The Transportation Security Administration (T.S.A.) is making significant changes by increasing the privatization of security at airports in the United States. The recent government shutdowns, which affected T.S.A. agents and led to lengthy queues, have motivated this shift. The agency plans to extend the Screening Partnership Program, which involves private contractors at security checkpoints, and will introduce a new public-private initiative called Gold+.

Currently, twenty airports, including San Francisco International, participate in the Screening Partnership Program. During the most recent shutdown, airports like Houston’s Hobby, staffed by T.S.A. agents, experienced extensive lines that stretched outside terminals. In contrast, airports using private security saw passenger wait times of about ten minutes or less.

The T.S.A.’s proposed budget includes an additional $477 million to help smaller airports join the Screening Partnership Program. The budget also suggests reducing its workforce by over 4,300 of the approximately 50,000 agents. The expansion of this program will allow private contractors to manage and deploy screening equipment at checkpoints.

The introduction of Gold+ was shared with T.S.A. staff via an internal email. According to the email, Gold+ aims to enhance collaboration with the private sector and will be implemented in stages. A document sent to top T.S.A. officials estimates the transition to Gold+ might take between seven and eleven months.