong commitment to modernization, innovation and operational resiliency in aviation security,” Beau Zimmer, communications manager for the Florida airport, told USA TODAY in an email. “The changes to privatization not only reduce the risk of disruption caused by expiring federal funds and government shutdowns, but also give us the flexibility to consider new testing checkpoint infrastructure and technology to improve the customer experience.”
Des Moines International Airport (DSM) said it is considering the program in preparation for opening a new terminal in 2027.
“TSA Gold+ aligns well with our primary goal of making travel easier,” Des Moines Airport Authority CEO Brian Mulcahy said in a news release, emphasizing that the Iowa airport’s top priority is safety and security. “Travelers will continue to experience the same professional and secure screening process they have always experienced, but with new technology that will allow them to pass through checkpoints more efficiently.”
Which airports have already privatized testing?
TSA has listed the following airports as part of its current screening partnership program:
- atlantic city international airport
- Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport
- Dawson Community Airport
- Great Falls International Airport
- Glacier Park International Airport
- Greater Rochester International Airport
- Harbor City County Airport
- kansas city international airport
- LM Clayton Airport
- Orlando Sanford International Airport
- portsmouth international airport
- punta gorda airport
- Roswell International Aviation Center
- san francisco international airport
- Sarasota Bradenton International Airport
- Sydney Richland Municipal Airport
- Sioux Falls Regional Airport
- Tupelo Regional Airport
- Walker Field/Glasgow International Airport
- yellowstone airport
Contributor: Kate Kealey, Des Moines Register
This article has been updated to adjust the heading.
