Three U.S. airports will transition from federal Transportation Security Administration officers to private contract screeners beginning next year, a move agency officials frame as a way to prevent passenger disruptions during future government shutdowns. The new public-private model, dubbed TSA Gold+, will launch at Des Moines International Airport in January 2027, followed by Charleston International Airport in February and Tampa International Airport in May.
Operational Continuity in Focus
The impetus for the expansion became clear during the March government shutdown, when TSA agents missed paychecks and airports relying on federal employees experienced hours-long security lines snaking into parking garages. Meanwhile, the 20 airports already operating under the Screening Partnership Program—which uses private contractors under TSA oversight—reported maintaining normal wait times.
TSA's website promotes Gold+ as a program that "streamlines operations" and "creates revenue opportunities" while maintaining security compliance. Under the model, private firms manage both screening personnel and checkpoint technology, with the federal agency retaining direct oversight.
The American Federation of Government Employees, representing 47,000 TSA officers, opposed the move, with National President Everett Kelley claiming it "ignores lessons learned from the September 11 attacks."
The union's objection centers on job security for its members, though the program explicitly maintains federal security standards and compliance requirements. The expansion adds to an existing network of 20 airports nationwide already using contractors, including facilities in San Francisco, Kansas City, and multiple Montana airports serving domestic travelers. TSA did not respond to a request for comment on the rollout timeline.