Particle.news
Download on the App Store
9 ARTICLES
·
3w ago

TSA Expands Privatized Airport Screening With Gold+ as Three Airports Opt In

The program seeks to reduce shutdown-driven delays by letting private contractors run screening staff and equipment under continued TSA oversight.

A Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agent's patch is seen as she helps travelers place their bags through the 3-D scanner.
Image
Travelers wait in line at a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint at William P. Hobby Airport in Houston, Texas, US, on Monday, March 9, 2026. Airports in the US are reporting longer-than-normal wait times in security lines, as Transportation Security Administration agents are poised to miss their first full paycheck this week. Photographer:
Image

Overview

  • The TSA announced the Gold+ rollout this month and three airports told the agency they will join the program, with Des Moines, Charleston and Tampa projected to begin transitions in early‑to‑mid 2027.
  • TSA began soliciting contractor proposals in July and says it will certify screening technology, set federal standards, and continue inspections at participating airports.
  • Participating airports and TSA say current federal officers will be offered the first opportunity to move to contractor jobs with pay and benefits described as commensurate with current levels.
  • The American Federation of Government Employees strongly opposes Gold+, arguing it threatens jobs and safety and pointing to the administration’s FY2027 budget plan that would cut thousands of TSA positions.
  • Gold+ builds on an existing Screening Partnership Program used at about 20 airports and could speed adoption of new screening tech and reduce shutdown risk while raising questions about oversight because contractors will operate checkpoints under TSA regulation.