Most American passengers associate airport security with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), but federal employees have never been the only workers authorized to screen people and baggage at U.S. airports. Congress authorized airports to request private screeners when it enacted the Aviation and Transportation Security Act in 2001, provided that those contractors complied with federal standards and remained under TSA supervision. That option has gained new attention after funding disruptions exposed how closely checkpoint staffing depends on the federal budget.
During a 75-day partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) earlier this year, federal screeners continued working while airports monitored absences, wait times, and the risk of further disruptions. TSA has now introduced Gold+, an expanded public-private model that gives contractors a larger role in checkpoint operations and equipment. Tampa International Airport, Charleston International Airport, and Des Moines International Airport have opted to become its first participants, with transitions projected for 2027, according to USA Today.
Tampa, Charleston, And Des Moines Prepare For TSA Gold+ In 2027
Gold+ builds on the existing Screening Partnership Program, which already uses private screening companies at 20 U.S. airports, including San Francisco International Airport and Kansas City International Airport. Under that program, contractors provide screening personnel while TSA generally procures the equipment. Gold+ allows private operators to manage both the workforce and checkpoint technology, while TSA retains federal oversight.
The projected rollout begins at Des Moines in January 2027, followed by Charleston in February and Tampa in May. CBS News reported that those dates appeared in an email TSA sent to the American Federation of Government Employees. Tampa has since confirmed that it expects full implementation by May 2027 and that the TSA plans to select its contractor by September 2026.
Tampa International Airport cited operational stability, government funding disruptions, and faster access to screening technology when explaining its decision. The airport said attrition among its TSA officers nearly doubled to 14 percent following the recent partial shutdown.
As Des Moines prepares to open a new terminal, Airport Authority CEO Brian Mulcahy said in a news release cited by People that Gold+ “aligns well with our primary goal, which is to make travel EASY” and would introduce “newer technology that can help move people through the checkpoint more efficiently.”
TSA Will Retain Oversight As Its Workers’ Union Opposes The Program
Private employees will screen passengers, but the TSA will continue to establish security requirements, supervise operations, and conduct inspections and covert tests. Under federal law, private screeners must meet the requirements that apply to federal screening personnel. Contractors must also provide compensation and benefits at levels no lower than those provided to federal workers performing the same duties.
Tampa says its current TSA officers will receive the first opportunity to accept positions with the incoming contractor. Those who decline may pursue other options, including transfers to airports where federal TSA officers continue to staff checkpoints. Tampa also says TSA PreCheck, PreCheck Touchless ID, and family lanes will remain available at its four airside terminals.
The American Federation of Government Employees, which represents about 47,000 TSA officers, opposes the change. AFGE President Everett Kelley called Gold+ a departure from the system Congress established after the Sept. 11 attacks and said officials should not make such changes without input from Congress, airport authorities, passengers, and TSA employees. In its official statement, the union pledged to challenge proposals that it believes could threaten federal jobs or aviation security.
